On Three Species of Hippoboscidae (Diptera) on Birds in Ontario

Ornithomyia fringillina, Ornithoica vicina, and Lynchia americana were collected from 16% of 6448 birds (of 84 species) examined in Algonquin Park, Ontario, during July–September of 1957–60; fringillina occurred most frequently. Hippoboscids occurred more commonly and had better survival on immature birds. Sparrows and thrushes harbored fringillina more frequently than other birds; certain birds, such as purple finches, were unsuitable hosts. Experimental evidence indicated that female flies, once on a bird, usually remained on it; males had a tendency to wander. Female fringillina would return to an individual bird on which they had previously lived. Both vicina and americana behaved in a manner similar to fringillina, but the data on them are not as abundant. Female fringillina lived up to 81 days, producing puparia every 5 days; males were shorter-lived. Female vicina and americana lived for 120–135 days, producing puparia every 5 days. Male fringillina required blood daily; females required blood daily to maintain maximum reproduction but survived if fed every 3–4 days. Puparia of fringillina pass through diapause, require a minimum of 150 days at 75° F; puparia of vicina and americana do not pass through diapause and require a shorter period for metamorphosis.