Stable Fly

Stomoxys calcitrans, commonly known as the stable fly, is a small, dark fly with a distinctive pattern of light and dark stripes on its abdomen. It has a short, stout proboscis and a pair of long, slender antennae. It is found in warm, humid climates and prefers to feed on the blood of mammals, particularly cattle. The lifespan of the stable fly is approximately two weeks and its current population is estimated to be in the millions.

Name Origin: Stomoxys calcitrans is a species of fly commonly known as the stable fly. The genus name Stomoxys is derived from the Greek words stoma, meaning "mouth," and oxys, meaning "sharp," referring to the fly's piercing mouthparts. The species name calcitrans is derived from the Latin words calx, meaning "limestone," and trans, meaning "across," referring to the fly's habit of walking across limestone surfaces.

Related Species: Musca domestica, Haematobia irritans, Stomoxys niger, Stomoxys indica

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insect

Order: Diptera

Family: Muscidae

Genus: Diptera

Species: Insect

Stomoxys calcitrans is an organism that prefers warm, humid climates. They are often found in areas with plenty of vegetation, such as grassy fields, pastures, and meadows. They also like to be near sources of water, such as ponds, streams, and marshes. In these areas, they can find plenty of food and shelter. The unique features of their habitat include plenty of sunlight, a variety of plants, and other animals such as birds, rodents, and insects. Stomoxys calcitrans is an important part of the ecosystem, as they help to control the population of other insects.

Native country: Widespread; Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia.

Native continent: They are found mainly in Africa.

Other organisms found in habitat: Grass, Clover, Alfalfa, Cattle, Sheep, Horses, Dogs, Cats

Appearance Summary: Stomoxys calcitrans is a species of fly that is commonly known as the stable fly. It is a small, dark-colored fly with a distinctive pattern of light and dark stripes on its thorax. Its wings are clear and it has a long proboscis. It is a blood-sucking insect that feeds on the blood of mammals, including humans. It is also known to transmit diseases such as anthrax and tularemia. It is a strong flier and can travel up to several miles in search of a host. It is also attracted to light and can be found near windows and doors.

Facial description: Stomoxys calcitrans has a small, oval-shaped head with a pair of large, reddish-brown compound eyes. Its antennae are short and slender, and its mouthparts are adapted for piercing and sucking. Its thorax is grayish-brown and its abdomen is yellowish-brown. It has four wings, which are membranous and transparent. Its legs are long and slender, and its feet are adapted for clinging.

What are the distinct features of Stable Fly? Flight, Blood-sucking, Greyish-brown, Striped abdomen, Red eyes, No vocalizations, Aggressive, Nocturnal, Feeds on mammals and birds, Short proboscis, Long antennae, Long legs, Wingspan of 1.5-2.5 cm

What makes them unique?

Stable Fly body color description: Brown, black, and gray.

skin type: The exterior of Stomoxys calcitrans is smooth and glossy, with a thin, leathery texture. Its wings are membranous and delicate, and its body is covered in short, fine hairs.

Strengths: Mobility, Reproductive Rate, Ability to Adapt, Ability to Survive in a Variety of Environments, Ability to Withstand Extreme Temperatures, Ability to Find Food Sources, Ability to Fly

Weaknesses: Susceptible to desiccation, Poor dispersal ability, Limited host range, Susceptible to extreme temperatures, Susceptible to insecticides

Stomoxys calcitrans behavior summary: Stomoxys calcitrans, commonly known as the stable fly, is a small, blood-sucking fly that is found in many parts of the world. It moves around by walking and can fly short distances. It hides in dark, damp places such as animal bedding and manure piles. It defends itself by biting and can be quite aggressive when disturbed. It feeds on the blood of animals and humans, and is known to spread diseases such as anthrax and tularemia.

How do they defend themselves? Stomoxys calcitrans, commonly known as the stable fly, defends itself from attacks by biting its predators. It has a sharp proboscis that it uses to pierce the skin of its attackers and inject saliva that contains anticoagulants and anesthetics. This saliva helps the fly to feed on the blood of its attackers without them noticing.

How do Stable Fly respond to stimuli in their environment? Visual, Chemical, Acoustic

How do Stable Fly gather food? Stomoxys calcitrans, commonly known as the stable fly, is a species of fly that feeds on the blood of mammals and birds. It typically approaches its prey by landing on them and using its proboscis to pierce the skin and suck the blood. To survive, the stable fly needs a warm, humid environment and a source of blood. Challenges faced while searching for food include avoiding predators, finding a suitable host, and competing with other stable flies for food.

How do Stable Fly communicate in their environment? They use chemical signals to communicate with other organisms in their environment. They also use visual cues such as body movements and postures to communicate with other organisms. They also use sound signals such as buzzing and clicking to communicate with other organisms.

Examples: They use visual signals, such as wing flapping, to communicate with other flies; They use pheromones to attract mates; They use sound signals, such as buzzing, to communicate with other flies

How does the Stable Fly get territorial? Marking, Aggression, Chasing

Diet Summary: Stomoxys calcitrans feeds on a variety of food sources, including plant nectar, pollen, and other sugary substances. It also feeds on the blood of mammals, including humans, and can transmit diseases. Toxic and unhealthy foods for this organism include decaying organic matter, such as spoiled food, and other substances that may contain harmful bacteria or parasites.

Predators: Stomoxys calcitrans, commonly known as the stable fly, is a major pest of livestock and humans. It is threatened by a variety of predators, including birds, spiders, and other insects. Environmental changes, such as changes in temperature, humidity, and availability of food, can also have a negative impact on the population growth of this species. Additionally, the use of insecticides and other chemical treatments can reduce the population of Stomoxys calcitrans.

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pesticides, Parasites, Disease, Predators, Climate Change

Life cycle: Stomoxys calcitrans reproduces by laying eggs in batches of up to 500. The eggs hatch in 1-2 days and the larvae feed on organic material for 4-5 days before pupating. The pupal stage lasts for 7-10 days before the adult emerges. Adults live for 2-3 weeks and feed on blood. During this time, they mate and the cycle begins again.

Average offspring size: 4.5-7.5 cm

Most common health issues: Respiratory Issues, Skin Irritation, Allergic Reactions, Malnutrition, Stress

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pesticides, Parasites, Disease, Predators, Climate Change

Common diseases that threaten the Stable Fly population: Malnutrition, Parasitic Infections, Respiratory Infections, Reproductive Disorders, Digestive Disorders, Skin Disorders, Stress-Related Disorders

Population: Stomoxys calcitrans population has been steadily decreasing since 2010, with the lowest population recorded in 2019. The population peaked in 2008 at an estimated 1.2 million individuals. The population has decreased by an average of 0.2 million individuals per year since 2010.

How do Stable Fly adapt to their environment Stomoxys calcitrans, commonly known as the stable fly, is an insect that has adapted to its environment by developing a strong proboscis that allows it to feed on the blood of mammals. This adaptation helps the stable fly survive in its environment by providing it with a reliable source of food. For example, the stable fly can be found in pastures and other areas where livestock are present, as it is able to feed on the blood of these animals.

What's their social structure? Stomoxys calcitrans is a species of fly that is found in many parts of the world. They are a part of the food chain, as they are a primary consumer, feeding on plant material and other organic matter. They also interact with their family or species, as they are known to form swarms and mate with other members of their species. They are also known to be quite social, as they are often seen in large groups. They are also known to be quite territorial, as they will defend their territory from other members of their species. Overall, Stomoxys calcitrans is an important part of the food chain and plays an important role in the social hierarchy of its population.

How would you describe their survival instincts? They have a range of survival instincts that allow them to respond to their environment. They are able to detect changes in temperature, humidity, and light, and use these stimuli to find food and shelter. They also have the ability to detect carbon dioxide, which helps them locate potential hosts. Additionally, they have the ability to detect certain chemicals in the air, which helps them identify potential mates.