Face Fly (Diptera: Muscidae)—Biology, Pest Status, Current Management Prospects, and Research Needs

Abstract Native to Europe and Central Asia, face flies (Musca autumnalis De Geer, Diptera: Muscidae) were unintentionally introduced into North America became pests of pastured beef cattle, dairy horses. Female male use their sponging proboscis with prestomal teeth feed around moist, mucus membranes an animal’s other body parts. While feeding, agitate livestock elicit defensive behaviors (e.g., ear flapping, head shaking batting, hiding in deep shade, adjustment grazing), they can transmit eye-inhabiting nematodes pathogenic bacteria that cause pinkeye. Face be partially controlled feed-through insecticides prevent development fly maggots fresh cattle dung pats. Adults repellents applied directly animals. Trap-out tactics effective may involve sticky traps placed high animal traffic areas, such as waterers feeders pastures, entryways, or wherever else congregate pastures. A review the insect biology life stages, physical economic damages, surveillance strategies, management options for is presented.