Occurrence of Pangonia (Diptera: Tabanidae) flies in Marathwada region of Maharashtra State

Occurrence of Pangonia flies were reported from two villages belonging to two districts of Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Flies were identified up to generic level based on proboscis, antennae and wing characteristics. Swarms of these flies attacking all animals, biting and sucking the blood followed by oozing of droplets of blood were observed. The attack of flies was particularly observed during noon time (bright sunshine hrs) and their bite was so painful that animals were disturbed and not cooperating for agricultural operations like sowing, hoeing etc. to the extent that if forced to work, bullocks have attacked their owner. Remedial measures like withholding the agricultural operations during hot hours from 11.00–15.00 hrs. resulted in partial relief from attack of flies. Application of absolute crude neem oil, with the help of cotton cloth swab, on the limbs and lower parts of the body of animals resulted in the substantial relief from attack of the flies for at least seven days.