Development of house flies (Diptera: Muscidae) in sand containing varying amounts of manure solids and moisture

Abstract

House flies, Musca domestica L., developed in 200 cm3 of coarse sand containing just 1 ml (0.47%) of dairy manure solids and 10 ml (4.74%) of moisture. At these levels, development was slow (21.5 d from 1st instar to adult), adult survival was low (7.5%), but successful development did occur. At higher manure and moisture levels, rates of development and survival were similar to those reported previously. All soil samples collected from a feedlot dairy contained higher levels of manure solids than the highest level tested in the laboratory. The implications for fly control in soil/manure mixtures and the need for additional studies are discussed.