Bio-ecological aspects and density of Haematobia exigua species in cattle and buffaloes of Maharashtra state

The present research was carried out to study the bio-ecological aspects and density of Haematobia exigua flies in cattle and buffaloes. The total length of life cycle from laying of eggs to emergence of adult was recorded as 10 days, 15 days and 12 days respectively during monsoon, winter and summer season. Cattle from Konkan region having highest fly density followed by North Maharashtra, lower in Vidarbha, Western Maharashtra and lowest in Marathwada. Buffaloes from Konkan region were having highest fly density followed by North Maharashtra, Western Maharashtra and lowest in Vidarbha and Marathwada. Studies on density of the flies according to colour and breed of the cattle revealed significantly higher density of flies on non-descript cattle and lower in Deoni. The totally white colored cattle breed such as Kankrej, Gaolav and Khillar were free from biting of these flies. Amongst the two host studied, significantly higher fly density were observed on the body of buffaloes as compared to cattle.