378 HIPPOBOSCA RUFIPES [CH. 



Hippobosca rufipes v. Olfers, 1816, 



This species is about i cm. in length and is characterised 

 by the markings on the thorax and scutellum. The thorax is 

 a rich chestnut-brown colour and is bordered by a ring of 

 yellowish-white spots ; in addition there is a white spot in the 

 middle of the dorsal surface. The scutellum is marked by a 

 median red spot, on each side of which is a yellowish- white 

 spot. 



Fig. 86. Hippobosca rufipes. ( x 3.) 



Bionomics. H. rufipes is the common parasite of cattle 

 and horses in South Africa. According to von Olfers, the type 

 of this species was taken on an ostrich, but he suggests that 

 the fly may have come from a quagga, as these animals used to 

 mingle with the flocks of ostriches. 



According to Theiler it is often found on cattle, on which it 

 usually settles between the hind-legs, but may occur running 

 over any part of the body. 



This species may occasionally stray on to other hosts, for 

 Mr Distant states that in the Transvaal this fly often attached 

 itself to his neck. 



A pupa of H. rufipes has been described by Austen. It is 

 5-6 mm. in length by 4-8 mm. in breadth and is roundly ovate 

 in shape. The colour is a dark seal-brown with the exception 

 of the posterior end which bears a black cap, separated off from 



