Hippobosca equina
| Also known as: | Forest Fly
|
Scientific Classification
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Diptera |
| Family | Hippoboscidae |
Hosts
Cattle and horses.
Identification
The adults are around 1cm in length, and reddish brown in colour. They also have yellow spots on abdomen. Both the male and female are blood feeders, and have adapted mouth parts for this function.
Life Cycle
The female leaves mature larvae in dry soil. The larvae then pupate, and undergo further maturation and development. When they become adults they then attach to a host, and begin to blood-feed. Forest flies remain on their hosts for long periods of time.
Pathogenesis
- Irritation and annoyance from bites
- Mechanical vectors of non-pathogenic Trypanosoma theileri in cattle
Control
- Topical insecticide application
- Repellents with residual action