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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lincoln, Nebraska » Agroecosystem Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #333422
Title: Precipitation and temperature effects on stable fly (diptera: muscidae) population dynamics

Author
item Taylor, David
item Friesen, Kristina
item Zhu, Junwei - Jerry

Submitted to: Environmental Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/6/2017
Publication Date: 3/24/2017
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/5763077
Citation: Taylor, D.B., Friesen, K.M., Zhu, J.J. 2017. Precipitation and temperature effects on stable fly (diptera: muscidae) population dynamics. Environmental Entomology. 46/434-439.

Interpretive Summary: Stable flies are serious pests of humans, companion animals and livestock. Their population levels vary greatly seasonally and annually. The environmental factors responsible for these differences are not clear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of temperature and precipitation on stable fly population levels. Those two variables accounted for over 70% of the variation. Ideal conditions for stable flies include temperatures averaging 22°C and high levels of precipitation, 6-10 mm per day. Models developed in this study permit us to predict stable fly population changes based upon prior and predicted weather variables. The ability to predict population trends will help producers make better decisions with respect to stable fly management.

Technical Abstract: The dynamics of stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), populations relative to temperature and precipitation were evaluated in a 13 y study in eastern Nebraska. During the course of the study, over 1.7 million stable flies were collected on an array of 25 sticky traps. A log-normal model using degree-days with a 15°C threshold and weekly lags 0-4 for temperature and 2-7 for precipitation provided the best fit with the observed data. The relationships of temperature and precipitation to stable fly trap catches were both curvilinear with maxima at 6.6 degree-day-15 (˜22°C) and 10 mm precipitation per day respectively. The temperature and precipitation model accounted for 72.5% of the variance in seasonal trap catches.