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Flies
Latin Name: Scatopsidae
Common Name: Minute Black Scavenger Flies
Other Names: Dung midges
Pest Details
Origin:
These are native species in North America.
Biology:
There are over 72 species of these small, black flies in North America. The larvae of most kinds feed on decaying plant material and feces and for this reason are important decomposers in a natural environment. Their presence in a structure in numbers suggests that a food resource of this kind may be present that is supporting the larvae, and finding this and removing it is an important part of control. The adult flies often feed on nectar and will be found on flowers. Because of their common association with excrement the potential exists for them to vector pathogens onto humans or our food.
Identification:
The Scatopsid flies are similar to the March flies and for many years were included in the same family. They are smaller than March
Latin Name: Megacelia sp.
Common Name: Phorid Fly
Latin Family Name: Phoridae
Other Names: Hump-backed fly
Pest Details
Origin:
These flies, including the common species found in the United States, may be found throughout the world.
Biology:
Phorid flies breed in many of the same conditions that support either vinegar flies (fermenting vegetable and fruit juices and material) or drain flies (accumulations of wet organic sludge). They may also live in fungus or decaying plant tissues. Their name of “hump-backed” fly is derived from their appearance, in which their thorax is prominently arched on top. Adults are attracted to light, and have the distinctive habit of running quickly across a surface when they land on it. A few species of Phoridae are parasites of ants, and are being studied with respect to possible bio-control efforts for Red Imported Fire Ants. Some species also have been found invading
Latin Name: Stomoxys calcitrans
Common Name: Stable Fly
Latin Family Name: Muscidae
Other Names: Biting stable fly, beach fly, dog fly
Pest Details
Origin:
This species is found throughout North America and Europe.
Biology:
Both male and female adults are blood-feeders, with a long, stout, piercing mouth that easily distinguishes them from the similar house fly. This proboscis is held like a bayonet under the head and pointing slightly forward. Their common name is derived from the common occurrence in livestock stables, where they find abundant and suitable conditions for their larvae in the mixture of hay, feces, and urine that may accumulate. It commonly breeds in pet droppings in residential settings, as well as the other typical habitats of decaying organic material. The bite is usually painful, and commonly is around the ankle or lower leg. They are not incriminated specifically as disease vectors,
Latin Name: Aedes aegypti
Common Name: Yellow Fever Mosquito
Other Names: Tiger mosquito
Pest Details
Origin:
This species is found throughout the world in tropical regions, its true origin not well known.
Biology:
This is the infamous species that interfered with the completion of the Panama Canal, infecting up to 85% of the workers before the link between the mosquitoes and the diseases, including malaria, was firmly established and eradication efforts took place in 1904. The adult females feed primarily at dusk and at dawn. Eggs are deposited singly in small containers of water, including basins in plants such as bromeliads, old tires and other artificial containers, and small areas of stagnant water including drainage ditches and abandoned swimming pools.
Identification:
The adult mosquito has black scales over its entire body along with silvery white scales as bands around each segment of the abdomen and