Distribution status and damage of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the Freising/Upper Bavaria area
Geiser, R.; Gimber, K.; Lamina, J.
Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift 93(9): 405-409
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-6593 PMID: 3536410 Document Number: 274673
From April to October 1984, simuliid adults, larvae and pupae were sampled in the neigbourhood of Freising, Bavaria, German Federal Republic. The presence of Ranunculus fluitans combined with copious suspended organic particles in the breeding streams were found to be the main factors encouraging large populations of Simuliidae. The species most harmful to livestock in the lowlands of northern Germany, Boophthora erythrocephala [Simulium erythrocephalum], was not found in the Freising area. S. reptans s.l., a species of large rivers that is rare in northern Germany, occurred as the dominant species. This species, together with Odagmia ornata [S. ornatum] and a species of the subgenus Wilhelmia of Simulium, were the most abundant of the 12 species found. The mass emergence of the spring generation of flies was found to be synchronized with specific weather conditions and, where cattle were pastured near streams and rivers at that time of year, biting flies often had severe adverse effects on milk and meat production. Calves were particularly sensitive, with the death of 2 being reported due to an allergic reaction to an excessive number of bites. Recommendations are given on how to avoid this problem.