Attractiveness and Specificity of Different Polyethylene Blue Screens on Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae)

An Integrated Pest Management Strategy Approach for the Management of the Stable Fly Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae)

Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans, stand as formidable pests with a global impact, inflicting significant economic losses on the livestock sector. Larval development occurs in diverse substrates, including decomposing plant material and manure, while emerged adults pose a threat through blood-feeding on both animals and humans. Conventional chemical control methods, predominantly reliant on insecticides, not only pose environmental risks but also face challenges of resistance among stable fly populations. To address this pressing issue, we propose an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for stable fly control. This approach involved a combination of sanitary-cultural practices, animal protection, the release of natural enemies targeting immature stages, and a specialized trapping system for adults. The Stomoxycc® trap, designed for mass trapping of adult Stomoxys, was employed alongside the release of the predatory mite Macrocheles robustulus and two wasp parasitoids, Spalangia cameroni and Muscidifurax raptor (under the commercial brands Biomite® and Biowasp®) on animal bedding as a key component of this IPM strategy. The implementation of this initiative has been undertaken at a significant sanctuary for donkeys and mules in western Spain. In this publication, we present the application and results of the IPM strategy utilized and provide insights into its use as a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for controlling stable fly populations.

Colour Preference of the Deer Ked Lipoptena fortisetosa (Diptera: Hippoboscidae)

Simple Summary

Insects use visual stimuli to find habitats, food, or a mate while moving around. This trait might be exploited to intercept flying insects to monitor their populations and reduce their presence. Among the various visual stimuli, colours are commonly used to attract insects. Lipoptena fortisetosa is a hematophagous deer ectoparasite native to Japan that has spread to several central European countries and was recently recorded in Italy. Measures to monitor and control L. fortisetosa would be helpful given its potential threat as a pathogen vector for animals and humans. The objective of this research was to assess the potential use of colour to attract and trap L. fortisetosa. The response of the winged adults was evaluated through an experimental trial carried out in a wooded area of Tuscany using differently coloured sticky panels as traps. Blue panels attracted the highest number while yellow panels showed the lowest performance. This preference for blue could be useful in the design of traps to reduce the population of this parasitic fly which, at certain times, can reach a very high density, causing annoyance to wildlife and humans visiting natural areas.

Abstract

Lipoptena fortisetosa, a deer ked native to Japan, has established itself in several European countries and was recently recorded in Italy. This hippoboscid ectoparasite can develop high density populations, causing annoyance to animals and concern regarding the potential risk of transmitting pathogens to humans. No monitoring or control methods for L. fortisetosa have been applied or tested up to now. This research evaluated the possible response of L. fortisetosa winged adults to different colours as the basis for a monitoring and control strategy. In the summer of 2020, a series of six differently coloured sticky panels were randomly set as traps in a wooded area used by deer for resting. The results indicated a clear preference of the deer ked for the blue panels that caught the highest number of flies during the experimental period. Lower numbers of flies were trapped on the red, green, black, and white panels, with the yellow panels recording the fewest captures. The response clearly demonstrates that this species displays a colour preference, and that coloured traps might be useful for monitoring and limiting this biting ectoparasite in natural areas harbouring wildlife and visited by people.