Eye gnats or eye flies (Hippelates pusio Loew, Hippelates pallipes (Loew), and Hippelates bishoppi, Chloropidae, DIPTERA) are very small (1.5-2.5 mm long) flies that frequently congregate around the eyes, as well as mucous and sebaceous secretions, pus, and blood. Suborders Nematocera Brachycera Dance fly male Empis tesselata The flesh fly, Sarcophaga carnaria Close-up of the head of a blow-fly. ... The word mucous is an adjective which means pertaining to mucus or having the qualities of mucus. ... Schematic view of a hair follicle with sebaceous gland. ... Pus is a whitish-yellow or yellow substance produced during inflammatory responses of the body that can be found in regions of pyogenic bacterial infections. ... Human blood smear: a - erythrocytes; b - neutrophil; c - eosinophil; d - lymphocyte. ...

Life cycle

In the desert and foothill regions of southern California, adult Hippelates flies are present throughout the year; they are annoying from April through November. During the peak months, they are noticeable in the early morning and late afternoon. They enjoy the deep shade, such as among densely planted shrubs or in the shade of a dwelling. The eggs are ~0.5 mm long, fluted, and distinctly curved. They are deposited on or below the surface of the soil. The larvae hatch and feed on decaying organic matter, including excrement. The larval stage lasts 7–11 days. During the winter months, the larval and pupal stages may persist for many weeks. Pupation occurs close to the surface of the soil and lasts ~6 days. The entire life cycle lasts ~21 days. The adults are generally strong flyers, flying both with and against the wind. Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Area  Ranked 3rd  - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 770 miles (1,240 km)  - % water 4. ...

Pathology

Some species are attracted to the genital organs of mammals; for example, H pallipes clusters around a dog’s penis. These gnats quietly approach their mammalian hosts. They usually alight some distance from their feeding site and then crawl over the skin, or fly intermittently and alight, thus avoiding annoyance to the host. They are persistent and, if brushed away, quickly return to continue engorging themselves. They are nonbiting flies; however, the labellae have spines that scarify host tissue and allow entrance of pathogenic organisms. Hippelates flies often hover around the body orifices of calves, yearlings, pregnant heifers, and lactating cows. They feed on lacrimal fluid, fatty body secretions, milk droplets, and on secretions at the tips of the teats of animals. Hippelates flies also serve as vectors for Arcanobacterium (Actinomyces) pyogenes (summer mastitis) and Moraxella bovis (pinkeye). A pathogen or infectious agent is a biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host. ... Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammalian breast caused by the blocking of the milk ducts while the mother is lactating (see breastfeeding). ... Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids), often due to infection. ...

Diagnosis

These small flies have sponging type mouthparts. They resemble house flies in form and structure and have short aristate antennae.

Treatment and Control

Repellents, such as those recommended for mosquitos, provide temporary relief from eye gnats. Applications of insecticides on a community-wide basis (as would take place with mosquito abatement) may provide temporary control of adults, but more adults invade the treated area after the insecticide has dissipated. Genera See text. ... A insecticide is a pesticide used against insects in all development forms. ...