(Stomoxys calcitrans), a fly of the family Muscidae, order Diptera. Widely distributed, it is found in abundance in direct proximity to domestic animals, both in stables and in pasture. It develops in manure, especially horse manure. Several generations are produced during the course of the summer.
Massive infestations of stable flies cause the cows’ milk yield and the milk fat content to decrease. Stable flies transmit organisms that cause many infections, including anthrax, tularemia, and cattle anaplasmosis. Stable-fly larvae are destroyed by treating their place of reproduction with water emulsions of trichlormetaphosphate, trolene, methylnitro-phosphate, and other substances. Adult insects are controlled by spraying the premises with aerosols containing chlorophosphate and other insecticides; poisoned bait and flypaper are also used.