Parasitism of Heterotylenchus autumnalis Nickle (Nematoda: Sphaerulariidae) to the Face Fly, Musca autumnalis De Geer (Diptera: Muscidae).
New information is reported on the parasitism of Heterotylenchus autumnalis upon its principal known host, Musca autumnalis. Black to brown spots are produced on the cuticle of all infected host larvae where the nematode penetrated. The principal damage to the host is castration of the female. In laboratory tests nematode larvae were not infective and did not leave the hosts before the female fly was 1 1 days old. Nematode larvae removed from infected male flies infected other hosts, but it is believed that in nature these larvae are unable to leave the host.
Stoffolano
J G
JG