Submitted by the MVCAC VVBD Committee
A. Porterfield. Entomol. Today. July 2026. <https://entomologytoday.org/2026/07/21/study-validates-more-trap-options-detect-new-world-screwworm-flies/>
As New World screwworm flies (Cochliomyia hominivorax, male pinned specimen shown here) spread northward again, researchers say two versions of a trap originally designed to catch tsetse flies in Africa are also effective for catching screwworm flies. The traps also preserve caught specimens better than traditional sticky traps, offering a promising boost to early-warning surveillance efforts.
Note: Traps rely on visual attraction and may be important if districts are required to assist in NWSF surveillance should these flies invade California.