Study on Morphological Stages of Haematobia exigua - An Important Pest of Cattle

Anbarasi Periyasamy; Gurusamy Ponnudurai; Kandasamy Senthilvel; Kuppannan Sukumar; Palani Srinivasan

Authors

Anbarasi Periyasamy Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Udumalpet, TANUVAS, Chennai-51, Tamil Nadu, INDIA https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4167-8753
Gurusamy Ponnudurai Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, TANUVAS, Chennai-51, Tamil Nadu, INDIA
Kandasamy Senthilvel Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Udumalpet, TANUVAS, Chennai-51, Tamil Nadu, INDIA
Kuppannan Sukumar Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, TANUVAS, Chennai-51. Tamil Nadu, INDIA
Palani Srinivasan Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, TANUVAS, Chennai-51. Tamil Nadu, INDIA

Keywords:

Anterior Spiracles, Buffalo Fly, Haematobia Exigua, Life Cycle, Posterior Spiracles

Abstract

The occurrence of buffalo fly, Haematobia exigua has become more common in cattle farms in Tamil Nadu, India. Hence, this research work was carried out to study the different morphology and life cycle of the fly. The eggs were dark brown, 1.5 mm length and containing two hatching slits. The dung was cultured and developmental stages were monitored. The matured larvae were white, 6 to 7 mm in length and the larval stage lasted for 4 to 5 days. There were two posterior spiracles with irregularly shaped spiracular openings. The pupa was dark brown and lasted for 4 to 5 days. The newly emerged adult flies were examined under microscope and confirmed as H. exigua. The study revealed that the length of life cycle from egg to adult was recorded as 10-11 days.