Laboratory rearing of stable flies and other muscoid diptera

Authors: FRIESEN, KRISTINA; BERKEBILE, DENNIS; Zhu, Junwei - Jerry; TAYLOR, DAVID

Submitted to: Journal of Visualized Experiments
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/12/2018
Publication Date: 8/3/2018
Citation: Friesen, K.M., Berkebile, D.R., Zhu, J.J., Taylor, D.B. 2018. Laboratory rearing of stable flies and other muscoid diptera. Journal of Visualized Experiments. (138):e57341. https://doi.org/10.3791/57341.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3791/57341

Interpretive Summary: A simple and inexpensive procedure for rearing stable flies for research is presented. The procedure uses locally available and “off the shelf” materials and supplies to facilitate its use in less developed conditions. The procedure can be easily modified to rear other muscoid flies including face fly, horn fly and house fly.

Technical Abstract: Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans, are serious pests of livestock, humans, companion animals and wildlife worldwide. During the last 20+ years, changes in agronomic practices resulted in serious outbreaks of stable flies in several countries. These outbreaks disrupted livestock production and human recreation resulting in public demands for increasing research and management efforts for this pest. A simple and inexpensive procedure for rearing stable flies for laboratory studies is presented. The procedure uses locally available diet components, equipment and supplies. The procedure can be adapted for rearing other muscoid flies including face fly (Musca autumnalis), horn fly (Haematobia irritans), and house fly (Musca domestica). The procedure produces stable fly puparia averaging 12.5 mg and ~35% egg to adult survival. Approximately 3000 flies are produced in each pan.