SOME PESTS OF OHIO SHEEP 



57 



scourings, or with blood from slight cuts or bruises around the 

 horns caused by fighting. If neglected, the infestation continues, 

 additional flies depositing their eggs upon the wool that has been 

 rendered more attractive by its vile odor. The maggots, working 

 in the wool next to the skin, some even in the flesh, soon loosen 

 large patches of the wool. These patches may be easily removed or 

 they may even slough off, exposing a red, raw maggot-infested 

 flesh. Healthy tissue is soon invaded by the maggots and death 

 may follow, usually from some form of blood poisoning, if the infes- 

 tation is not checked immediately. Even if the animal's life is 

 saved, considerable loss of flesh and wool usually occurs. The old 

 adage "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is cer- 

 tainly applicable in combating this pest. 



Sheep maggot fly 



Phormia regina 



Sheep maggot fly 



Lucilia sericata 



The Insects. — Two species of flies have been bred by the Ohio 

 Experiment Station from maggots infesting the wool of sheep. 

 Both are related through family ties to the house or typhoid fly. A 

 brief description and life history of each species, that has been 

 identified on live wool, follow. 



GREEN BOTTLE FLY 



Lucilia sericata Meigen 



This bright greenish-tinted fly is the well-known sheep mag- 

 got-fly of the British Isles. There it is popularly known as the 



