ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The worldwide fly species, Muscina stabulans (Diptera: Muscidae) is known as 'false stable fly'. It has veterinary, forensic and medical importance. The present study aimed to examine the toxicity of novaluron (chitin synthesis inhibitor) via its effect on the growth and reproductive potential of M. stabulans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The early last (3rd) instar larvae and prepupae have been treated with novaluron using five doses: 5.0, 1.0, 0.5, 0.1 and 0.01 µg/larva. Student's t-test analysis has been used for data processing as well as refined by Bessel correction for significant differences among means. RESULTS: Current study revealed that, after the treatment different mortalities of larva, pupa and adult have been estimated. LD50 values of novaluron were 0.018 and 0.057 µg/insect, respectively. Furthermore, the larval period was insignificantly shortened while the pupal duration has been significantly extended and the developmental rate has been slightly enhanced. On the other hand, the adult longevity of females was considerably reduced and the adult emergence was considerably blocked, regardless the dose. However, only after the treatment, some deformed pupae were observed and some adult deformities were observed. Both fecundity and fertility were drastically reduced and sterilizing activity on novaluron increased in a dose-dependent course, regardless the time of treatment. CONCLUSION: Novaluron can be used as an effective IGR in the integrated control program for this medically and veterinary serious fly.
