Stomoxys calcitrans (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera, Muscidae): preferência por locais do corpo de bovinos para alimentação

Abstract

To study which anatomic parts of bovines are preferred by the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans, for feeding, one male and four females were exposed to natural infestations in Espirito Santo do Pinhal County, São Paulo State, Brazil. The number of stable flies were weekly registered in six anatomic areas (head, neck, thorax, thoracic and pelvic members and abdomen) from May 1993 to April 1995. Significant differences were observed among infested areas and stable flies prefer the thoracic members for feeding. Within the thoracic members the shin region was more preferred.