Population dynamics of the fly Haematobia irritans (Linnaeus 1758) (Díptera: Muscidae) in Cuba

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine the population dynamics and the infestation extent of the fly H. irritans in naturally infested bovine.  Thirty percent of the bovine mass of the units selected were sampled twice a month, and flies were counted by direct observation. The units chosen were representative from the North, Center and South of each province of the country.  The climatic variables of average temperature and rainfall were correlated to the determined population dynamics. It was found that the fly H. irritans was present the whole year, with an intensity of 39.5 ±12.2 flies/animal. There a positive and direct relationship between the climatic variables of average temperature (r = 0.73), rainfalls (r = 0.63) and the presence of the fly on the animals. The months with the highest infestation intensity were during the period June-September, coinciding with the warmest and rainiest months in the country.  The presence of the fly was revealed in 72.7% of the units sampled with 9.9% of high, 43.5% medium and 46.7% low infestations.

Key words: Haematobia irritans, population dynamics, climatic variables.