D3015: Survivorship and fitness of adult house flies (Musca domestica) raised on milk, manure, and other dairy farm food sources

The house fly (Musca domestica) is distributed worldwide and is a mechanical vector of human and animal diseases. Adults lay their eggs in decaying organic matter such as animal manure, which is abundant at livestock facilities. As a result, populations of flies there frequently grow to reach pest levels. Much information is available on their roles as disease vectors, but little is known about their diet as adults on farms. This research examines how different potential foods available to house flies on a dairy farm affect their lifespan and general fitness. Whole milk, corn silage, and cow manure were chosen as potential adult fly foods. Two flowering plants seen on a dairy farm were also examined: common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and white clover (Trifolium repens). Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) was examined as well. To study survivorship, adult flies were raised on the selected foods or water for up to three weeks. Observations of house fly behavior were made on a dairy farm to identify whether house flies land on the food sources tested in the experiment. The foods that improve survivorship relative to water will additionally be tested as to their effects on fecundity. The research will provide information on what flies are most likely to eat on dairy farms and which foods may benefit them most. Knowing what adult house flies eat will improve our understanding of their basic biology and is relevant to improved control of fly populations.