Larval growth of some calliphorid and sarcophagid Diptera

Abstract

The competitive abilities of seven calliphorid and one sarcophagid species were examined by investigation of various Characteristics of their larval growth curves. The relative success of each species is thought to depend to a great extent on the ability of the larvae to attain quickly the minimum weight for viable pupation. The ovoviviparous species (Calliphora nociva Hardy, C. augur (F.) and Parasarcophaga crassipalpis (Macq.)) were found to have the most rapid growth and Chrysomya megacephala (F.), Calliphora nociva and C. augur the highest assimilatory rate during the period of most rapid growth. Further, C. nociva, C. augur, Ch. megacephala and Ch. rufifacies (Macq.) were the species best adapted to pupation at low larval weight, which suggests that their food requirements for successful pupation were less (relative to maximum larval weight) than those of the other species. In this respect, Lucilia cuprina (Wied.) was also well–adapted and Ch. varipes (Macq.) was the least successful species.