764 BIONOMICS OF THE BUFFALO-FLY, 



Tlie wduiuls caused by even the largest Tabanida^ heal without 

 fshowiiig signs of intlanimation, but the bluod, which frequently 

 runs fi\)ni the puncture after the withdrawal of the proboscis, 

 attracts Stomoxys, Lyperosia, Musca, and other flies to the 

 wound, which may thus develop into a characteristic "fly-sore." 

 On the other hand, Lyperosias chister in great numbers on a 

 small area of skin, and, by repeated bites, produce what must be 

 l)ractically a constant state of irritation. This irritation causes 

 the host to rub the part against some convenient object — a fence- 

 post, stump, or branch — until a i-aw surface is exposed to further 

 attacks by Lyperosia exiyua, Stomuxys calcitraus, Musca, Pycno- 

 soma, and other Diptera. The size and duration of the resulting 

 sores are largely determined by the species and temperament of 

 the host, its ability to find protection in mud, water, or under- 

 growth, by the prevalence of flies, and by the use or neglect (in 

 the case of stabled or yarded domes; ic animals) of medicaments 

 and re})ellant preparations. As may be supposed, horses sufi'er 

 more in this respect than do cattle, and it is no uncommon oc- 

 currence to find, on the brisket, a luw surface of from 3-5 iiaches 

 in diameter. 



( )ld, pooi'-conditioned, and sickly stock (horses and cattle) are 

 noticeal)ly suljject to annoyance. The colour of the hair makes 

 no appreciable difference, although individuals maybe seen which 

 are practically unmolested; while others, in the same mob, are 

 habitually infested. Goats are rarely molested, while dogs, pigs, 

 sheep, and kangaroos appear to enjoy immunity from attack. 

 Horses are generally attacked (jn the belly, brisket, underparts 

 of the neck, flanks, about the eyes and withers, the characteristic 

 lesions generally showing on the first three positions. Cattle are 

 generally attacked on the belly, brisket, lower surface of the 

 neck, the inner corners of the eyes, and on the flanks. The 

 lesions are usually noticed on the neck, and in the corners of the 

 eyes (Plate liii.), those in the latter position often presenting a 

 veiy painful and inflamed appearance, due to the part being 

 rubbed against the knees or scraped with the hind-hoofs. 



Buffaloes, both domestic and those roaming wild in the country 



