Haematobia spp

Question 1

Name a species of Haematobia flies and their hosts.

Where are these flies distributed?

Answer 1

• Haematobia irritans - horn fly of cattle
• Europe, Americas, non-tropical regions of Africa

Question 2

What are some characteristic morphologic features of Haematobia flies?

Answer 2

• grey with several dark stripes on the thorax
• palps are stout and as long as the proboscis

Question 3

Do Haematobia flies spend most of their time on or off their hosts?

Answer 3

• most time is on
• only leave to find another host or lay eggs (in fresh feces)

Question 4

What is the pathogenesis of Haematobia flies?

Answer 4

• swarm in the thousands and have painful bites causing much stress and ‘worry’
• wounds from intense feeding may attract other flies

Question 5

Are Haematobia flies biting flies?

Answer 5

yes - mouthparts specialized for piercing and sucking

obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites