Further Studies on the Biology of the Pigeon Fly, Pseudolynchia maura Bigot (Diptera Hippoboscidae)

Abstract

1. Observations indicate that the female uses the third pair of legs during deposition as an aid in forcing the larva through the vaginal orifice.2. The young imago is able to free itself from the pupal case by dragging the case across a rough surface with the forelegs.3. The act of copulation has been observed and described, including mounting, position and duration.4. Evidence is presented to show that the insects are positively thermotropic and thigmotropic; negatively phototropic and hydrotropic.5. The flies react positively to the odours of oil of cloves, camphor and ox gall; negatively to oil of wintergreen and amyl alcohol, and are indifferent to blood, fresh pigeon skin, pigeon scales, feathers, ammonia, oil of thyme, oil origanum, xylol and bergamot.6. The length of life without food is found to be in direct proportion to the energy expended in motion, ranging from 77 to 109 hours.7. The flies refuse to take unwarmed food.8. The insect will not penetrate a perfectly smooth membrane, or one that is rancid.9. According to data presented. Pseudolynchia maura will not live longer than 117 hours when artificially fed.