BOT-FLIES, GAD-FLIES, FOUNDER, &C. 



THE WARBLE OR BOT-FLY 



Is about a half an inch in length and somewhat re- 

 sembles the bumble-bee. It causes great annoyance. In 

 summer cattle of all ages may be seen galloping furiously 

 about their pastures, tails uplifted, in a state of great 

 excitement. Shortly they stop, look around suspiciously, 

 listen to the buzzing insects, utter a wail, and are off 

 again. 



The female lays its eggs on the back of the ox during 

 the latter part of May, and from that time on till the 



Fig. 130. Warble or Bot-fly 

 (CEstrus Bovis). 



Fig. 131. Pupa (chrysalis state) 

 of same. 



first part of August. In December the lumps enlarge, 

 and by spring become about the size of small walnuts. 

 In May the full-grown warble emerges, remaining in 

 chrysalis state till about the middle of June. 



Remedy. — The ointment of mercury will destroy the 

 parasite, a portion the size of a pea being enough. 



It is desirable that cattle should shelter themselves in 

 sheds. Shallow pools are also serviceable. It is said that 

 the bot-fly will not pursue its victim over water. (Gress- 

 well.) 



