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Beta
Stable Flies
Photo by
Elsemargriet
Overview
Biology
Reproduction: Stable flies undergo complete metamorphosis, including egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Females lay eggs in decaying organic matter, often in areas with animal manure. The larvae develop in these materials.
Feeding: Both male and female stable flies feed on nectar and other plant fluids. However, female stable flies require a blood meal for egg development. They have piercing mouthparts, which they use to feed on the blood of mammals, including livestock and humans. Stable fly bites can be painful and result in skin irritation.
Food
Stable flies are often found in areas associated with livestock and agricultural settings. They are attracted to locations where there is decaying organic matter, particularly animal manure and wet straw. As such, they are common in barns, stables, and other environments where livestock are kept.
Stable flies are blood-feeding insects that can be a nuisance and a pest for humans and livestock. They are a significant concern in agriculture and animal husbandry due to their painful bites and potential for disease transmission.
Description
Stable flies are blood-feeding insects that can be a nuisance and a pest for humans and livestock. They are a significant concern in agriculture and animal husbandry due to their painful bites and potential for disease transmission.
Habitat
Stable flies primarily feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including cattle, horses, sheep, and humans. They use their specialized mouthparts to pierce the skin and access blood vessels. Their bites can be painful, leading to discomfort and restlessness in livestock. In addition to the direct harm caused by their bites, stable flies can also transmit diseases in some cases, making them a concern in livestock management.
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