TABLE OF CONTENTS
Haematobia (Lyperosia): Species, Morphology, Life Cycle, Veterinary Significance & Control
Haematobia (Lyperosia) is a genus of blood-feeding flies of veterinary importance that primarily parasitizes cattle and other livestock. Species such as the horn fly (Haematobia irritans) and buffalo fly (Haematobia exigua) are responsible for significant economic losses by causing blood loss, irritation, reduced weight gain, and decreased milk production. This article describes the important species, morphology, life cycle, veterinary significance, and control of Haematobia (Lyperosia) in veterinary parasitology.
Commonly encountered species of the Haematobia (Lyperosia) genus are:
- Haematobia exigua (Buffalo fly)
- Haematobia irritans (Horn fly)
- Haematobia stimulans
Morphology
- Haematobia (Lyperosia) is a biting fly. The flies are grayish-black and smaller than Stomoxys.
- The proboscis is similar to that of Stomoxys and is directed downward.
- The maxillary palp is as long as the proboscis.
- The arista has long, wavy bristles on the dorsal surface.
- The thorax has two longitudinal stripes.
- The abdomen is short and broad. The 1st and 2nd segments each have two dark spots.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid by the female on fresh cattle manure. About 20–30 eggs are laid at a time. The eggs are reddish-brown in color.
- Larva: There are three larval stages. The larval period lasts for about 4 days.
- Pupa: It is coarctate and lasts for about 2 days. The complete life cycle takes approximately 10 days.
- Adult: Both sexes are blood feeders. They remain on the host day and night, mainly on the back, withers, and head.
Veterinary Significance
- They cause blood loss, anorexia, and reduced weight gain and milk production. Wounds caused by the horn fly may attract other flies. In some cases, H. irritans may cause horn avulsion in cattle.
- This fly may cause periorbital and ventral ulcerative dermatitis in horses, and the lesions may become infected with Habronema spp.
- It acts as an intermediate host for Stephanofilaria stilesi.
- It acts as a mechanical vector of Trypanosoma evansi in cattle.
Control
Regular application of insecticides to the host and fresh manure is recommended.
