The effect of paracetamol on the development of the Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is one of the most widely used drugs worldwide. Easy access to paracetamol contributes an increase in both overdose and suicidal use. The present research examined the combined effects of paracetamol (acetaminophen) and temperature on the some growth and developmental parameters of Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae). Larvae were reared on diets with different concentrations of paracetamol (LD50, 2 LD50, and 3 LD50) at 3 temperatures, 20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C. To date, no data on the specific impact of different paracetamol concentrations on the development and growth of this species are known to have been published. Larval weights and lengths, larval and pupal durations, adult and pupal weights, and larval and pupal mortality were recorded. Our observations indicated that the developmental periods were affected by concentrations and temperature. Developmental periods were prolonged as the concentration of paracetamol increased. The total larval weight significantly differed among temperatures but temperatures did not significantly affect larval length. Larval and pupal survival significantly differed among concentrations and temperatures. The mortality rate of larvae significantly increased with increasing drug concentrations. Pupal and adult weights were significantly different among diets and temperatures. Pupal and adult weights were reduced when the paracetamol concentrations were increased. These findings demonstrate that paracetamol has significant effects on some life history parameters of Musca domestica and have important implications for forensic investigations.