Responses of the stable fly, <i>Stomoxys calcitrans</i> (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), to carbon dioxide and host odours. II. Orientation

Abstract

Abstract Experiments were carried out in a slow speed wind tunnel and in a moving air observation chamber on anemotactic and visual responses of Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). An increase in carbon dioxide concentration elicited an anemotactic response, which was enhanced by odours from expired human breath and odours from a live guineapig. Acetone vapour also elicited an anemotactic response, but acetic acid was repellent. The response to visual targets increased in proportion to the increase in flight activity induced by raising the concentration of carbon dioxide in the airstream. Cattle sebum had an arrestant effect but also elicited further searching activity.