A WIND‐ORIENTED FLY TRAP FOR QUANTITATIVE SAMPLING OF ADULT <i>MUSCA VETUSTISSIMA</i> WALKER

Abstract

Abstract A wind‐oriented bait trap is described for sampling populations of bush fly ( Musca vetustissima ). The trap is less costly than the current “West Australian” blowfly trap, easier to maintain and operate, but samples just as effectively. The trap is baited with a mixture of cattle dung, minced liver, and sodium sulphide, in which blowfly larvae have developed for 2–3 d at 26°C. The function of the larvae is to maintain the attractiveness of the bait at a constant level for up to 2 d in the field.