Abstract

ZIMMER, Cristine Ramos; ARAUJO, Dani Furtado  and  RIBEIRO, Paulo Bretanha. Fluctuation of symbovine muscids (Diptera, Muscidae) and their distribution on the bodies of dairy cattle in Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil. Cienc. Rural [online]. 2010, vol.40, n.3, pp. 604-610. ISSN 0103-8478.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782010000300017.

This study aimed to describe the symbovine species and which area of the dairy cattle body these flies selectes. In addition the fluctuation of these species population was estimated relative to the average monthly temperature, humidity and rainfall in Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. To estimate seasonality and location on the cattle, 20 dairy cattle were examined through flies' direct observation every 30 days in the period from April/2007 to March/2008 according to the animal zootechnical divisions. The symbovine muscids checked were: Haematobia irritans, the most abundant species and found in greater frequency on the rib/flank, followed by Stomoxys calcitrans, with higher occurrence on the front and rear legs, and Musca domestica, on the head, belly and rib/flank. Seasonality was mainly influenced by temperature which had a strong and negative impact in extreme situations. There was no observation of flies with average temperature less than or equal to 12.7°C and above 22.5°C.

Keywords : Haematobia irritans; Stomoxys calcitrans; Musca domestica; seasonality; dairy cattle.