Haematobia irritans

Species of fly

Haematobia irritans, commonly known as the horn fly, is a small fly species that is a significant pest of cattle. It is a member of the family Muscidae and is known for its blood-feeding behavior, which can cause irritation and economic losses in livestock production.

Description

Tree swallows are natural predators of horn flies.

The horn fly is a small, dark gray fly, approximately 3 to 5 mm in length. It is characterized by its piercing mouthparts, which it uses to feed on the blood of cattle. The fly has a slender body and long legs, which allow it to cling tightly to the host animal. The wings are clear and slightly iridescent.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Haematobia irritans is closely tied to its host. Adult flies spend most of their time on cattle, where they feed and mate. Females lay eggs in fresh cattle dung, where the larvae develop. The complete life cycle from egg to adult can be as short as 10 to 14 days under optimal conditions, allowing for rapid population growth.

Behavior

Horn flies are known for their persistent feeding behavior. They typically cluster around the back, sides, and belly of cattle, where they feed up to 20 to 30 times a day. This constant feeding can lead to significant blood loss and irritation for the host animal, resulting in decreased weight gain and milk production.

Economic Impact

The presence of horn flies can lead to substantial economic losses in the cattle industry. The irritation and blood loss caused by these flies can reduce weight gain in beef cattle and lower milk production in dairy cows. Control measures are often necessary to manage fly populations and minimize their impact.

Control Methods

Insecticidal ear tags are used to control horn fly populations.

Several methods are used to control horn fly populations, including chemical and non-chemical approaches. Insecticidal ear tags, sprays, and pour-on treatments are commonly used to reduce fly numbers. Biological control methods, such as encouraging natural predators like tree swallows, can also be effective.

Related pages

• Diptera
• Muscidae
• Cattle
• Insect control