Faunal Composition and Seasonal Dynamics of Stable Flies (Diptera: Muscidae and Calliphoridae) in Pasture Ecosystems of the Samarkand Region, Uzbekistan

Stable flies (Diptera: Muscidae) and other zoophilic dipterans represent a major veterinary and economic challenge in livestock production due to their haematophagous feeding behaviour and their capacity to transmit pathogens. This study aimed to characterise the species composition and seasonal dynamics of synanthropic flies associated with cattle pastures in the Samarkand region of Uzbekistan. Systematic sampling was conducted from April 2022 to May 2023 in the Payariq and Nurobod districts using active net collection from cattle and their immediate surroundings. A total of 3,512 specimens were collected, representing 14 species across six genera and two families. Muscidae were overwhelmingly dominant (95.4%), whereas Calliphoridae accounted for 4.6% of the fauna. Musca domestica (13.1%) and M. autumnalis (12.6%) were the most abundant species, followed by Stomoxys calcitrans (8.1%), Musca simplex (8.5%), and Lyperosia spp. (7.7%). Pronounced seasonal patterns were observed, with peak fly abundance during summer months, when 62.8% of all specimens were collected, and a complete absence of adult flies from December to February. Blood-feeding species with piercing–sucking mouthparts (S. calcitrans, Lyperosia irritans, L. titillans, Haematobia dentipes) comprised nearly one quarter of all collected specimens and reached their highest densities in summer, indicating a critical period for pathogen transmission risk. In contrast, lapping-type flies were present from spring through autumn and, despite lacking direct haematophagy, may act as important mechanical vectors. These findings provide the first comprehensive overview of pasture-associated stable fly fauna in Uzbekistan, highlighting seasonal windows of increased veterinary risk, and underscoring the need for integrated, region-specific vector management strategies.

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