Blow Fly Bait Preferences and Seasonal Activity in Bexar County, Texas

摘要

Bait preferences and seasonal activity of blow flies were assessed. Flies were hand netted biweekly from bait stations set 20-m apart containing fresh liver and rotting fruit. A total of 602 blow flies was collected from both baits during the 1-yr study period. Phaenicia cuprina (Wiedemann) comprised 95% of the total collected flies. Three calliphorid species were taken from fruit, whereas six species were collected from liver. There were no obvious differences in bait attractiveness; however, 3 species were collected only from liver bait indicating a possible preference. A breakdown of species and numbers collected per bait, as well as seasonal fly activity patterns at both baits, are presented and discussed. Keywords: Diptera, Calliphoridae, Reprints. (aw)