Congenitally Induced Mortality in Face Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) Following Adult Exposure to Diflubenzuron-Treated Surfaces1

Abstract

Exposure of adult face flies (4 to 6 h old) to diflubenzuron-treated surfaces for intervals ranging from 0.25 to 16 h had a greater effect on larval mortality than on percentage egg hatch. F1 generation larval mortality was dependent upon diflubenzuron concentration, length of exposure, and age of the flies. Variation in egg hatch in response to diflubenzuron at different concentrations was negligible, but greater exposure time decreased the percentage hatch. As the flies aged, however, the percentage egg hatch increased. Although larval mortality and reduced egg hatch were demonstrated when either sex of the mating pair was exposed to diflubenzuron-treated surfaces, greater effects were observed when both male and female flies in the mating pairs were exposed.