Global Diversity, Distribution, and Genetic Studies of Stable Flies (Stomoxys sp.)

Abstract

In the subfamily Stomoxyinae there are currently 18 recognized Stomoxys species, plus two subspecies. Most Stomoxys knowledge was gained through studies with S. calcitrans, a cosmopolitan species, economic pest, and vector. Other Stomoxys spp. are known only from a few trapped adult specimens. Herein, the Stomoxys spp. have been grouped by their ecological diversity, global distribution, and phylogeny and phylogeography. Seven species are dependent to some degree on humans and their activities, particularly animal production. Eleven species are dependent on wildlife to some degree for their development, and little is known about their biology in many cases. Global distributions include one cosmopolitan species (S. calcitrans), twelve species found only in Africa, four species only in Asia, and one species (S. sitiens) in Africa and Asia. Most genetic studies on Stomoxys calcitrans showed little variation in North America, possibly due to the adults’ long range flight capability. Phylogeographic analysis of S. calcitrans showed a differentiation between Oriental populations (first lineage) and populations from Afrotropical, Palearctic, Nearctic, Neotropical and Oceanian regions (second lineage). Genetic studies were followed by sequencing of the Stomoxys calcitrans genome and phylogenetic studies of the Stomoxys genus using 10 of the known species. Phylogenetic relationships were established.