Effect of temperature on the Developmental stages of wohlfahrtia nuba [Diptera: sarcophagidae]

ABSTRACT

Total developmental time of flesh flies Wohlfahrtia nuba [Wiedemann] from first larval stage to adult emergence was 34.7, 23.5, 18.7, 13.4 and 13.6 days when reared at 21, 25, 29, 33 and 37°C, respectively. There were no significant differerces between both sexes [P > 0.05], The overall mean of the larval duration periods was shorter [P < 0.05] than pupal duration periods. Estimates of the lower developmental threshold temperatures [t[L] were 12.8, 14.0 and 13.6°C and the thermal constant [K] were 116.8, 152.2 and 268.2 degree-days for larvae, pupae and total developmental time, respectively. Pupal mortality was low at all temperatures used. The fly reached their maximum weight in pupal and adult stages at 21°C. At all temperatures, the mean weight of pupa and adult was smaller [P < 0.001] in males than in females. The developmental rate, low mortality and greatest weight reached their optimal condition between 21 to 33°C