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November 2006. A request from Galapagos Islands for information on attractants for trapping muscid flies, in particular species that are ectoparasites of animals. Control methods are needed to mitigate the impacts of an ectoparasitic fly, Philornis downsi (Muscidae), which is threatening at least 15 species of birds in Galapagos including the IUCN-listed critically endangered Mangrove Finch and Floreana Mockingbird. Very little is known about the biology and ecology of Philornis downsi or of Philornis flies in general. Currently, the use of attractants to trap adult Philornis around finch nests is being investigated.
In India, fishmeal traps are used to monitor (and trap) adult sorghum shoot flies. Fishmeal is a rich source of protein and attracts all sorts of flies. Information is available on the Internet.
The use of attractants is complex, as this article shows: http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/projects/projects.htm?ACCN_NO=409295&showpars=true&fy=2005
There are also studies on natural repellents (see article below):
http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=837909
As little seems to be known about the biology and ecology of Philornis downsi or Philornis flies, it is assumed that very little is known on their predators and parasitoids. They are likely to be similar to those species that target other muscid flies in livestock. A predator and parasitoid study might be useful, but would require research. An IPM project may also consider a biological pesticide; CABI has identified and curated several fly pathogenic fungi. Possibly, delivery could be linked to a chemical attractant.
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