Effect of temperature on the developmental stages of Wohlfahrtia nuba (Diptera:Sarcophagidae)

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 degrees C, respectively. There were no significant differences 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 (tL) were 12.8, 14.0 and 13.6 degrees 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 degrees 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 degrees C.