Livestock-pest
Guides
Amblyomma maculatum
Gulf Coast tick
Amblyomma maculatum, commonly known as the Gulf Coast tick, is a three-host hard tick native to the southeastern and south-central United States. The species has been expanding its range northward and westward in recent decades, with established populations now documented as far north as Virginia and west to Oklahoma. Adults primarily parasitize large mammals including cattle, deer, and humans, while immature stages feed on small mammals and ground-dwelling birds. The species is a vector of Rickettsia parkeri, the causative agent of American tick bite fever, and has been associated with tick paralysis in rare cases. Heavy infestations on livestock can cause significant economic damage through hide degradation and blood loss.
Cochliomyia
New World screwworm flies, screwworm flies
Cochliomyia is a genus of blowflies (family Calliphoridae) comprising four species: C. macellaria, C. hominivorax, C. aldrichi, and C. minima. The genus is commonly known as New World screwworm flies, distinguished from Old World screwworms. C. hominivorax, the primary screwworm, is an obligate parasite whose larvae feed on living tissue, causing severe myiasis in livestock, wildlife, and humans. C. macellaria, the secondary screwworm, feeds only on necrotic tissue and carrion. The primary screwworm has been eradicated from North America through the sterile insect technique, though it persists in parts of Central and South America.
Cochliomyia hominivorax
New World screwworm fly, New World screwworm, screwworm, screw-worm
Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm fly, is an obligate parasitic blowfly whose larvae feed exclusively on living tissue of warm-blooded vertebrates. It is the only parasitic species in its genus; other Cochliomyia species are facultative parasites or carrion feeders. The species was eradicated from the United States, Central America, and much of the Caribbean through the sterile insect technique beginning in the 1950s, though it persists in tropical and subtropical South America and portions of the Caribbean. A 2016 outbreak in the Florida Keys was successfully eliminated, but detections in southern Mexico in 2024–2025 triggered renewed eradication efforts and trade restrictions.
Cochliomyia macellaria
secondary screwworm, secondary screwworm fly
Cochliomyia macellaria, the secondary screwworm, is a blow fly in the family Calliphoridae distributed throughout the Americas from southern Canada to Patagonia. The species is a specialist carrion colonizer whose larvae feed on necrotic tissue, distinguishing it from the primary screwworm (C. hominivorax) which attacks living tissue. Adults exhibit metallic blue-green coloration with orange-red eyes and head. The species holds significant forensic importance for postmortem interval estimation and has medical-veterinary relevance as a cause of secondary myiasis in livestock and humans.
Damalinia
Damalinia is a genus of chewing lice in the family Trichodectidae, parasitic on mammals including ungulates, equids, and sheep. Species are host-specific ectoparasites that feed on epidermal debris, skin secretions, and hair. Several species are economically significant veterinary pests, notably Damalinia ovis (sheep body louse) and D. equi (horse louse), which cause skin irritation, dermatitis, and wool damage. The genus exhibits sexual dimorphism in antennae morphology and terminalia. Temperature and humidity strongly influence reproduction and population dynamics.
Haemaphysalis longicornis
Asian longhorned tick, longhorned tick, bush tick, cattle tick, Asian tick
Haemaphysalis longicornis is an invasive three-host tick native to temperate East Asia that has established populations in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and the United States. First detected in New Jersey in 2017, it has since spread to at least 19 U.S. states. The species exhibits facultative parthenogenesis, with all-female populations documented in northern Japan, Russia, and the U.S. It is a significant veterinary pest of livestock, particularly cattle, and has been shown to transmit multiple pathogens to animals. While associated with various human tick-borne diseases in its native range, human pathogen transmission has not been confirmed in North America.
Haematobia
horn flies
Haematobia is a genus of biting muscid flies commonly known as horn flies. Adults are obligate blood-feeders on cattle and related bovids, with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus includes approximately 8 described species, with Haematobia irritans being the most economically significant pest of cattle in North America. Larvae develop exclusively in fresh cattle manure. Heavy infestations cause substantial economic losses through blood loss, reduced weight gain, and decreased milk production.
Haematobia irritans
Horn Fly
Haematobia irritans, the horn fly, is a small blood-feeding muscid fly native to Europe that has become a major livestock pest across North America, Latin America, and other regions. Adults are obligate hematophages that remain continuously on cattle hosts, feeding 20-40 times daily and causing significant economic losses through blood loss, stress, and reduced productivity. The species exhibits remarkable life history plasticity, with generation times as short as 10-14 days under optimal conditions and multiple annual generations. Overwintering strategies vary geographically: active adults persist year-round in tropical regions, while colder latitudes see pharate adult dormancy beneath dung pats. The horn fly has developed extensive insecticide resistance, driving research into alternative control methods including biological control, botanical repellents, and Wolbachia-based strategies.
Hippoboscidae
louse flies, keds
Hippoboscidae, commonly known as louse flies or keds, are obligate ectoparasites of birds and mammals. The family comprises over 200 species distributed across three subfamilies: Hippoboscinae (mammal parasites), Lipopteninae (deer keds and sheep keds), and Ornithomyinae (bird parasites). Members exhibit dramatic variation in wing morphology, from fully winged forms capable of flight to completely wingless species. Their reproductive strategy is highly unusual among Diptera: females retain and nourish a single larva internally using specialized 'milk glands,' then deposit a fully developed prepupa that immediately pupates.
Hybomitra frontalis
horse fly
Hybomitra frontalis is a Nearctic horse fly species in the family Tabanidae. It is among the most widely distributed, abundant, and troublesome biters of animals and humans in North America. The species exhibits extreme variation in color and size across its range, particularly in Canadian populations from Nova Scotia, Labrador, and central Manitoba. Taxonomic relationships within the H. frontalis complex have been debated for over a century, with five nominal species described from regional populations.
Hydrotaea aenescens
black dump fly, black garbage fly, dump fly
Hydrotaea aenescens, commonly known as the black dump fly or black garbage fly, is a muscid fly native to the New World that has become invasive in Europe. The species is notable for its predatory larvae that feed on house fly (Musca domestica) larvae, making it a candidate for biological control programs in livestock facilities. Adults have been documented as vectors of human botfly eggs. The species exhibits rapid range expansion in Europe, with records extending to the Far North of European Russia.
Hydrotaea ignava
black garbage fly
Hydrotaea ignava is a muscid fly commonly known as the black garbage fly. It is native to Europe, with records from Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira), Denmark, and Norway. The species breeds in moist organic matter, particularly manure and decaying material in confined animal facilities. Its larvae are predatory on other fly larvae, including house fly maggots, and have been used in biological control programs. Adults are distinguished by their shiny bronze-black coloration and habit of remaining on food sources at night rather than dispersing to ceilings or vegetation.
Hypoderma
Warble Flies, Heel Flies, Bomb Flies, Gadflies
Hypoderma is a genus of large parasitic flies in the family Oestridae, commonly known as warble flies. Adults are non-feeding and live only to reproduce. Females deposit eggs on the legs and flanks of cattle and other ungulates; first-instar larvae penetrate the skin and migrate through the host's body, typically to the gullet or spinal canal, before settling in subcutaneous tissues of the back to develop. The larvae create characteristic swellings (warbles) visible on the host's hide. Two economically important species are H. bovis (ox warble fly) and H. lineatum (cattle warble fly), which cause significant damage to cattle hides and reduce animal welfare.
Hypoderma lineatum
Common Cattle Grub, Ox Warble Fly
Hypoderma lineatum is a parasitic warble fly in the family Oestridae, commonly known as the common cattle grub. Adults emerge from puparia in early May, approximately one month before the related H. bovis. Females oviposit on cattle during sunny, calm weather from late May through early September, showing a preference for open areas and avoiding water and shade. First-instar larvae penetrate the host's skin and migrate to the gullet, where they develop for an average of 42.5 days before moving to subcutaneous tissues of the back. The species causes significant economic damage to cattle through hide degradation, reduced milk yield, and irritation during adult oviposition activity. Unlike H. bovis, H. lineatum does not terrify cattle during oviposition; animals typically show little uneasiness.
Hypodermatinae
warble flies
Hypodermatinae is a subfamily of bot flies (Oestridae) containing nine genera of large parasitic flies commonly called warble flies. The larvae develop as subcutaneous parasites in mammals, particularly bovines, causing economically significant damage to livestock. Adult flies are non-feeding and short-lived.
Linognathidae
sucking lice
Linognathidae is a family of sucking lice in the order Psocodea, containing at least 3 genera (Linognathus, Prolinognathus, Solenopotes) and approximately 70 described species. Members are obligate ectoparasites of mammals, primarily infesting ungulates including cattle, deer, impalas, and related hosts. The family is characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for blood-feeding and complete dependence on host animals for survival and reproduction.
Megetra vittata
Megetra vittata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, ranging from northern Arizona to western Texas. It is one of three recognized species in the North American genus Megetra. The species produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin that is dangerous to livestock when ingested. It appears to be strictly allopatric with and ecologically similar to M. punctata.
Musca
house flies, face flies
Musca is a genus of calyptrate flies in the family Muscidae, containing approximately 70 species worldwide. The genus includes Musca domestica, the common house fly, one of the most widespread and synanthropic insects on Earth. Musca species are characterized by their association with human habitation and livestock, with larvae developing in decaying organic matter. Adults are medium-sized, robust flies with distinctive head morphology including aristate antennae and well-developed chaetotaxy.
Musca autumnalis
face fly, autumn housefly
Musca autumnalis, commonly known as the face fly or autumn housefly, is a nonbiting muscid fly native to the Palearctic region that was introduced to North America in the 1940s–1950s. Adults are obligate pests of cattle and horses, feeding on ocular and nasal secretions, tears, saliva, and blood from wounds. The species exhibits pronounced seasonal population dynamics, with peak abundance in late summer and autumn, and undergoes facultative diapause in adults triggered by short photoperiod and cool temperatures. Larval development occurs exclusively in fresh cattle dung, where larvae feed on microbial flora and fauna.
Muscina
false stable flies
Muscina is a genus of muscid flies comprising approximately 27 species with worldwide distribution. The genus includes several synanthropic species frequently associated with livestock facilities, manure, and human structures. M. stabulans (false stable fly) is the most extensively studied species, serving as a model for flight biomechanics research and forensic entomology. Members of this genus are notable for their epidemiological significance as mechanical vectors of pathogens, forensic utility in post-mortem interval estimation, and facultative predatory behavior by third-instar larvae.
Oestrus
bot flies, sheep bot flies
Oestrus is a genus of bot flies in the family Oestridae, parasitic on mammals. The best-known species, Oestrus ovis, commonly called the sheep bot fly, deposits larvae in the nasal cavities of sheep and goats, where they develop and cause respiratory distress. Adults are non-feeding and have reduced mouthparts. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, with records from northern Europe and other temperate regions.
Protophormia terraenovae
northern blowfly, blue-bottle fly, blue-assed fly, blackbottle
Protophormia terraenovae is a large, metallic blue-green blowfly with a Holarctic distribution. It is the most cold-tolerant calliphorid species, occurring from the Arctic to temperate regions. The species is economically significant as a cause of myiasis in livestock and valuable in maggot debridement therapy due to its selective consumption of necrotic tissue and antibiotic secretions. Its temperature-dependent development makes it a key forensic indicator for post-mortem interval estimation.
Psorophora columbiae
dark ricefield mosquito, glades mosquito
Psorophora columbiae is a large, aggressive mosquito species native to North America, commonly known as the dark ricefield mosquito or glades mosquito. It is notorious for its capacity for massive population explosions following hurricane and flooding events, which have resulted in documented livestock fatalities through exsanguination. The species is a significant pest of mammals, including cattle, horses, sheep, and deer, and is considered difficult to repel with standard insect repellents.
Simuliidae
black flies, buffalo gnats, turkey gnats, white socks
Black flies are small, humpbacked flies in the family Simuliidae, comprising over 2,200 formally described species. Only females bite, using serrated mandibles to slash skin and lap pooled blood for egg development. They are vectors of Leucocytozoon parasites causing leucocytozoonosis in birds and, in some regions, filarial worms causing river blindness in humans. Larvae develop exclusively in flowing freshwater, attaching to submerged substrates with specialized hooks.
Solenopotes capillatus
Little Blue Cattle Louse, Tubercle-bearing Louse
Solenopotes capillatus is the smallest of the sucking lice species that parasitize cattle. It is a relatively immobile ectoparasite with a worldwide distribution tied to domestic livestock. The species is most commonly found on the head of its host, particularly the face. It is known by different common names in different regions: "little blue cattle louse" in the United States and "tubercle-bearing louse" in Australia.
Stomoxys
stable flies
Stomoxys is a genus of muscid flies distinguished by its blood-feeding ectoparasitic lifestyle, unusual among the Muscidae. The genus comprises approximately 20 described species, with Stomoxys calcitrans (stable fly) being the most economically significant and widely distributed. Species in this genus are obligate hematophages of mammals, causing substantial livestock losses through blood loss, stress, and disease transmission. Current phylogenetic evidence suggests the genus is paraphyletic.
Stomoxys calcitrans
Stable Fly, Barn Fly, Biting House Fly, Dog Fly, Power Mower Fly, Beach Fly, Lawn-mower Fly
Stomoxys calcitrans, commonly known as the stable fly, is a worldwide pest of livestock and humans. Both sexes are obligate blood-feeders, inflicting painful bites that cause significant economic losses in cattle operations through reduced weight gain and milk production. The species is easily mistaken for the common house fly but distinguished by its piercing-sucking mouthparts. Native to Eurasia and Africa, it has spread globally through human activity.
Tabanidae
Horse and Deer Flies, Horse-flies, Deer flies, Gadflies, Clegs, Green-headed flies
Tabanidae is a family of large, agile true flies comprising approximately 4,455 described species worldwide. Adults are characterized by prominent compound eyes, with females possessing widely separated eyes and males having eyes that nearly touch. Females of most species are blood-feeding ectoparasites of mammals, using blade-like mouthparts to lacerate skin and lap blood for egg development, while males feed exclusively on nectar. Larvae are predaceous and develop in semiaquatic or moist soil habitats. The family includes three well-known subfamilies: Tabaninae (horse flies), Chrysopsinae (deer flies), and Pangoniinae.
Tabaninae
horse flies
Tabaninae is a subfamily within the family Tabanidae, commonly known as horse flies. It comprises more than 3,000 described species distributed across multiple tribes including Diachlorini, Haematopotini, and Tabanini. The subfamily contains eight genera in Croatia alone, with Tabanus being the most diverse genus globally. Female horse flies are blood-feeders and significant pests of livestock, causing production losses through blood loss and nuisance biting. They also serve as mechanical vectors of animal and human pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths.
Tabanini
horse flies, deer flies
Tabanini is a tribe of horse and deer flies within the family Tabanidae, containing at least 220 described species. Members are robust, medium to large flies with prominent eyes and biting mouthparts. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Tabanus and Hybomitra, many of which are biting pests of mammals including humans and livestock.
Tabanus
True Horse Flies, Horse Flies
Tabanus is a large genus of biting horse flies in the family Tabanidae, containing hundreds of species distributed worldwide. Females possess scissor-like mouthparts adapted for cutting skin to access blood meals from mammals, including livestock and humans. The genus includes some of the largest horse flies in North America, with species such as Tabanus americanus reaching up to 30 mm in body length. Members of this genus are significant from a veterinary and medical perspective as potential vectors of pathogens including anthrax, worms, and trypanosomes.
Tabanus americanus
American Horse Fly
Tabanus americanus, the American horse fly, is a large horse fly species in the family Tabanidae. It is notable as potentially the world's largest horse fly, with body lengths reaching up to 30 mm. The species occurs in Canada and the United States, where adults are active in open pasture areas near livestock and water sources. Females require blood meals for egg development and are significant biting pests of cattle and other large mammals.
Tabanus lineola
striped horse fly
Tabanus lineola, commonly known as the striped horse fly, is a biting horse fly native to eastern and southern North America. Females are aggressive blood-feeders of humans and livestock, recognized by a pale median stripe on the abdomen, while males lack this feature, do not bite, and have bare eyes. The species has a univoltine life cycle with larvae developing in saturated sandy soils near water bodies.
Tabanus punctifer
western horse fly, western black horse fly
Tabanus punctifer, commonly known as the western horse fly or western black horse fly, is a large biting fly in the family Tabanidae. It is distinguished from other North American horse flies by its creamy white thorax covered with long hairs and completely black abdomen. Females require blood meals for egg development and bite horses, livestock, and humans. The species is found throughout the southern and western United States.
Tegrodera aloga
iron cross blister beetle
Tegrodera aloga is a large, conspicuous blister beetle endemic to the Sonoran Desert. Adults are easily recognized by their black bodies with contrasting yellow and red spots and a distinctive black cross pattern on the elytra. The species is notable for its aposematic coloration, which advertises the presence of cantharidin toxins used for defense. Adults feed on spring blossoms and occur in large aggregations during mating and feeding. The species poses a documented risk to livestock, particularly horses, when contaminated alfalfa hay is ingested.
Tegrodera erosa inornata
Tegrodera erosa inornata is a subspecies of blister beetle endemic to cismontane southern California and Baja California. It is one of three subspecies within the T. erosa species complex, distinguished from the nominate subspecies by reduced or absent elytral markings. Like all Tegrodera species, it contains cantharidin in its hemolymph and has been associated with livestock toxicity concerns when present in alfalfa hay. The subspecies is currently considered to be undergoing range retrenchment due to urban development.
Wohlfahrtia
Wohlfahrtia is a genus of flesh flies in the family Sarcophagidae comprising at least 20 described species. Species within this genus are known facultative parasites that cause traumatic myiasis in mammals, including livestock and humans. Larvae develop in wounds or necrotic tissue, with some species serving as forensic indicators for postmortem interval estimation. The genus exhibits larviparous reproduction, with females depositing larvae directly onto suitable substrates.