Posted 27/10/2021

We would like to share the latest published work of Ian Dadour, Forensic Entomologist and our Head of Research and Education.

This publication compared fly population data in the summers of 1942–1944 in New Haven, Connecticut, linked to the polio epidemic with the current survey (78 years later) by setting out a weekly trap in the same region during June–September for 2 years during the period of the covid 19 epidemic.

Results show that the fly population has changed in the city, with 16 fewer species trapped overall. Changes in land cover and climate demonstrated that the trap site has experienced significant habitat change, as well as an increase in the average temperature and rainfall.

The results of this study suggest the prolonged period of urbanization of the region is influencing the domestic fly population.

The paper was jointly written with Dr Paola A. Magni (Murdoch University & Murdoch University Singapore), Julie Pinto (Murdoch University) and R. Christoper O’Brien (University of New Haven).

Read the paper here.