Species Pseudolynchia canariensis - Pigeon Fly

Pigeon Louse Fly

Pseudolynchia canariensis (Macquart 1839)

body 5-6 mm, wings 6-7 mm(1)

native to the Old World, now found worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate areas with mild winters; adventive in NA, occurs throughout se US(2)(1)

hosts: pigeons and doves (Columbiformes); in its native range, also birds of several other orders; can bite humans(1)(2)

The female produces one larva at a time and retains the developing larva in her body until it is ready to pupate. The larva feeds on the secretions of a "milk gland" in the uterus of its mother. After three larval instars, the larva has reached its maximum size, the mother gives birth to the white pre-pupa which immediately begins to darken and form the puparium or pupal shell. The pupa of the pigeon louse fly looks like a dark brown, egg-shaped seed. The pupa is found in host nest or on ledges where the birds roost. Adult emerges from the puparium and flies in search of a host.