Abstract
Examination of 322 deer in Algonquin Park, Ontario, during 1949–1961, has shown that 62% of the animals harbor Cephenemyia phobifera. Most parasites were found in deer 6 months to 2 years of age and fewer in those 6 months or less. Deer from herds harbored more bots than non-herd deer. Deer from second-growth forests were more heavily parasitized than deer from mature deciduous forests. Data on the incidence of infestation and the occurrence of the various larval instars in deer examined at different periods throughout the year strongly indicated that phobifera has two generations per year: the winter cycle requires about 6 months, the summer cycle 3 months. Puparia of phobifera metamorphosed in 23 ± 1 day at 63 ± 5° F, in 15 clays at 77 ± 2° F. Adults were short-lived. Deer blood was found in the alimentary tracts of the larvae examined. Presence of the larvae caused enlargement of the retropharyngeal pouch, and destruction of the epithelial layers.
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