VPA 221: Veterinary Entomology and Acarology (1+1)

LIFE CYCLE - HORSE KED

• Female flies are viviparous, oviposit one larvae at a time in sheltered spots off the host such as crevices in mud walls 
• They are creamy white, flattened posterior end with dark spiracular plates
• The  larvae pupates immediately within 4-6 hours 
• Initially its yellow in colour and then turns red  black in colour

• The pupal stage gives rise to the adults usually in 4 weeks 
• The adult female fly attaches to the host in areas which are thin and hairless  and feeds frequently several times
• In horses it is seen feeding under the tail/genitlia, in cows the tail, udder region, in buffaloes the inner aspect of the thigh, genitalia while in dogs the ears and the neck region are preferred feeding sites
• They feed for long periods on blood of their hosts and their claws are so efficient that neither the host, nor human beings can dislodge them easily