Nematode Parasite (Heterotylenchus sp.) of Face Fly in New York State1

Abstract

A new species in the nematode genus Heterotylenchus Bovien, 1937, has been found to parasitize the face fly, Musca autumnalis DeGeer, in all of 14 countries sampled in New York State. The infection varies from 8 to 44% and averages 23% for the 3400 specimens dissected. The effect on the female insect was to cause sterility, but no effect on the males was noted. Life history information is presented along with data on parasite distribution in New York State. This nematode may be an important factor in the reduction of face fly populations in New York, and its biology needs careful and extensive study.