Page 114 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

STABLE / DOGFLY STABLE / DOGFLY

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna- 2 small 6.Thorax- has stripes
2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none STABLE FLY
3.Head- piercing mouthparts 8.Abdomen-
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- brownish gray 6
5.Wings- one pair 10.Other- both males & females bite

Life Cycle 3
Stable flies breed in moist decaying plant materials. Females lay 500-600
eggs, which hatch in 2-5 days. The larvae that hatch look like typical maggots, 2
and mature in about two weeks into pupae which are enclosed in brownish 4 5
capsules. The adults emerge, and the entire life cycle can be completed in four
weeks. Peak populations occur from August well into December.
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

STABLE / DOGFLY
Actual size 1/4”
The Stable Fly is also known as the Dog Fly, and it is a huge problem in Florida. These blood-sucking
insects bite both man and animals—especially cattle. The fly is very persistent at attacking, and the
bite is quite painful. Both males and females will bite. It is known for ruining the tourist season at
times of peak swarms when they seem to congregate at beaches. They seek shelter from winds on
the leeward side of sand dunes, and can be blown miles inland away from the beaches when the wind
shifts. They can spread disease and infections in animals. The state spends considerable money each
year in control efforts, including spraying by aircraft.

1.Antenna- 2, short 6.Thorax-
2.Eyes- green, compound 7.Petiole- none YELLOW FLY
3.Head- small 8.Abdomen- yellow with black hairs
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- yellow body overall
5.Wings- one pair, with brown patches 10.Other- strong fliers 1
8
Life Cycle
The female must have a blood meal to produce eggs. Females almost constantly
produce the egg masses, which hatch in 5-12 days. The larvae are aquatic, and 2
live in water or mud containing organic debris or organisms. The larvae reach
½ inch in size, molting about ten times, and usually are the overwintering form. 5
Pupae do not feed, and are found in the soil. It takes about a year to reach the
adult stage. There can be two generations each year.
Drawing by Andrew Schaible

YELLOW FLY
Actual size 3/8”
There are about a dozen yellow-bodied flies in Florida that go by the name of “Yellow Fly”. The
females are proficient biters, while males feed on pollen and nectar. Bites are painful and will swell and
itch for days. Unlike most flies, bites will occur both indoors and outdoors, usually near wooded areas
or beaches.
In Florida, Yellow Flies are mostly active during daylight hours in the hot summer and fall
months. They can be found from March to November, however. They are extremely difficult to control
in both the larval and adult stages, although mosquito repellents have some effect. Keeping skin
covered is the only sure method.

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