Hippobosca spp.

Introduction

Also known as:

Forest flies

• Only parasitises horses and cattle

• Only found in the Old World

• Large numbers found around the perineum and inner thighs

Recognition

• 1cm long

• Reddish brown

• Yellow spots on thorax and abdomen

• Clear wings

• Reduced wings with veins crowded towards anterior margins
  • Not a strong flier

• Forward pointing proboscis which can be retracted into head when not feeding
  • Both males and females suck blood

Life cycle

• Adults are on the wing between May and October

• Adults mate on the host

• Single larvae laid in soil or damp humus

• Adult flies emerge the following spring

Pathogenesis

• Irritation and annoyance from bites

• Mechanical vectors of non-pathogenic Trypanosoma theileri in cattle

Control

• Topical insecticide application
  • Repellents with residual action