Stable Fly Population Dynamics in Eastern Nebraska in Relation to Climatic Variables

Abstract

Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), are among the most economically important arthropod pests of livestock in North America. In this study, we monitored the seasonal dynamics of a stable fly population in eastern Nebraska for 5 yr. Models based upon temperature and precipitation were developed to determine the affects of these variables on population levels as well as to project population trends. Stable flies appear in eastern Nebraska in late March to early April, and they build to a peak population during the last week of June and first week of July. In most years, the population decreases in midsummer, and then it increases to a second peak in mid-September. Temperature 0 to 2 wk before collection and precipitation 3 to 6 wk before collection were the most important weather variables accounting for 63 and 11% of the variation, respectively. Temperature 7 wk before collection was also significant, accounting for 3% of the variation. Reduced precipitation levels explained the observed midsummer drop in the stable fly populations. Changes in stable fly population levels were positively correlated with precipitation 1 to 2 wk prior and temperature the week of the change. Population change was negatively correlated with precipitation 6-8 wk prior and temperature 6-15 wk prior. The addition of the previous weeks trap collections to the climate based model eliminated the significance of temperature 2 and 7 wk before collection. Temperature 0-1 wk before collection accounted for 60% of the variation, precipitation 3 to 6 wk prior 12% of the variation, and the previous weeks' trap collections accounted for 11% of the variation. Low temperatures during October through January were correlated with higher stable fly populations the following June and July.

Dewatered Sewage Biosolids Provide a Productive Larval Habitat for Stable Flies and House Flies (Diptera: Muscidae)

“…2). Similar bimodality was observed in studies of stable ßy population dynamics in cattle pastures and feedlots in the central United States (Hall et al 1983, Lysyk 1993, Broce et al 2005, Taylor et al 2007, Taylor and Berkebile 2011. The seasonal peak of stable ßy emergence from the biosolid cake, mid-July, was 4 Ð 8 wk later than that observed at winter hay feeding sites in Kansas (Broce et al 2005) and Nebraska (Taylor and Berkebile 2011).…”

Dispersal of Stable Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) From Larval Development Sites in a Nebraska Landscape

“…This practice produced feed debris piles that consistently became stable ßy developmental sites when weather warmed each year. Adult emergence from these sites peaked in mid-June and declined to low levels by early July (Taylor et al 2007). Timing of this study was designed to coincide with peak stable ßy emergence each year.…”

Phenology of Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Larvae in Round Bale Hay Feeding Sites in Eastern Nebraska

“…Traps were serviced twice per week from May through September and then once per week from October through April. Trap design and locations were the same as those used by Taylor et al 2007.…”