Behavioural data and R code from: Host-foraging stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans, are preferentially attracted to, and alight on, objects with both visual and thermal host-like characteristics

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To study the effects of thermal cues on foraging stable flies, we tested the hypothesis that flies preferentially alight on objects with host-like temperature, and on objects with both visual and thermal host-like cues. Flies preferred host-like temperatures when in foraging mode, but not when offered only infrared stimuli. Thermal cues augmented overall alighting responses, but initial attraction was mediated by visual cues. The data suggest that thermal cues affect the host foraging behaviour of flies primarily at close range.

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