Attraction of Colored PLASTICIZED CORRUGATED Boards to Adult Stable Flies, STOMOXYS CALCITRANS (Diptera: Muscidae)

Abstract

The attraction of colored plasticized corrugated boards covered with adhesive to trap adult stable flies was investigated on Florida panhandle beaches. Colors consisted of blue, red, orange, and three types of white (horizontal ribbed, vertical ribbed, or opaque). Boards measured 67.3 cm (length) by 31.7 cm (height) and were placed on slotted wooden stakes, 30 m apart, along a linear transect. Fly collections were significantly (P < 0.05) greater on blue boards than on orange and white but there was no difference between red and blue boards. Spectral reflectance of boards peaked at 503 nm for blue, 638 nm for red, while orange and the 3 types of white boards peaked at about 630 nm. Blue boards exhibited the lowest reflective intensity when compared with the rest of the colors. Because stable flies were collected from all boards it is surmised that the boards provided leeward surfaces on which to land or remain perched in the windy beach environment. Significantly more flies were collected from the leeward side of boards compared with the windward side. Moreover, the boards may have provided vertical platforms for adult stable fly assembly, thermoregulation, and/or mating. Adhesive-treated corrugated plasticized boards may be a suitable method for luring stable flies away from human or animal hosts in recreation areas to reduce annoyance from biting pests.