Philip B. Morgan

Evaluation of (Z)-9-Tricosene for Attractancy for Musca Domestica in the Field

The house fly pheromone (Z)-9-tricosene (muscalure), was evaluated against Musca domestica L. at dosages of 125, 25, 5, and 1 mg in combination with sugar fly bait containing trichlorfon. The highest dosage tested (125 mg) was the most attractive to both males and females in a natural population at a swine farm in northern Florida. Significant differences occurred between dosages, each being less effective as the dosage decreased. The 5-mg dose was field tested at heights of 1, 3, and 5 ft above the ground. The largest number was captured at the 1-ft level, but the degree of attraction was relatively small. No significant difference was apparent in the numbers of males and females captured. The response of released adults from a genetically engineered male-producing strain was greater than the response of released adults.

Life history of Trichopria stomoxydis (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupoidea: Diapriidae) a gregarious endoparasite of Stomoxys calcitrans from Zimbabwe, Africa.

A gregarious species of Trichopria stomoxydis Huggert, (Hymenoptera: Prototrupoidae: Diapriidae) collected near Harare, Zimbabwe, Africa, and host-specific for Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) was studied. It was endoparasitic, using the body of the host as a cocoon within the puparium. Males emerged first, and mating occurred as soon as the females emerged. Females preferred pupae <24 h old, but would parasitize 1-, 2- and 3-day-old pupae. Oviposition time was 30-45 min, with one oviposition wound per host. Immature development was 13-18 (X 15) days, with a male-to-female sex ratio of 1:3, and a growth rate of 7.9 fold. Each pupa was capable of producing 6-20 (X 11.5) females. The daily survival rate of adult females was 0.3419.

Tests with Larvicides for the Control of House Flies, Musca Domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), in Poultry Houses

Infestations of house flies, Musca domestica L., are a continual problem around poultry establishments where caged laying hens are maintained. The customary undisturbed (for several months) accumulation of droppings beneath the cages provides an excellent breeding medium for house fly larvae. The result is a fly population that tends to intensify during the warm months. The high level of resistance adult house flies have developed toward organochlorine and organophosphorous compounds (Wilson and LeBrecque 1960) has caused a need for more effective materials. Wilson and LaBrecque (1960) met with some success in tests with several compounds as larvicides against natural populations of house flies. The results given in this paper are a continuation of that work. Twenty-one compounds were tested as larvicides against natural populations of house flies breeding in manure under caged poultry in the Gainesville, Florida area. The chemicals were applied as emulsions or as suspensions of wettable powders at the rate of 200 mg active ingredient/ft2. All applications were made with a 3-gallon compression sprayer; 2 gallons of the liquid spray were used for each 800 ft2 of breeding area. Larval density was determined by collecting a large spoonful of manure from each of ten locations where the heaviest infestations were apparent, spreading the samples on a plywood panel, and counting the number of larvae present. The effectiveness of the treatment was determined by comparing the difference in counts made before and on days 1, 2-3, and 7 after application, and, in one instance, on days 9-11, 14, and 21 after application. The formulations used and the results obtained are shown in Table 1.

Manure Management as a Means of Controlling Filth Flies at Agricultural Installations

A survey of house flies and parasitoids was conducted at three poultry installations which practiced different types of manure management in Georgia and Florida. This study demonstrated that parasitoid production and filth fly control at the installation that practiced manure management was equal to the control that was obtained at an environmental house as well as the control that was achieved at an installation that had been modified to scrape and flush the poultry manure.

Augmentation of Natural Enemies for Control of Insect Pests of Man and Animals in the United States

Although biological control in its broadest sense encompasses the use of methods or organisms to reduce the density of insects, we are here concerned only with the biological control produced by the use of predators and parasites. Also, the present paper does not presume to review biological control of all the many pest species of insects and arthropods that are of concern in the field of medical and veterinary entomology. Our purpose is simply to note general review articles that will lead the reader to the general literature on biological control of insects and arthropods affecting man and animals and then to review in more detail the background concerning the parasites and predators that are being considered for use in augmentation systems.