132 MAINE STATE COLLEGE 



surface of the dung immediately after it is voided, the time of 

 oviposition occupying about a minute. The eggs hatch and the 

 larvae (Fig. 1 b.) descend intothe dung, remaining near the surface. 

 When ready to transform the larvae descend to the ground beneath 

 the dung and enter it from a half to three-quarter of an inch, or if 

 hard probably transform on the surface to the puparium. (Fig. 1 e. ) 

 In from ten to seventeen days from the time the eggs are laid the 

 flies appear. (Fig. 1, d.) There are probably seven or eight gen- 

 rations annually in the middle or southern latitudes, but probably 

 a less number in Maine. The fly makes its appearance in May or 

 June and becomes most abundant in JuW and August, dwindling 

 as cold weather approaches. It probably hybernates in the pupa 

 and adult stages. The flies, when abundant and especially early 

 in the season, collect about the base of the horns of animals 

 to rest, hence the name. 



Damages. 



The milk of milch cows is reduced in quantity and animals for 

 the shambles rapidly loose flesh. The irritation due to the bites 

 causes the animals to rub themselves, producing sores. The flies 

 bite the animals and suck the blood. 



Remedies. 



Protective Applications. — Almost any greasy substance wil 

 keep the flies off for several days. Train oil or fish oil alone, or 

 with a little sulphur or carbolic acid will keep the flies off for sev- 

 eral days. Tallow has been used to good advantage. Common 

 axle grease will answer nearly as well. These should be applied 

 on the parts of the body most frequented. 



Applications to destroy the fly. — A spray of kerosene emulsion 

 directed upon a cow would kill all the flies it happened to touch. 

 Dusting the cows with pyrethrum or some other dust insecticide, 

 as tobacco, is recommended. 



Applications of insecticides intended to check the pest by 

 destroying the flies are hopeless against the immense swarms of 

 them. 



How to destroy the early stager. — Thoroughly lime the dung or 

 spread it so it will dry. This will destroy large numbers of the 

 larvae. The most of the dung is dropped in places where the cat- 

 tle collect after feeding, or at night and could be treated without 

 much trouble. 



