Effects of Mercury on the Growth and Development of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of gunshot residue (GSR) components (Pb, Sb, and Ba) on the life history parameters of Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). This experiment was carried out at the Zoology Department, the Ondokuz Mayıs University in 2020. About 50 larvae, respectively were exposed to the chicken liver with four different concentrations of GSR particles and life history parameters recorded. A two-way analysis of variance (Two way ANOVA) was used on the larval weight, and length, development time, percentage of pupal and larval survival. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the association between life-history parameters and the concentration of GSR. The total development times decreased with increasing Sb, Ba, and Pb concentrations in the diets 1-3 d when compared to the control The results showed that Ba and Sb significantly decreased larval and pupal survival and GSR decreased the pupa and adult weight as compared to the control. We concluded that life-history parameters of L. sericata are sensitive to GSR residue and heavy metal changes in the environment. The presence of gunshot residue in the corpse should be kept in mind in a criminal investigation.

The housefly (Musca domestica L.) is well known a global pest of animals and humans. The houseflies contain high purity chitin and protein which are widely used in industry, and medicine. Their larvae can produce animal protein in the biodegradation of organic waste . House flies provide an alternative for recycling nutrients while also generating multiple income streams, so their large-scale production is important. In this study, the effects of different doses of propolis applied to a wheat bran diet on the developmental stages (larval and pupal development time, larval, pupal, and adult weight, and larval, pupal, and adult survival) and the protein, carbohydrate, and lipid content in Musca domestica larvae were examined under laboratory conditions (62±0.2% humidity and 25.06 ± 0.8°C temperature). Thirty Musca domestica larvae were reared on substrates exposed to four different propolis concentrations. One-way ANOVA was used to compare life history and biochemical parameters. The results showed that increasing concentrations of propolis reduced larval length and weight. While a decrease in the number of pupae and adults was observed, a significant increase in pupal weight was noted. Larval development time was not affected by propolis diets compared to the control, but pupal development time was shortened. In biochemical composition, no significant difference in protein content in Musca domestica larvae was observed with increasing propolis concentrations. However, compared to the control, increasing propolis concentrations increased carbohydrate content and decreased lipid content in Musca domestica larvae.

This study investigates the impacts of three different heavy metals at different concentrations on some life-history traits of Lucilia sericata (Meigen 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). First-instar larvae of L. sericata were reared on a diet containing four concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 1, and 2 µg/g) of the heavy metals (cadmium, zinc copper). The parameters measured were larval and pupal mortality, larval length, adult, pupal, and larval weight, and development time. Larval and pupal survival decreased as heavy metal concentrations increased. Pupal weight was significantly different among heavy metals andc oncentrations, but the adult weight was not significantly different among heavy metals and concentrations. The larval length was significantly different among concentrations and heavy metals. This study reveals that the presence of heavy metal in carrion or the carrion environment should be inconsidered when estimating the time of colonization in forensic investigations.

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.

Effects of four host plants, tobacco, Chinese cabbage, cowpea and sweet potato, on larval and pupal development and survival, and longevity and fecundity of adults of Spodoptera litura (F) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were studied under laboratory conditions (26° C, 60–80% RH), as was the utilization of the four host plants and adaptation on tobacco. All of the biological parameters included in the study were affected by the host plants. In a choice test, S. litura females oviposited most on Chinese cabbage, least on tobacco, and intermediate on cowpea and sweet potato. S. litura larvae developed differently on the four host plants, from shortest to longest in the following order: Chinese cabbage, cowpea, sweet potato, and tobacco. Pupal development was shorter on cowpea than on the other three host plants, and males generally developed longer than females. More females than males were found among emerged adults, and male adults lived 1–2 d longer than females. Larvae survived best on cowpea (81.6%), followed by Chinese cabbage (75.5%), then sweet potato (66.1%), and worst on tobacco (49.2%). Pupal survival rates were relatively high (91.4 – 95.9%) in all four host plant treatments, although that on sweet potato was lower than those on the other three host plants. Pupal weights on tobacco and sweet potato were similar, but both were lower than those on Chinese cabbage and cowpea. Generally, male pupae weighed less than female pupae. Numbers of eggs oviposited by female S. litura were highest on sweet potato, followed by those on cowpea, Chinese cabbage, and lowest on tobacco. Relative food consumption rate was highest on sweet potato, followed by that on cowpea, Chinese cabbage, and lowest on tobacco. In contrast, S. litura larvae that fed on tobacco had higher efficiency of conversion of digested food, highest efficiency of conversion of ingested food, and lowest approximate digestibility as compared with larvae that fed on other host plants. The potential causes for S. litura outbreaks on tobacco are discussed.

The present study aimed to determine the effects of the soil type and the moisture contents on the some life-history parameters of Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The larval and pupal survival, duration of development periods, and the weight of pupae and adult of L. sericata were examined at three different types of soil (clay, loamy, and sandy) with five moisture contents (0, 25, 50, 75, 100%). The post feeding L. sericata larvae were transferred to a plastic cup filled with soils with different moisture content, and all cups were kept at 27°C, 65% RH, and a photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D) h. In this article, the effects on some life-history parameters were compared with a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Accordingly, the findings of this article indicate that moisture contents of soils and soil type have a significant effect on the development time of L. sericata. Furthermore, it has been found that larvae can survive on extremely wet substrates (75-100% humidity), although their development time is longer than other moisture content. Pupal and adult weight was significantly different among soil type and soil moisture. Our results provide a reference information for sufficient estimation of the effects of changes in moisture-related to soil type or climate on studies of forensic and biological control of L. sericata.

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an invasive pest in Indonesia. Therefore, limited insect stock is a limiting factor for researchers. The aim of this research rearing insects with mung bean-based as a protein source to modify the composition of the artificial diet. The parameters observed in this research were larva period, larval survival rate, pupal size, sex ratio, pupal-stage longevity, pupal survival rate, fecundity, and nutritional index. The results showed that an artificial diet with mung bean had a significant effect on sex ratio, pupal survival rate, efficiency of conversion of ingestion (ECI) food, efficiency of conversion digested (ECD) food, approximate digestibility (AD) 96,54% 4th instar; 95.45% 5th instar: 88,35% 6th instar, fecundity 307,14 eggs/female, pupal period and significant effect on larval period though instars are longer. Artificial diet-based mung bean had high potential for use in S. frugiperda rearing.

Sesamia calamistis Hampson and Eldana saccharina Walker larvae were reared at 25°C on pieces of stem from five indigenous African grasses. All five, Andropogon sp., Panicum maximum Jacq., Pennisetum polystachion (L.) Schult., P. purpureum L. and Sorghum arundinaceum (Desv.) Stapf, have been reported as host plants for one or both species. Larval survival, larval and pupal period and pupal weight were recorded and compared to values of these parameters for larvae reared on stems of maize and on artificial diet. S. calamistis larval survival was less than 10% on each grass species compared to 95% on artificial diet and 30% on maize stems. Larval period was similar on maize and the grasses, but was 50% faster on artificial diet. Pupal periods were similar for larvae reared on grasses, maize and artificial diet. Pupal weights were highest for larvae reared on artificial diet, followed by maize and then grasses. E. saccharina larval survival was less than 5% on each grass species compared to 60% on artificial diet and 19% on maize stem. Larval development was 25% faster on artificial diet than on maize or grasses. Larvae reared on grasses, maize and artificial diet had similar pupal periods. Pupal weights were lowest on grasses and highest on artificial diet.

The indiscriminate use of synthetic insecticides has led to the emergence of resistant populations of Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), hindering its control and causing economic damage to brassica production. Thus, in order to seek control alternatives, this study aimed at assessing the bioactivity of the ethanolic extracts of Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae), Annona coriacea (Annonaceae), Annona crassiflora (Annonaceae), and Serjania marginata (Sapindaceae) on the life cycle of P. xylostella. Cabbage leaf discs were immersed in the treatments at a concentration of 10 mg/mL and given daily to the larvae. Larval and pupal duration and survival, pupae weight, the longevity of males and females, number and survival of eggs, incubation period, and days of oviposition parameters were evaluated. All extracts differed significantly from the control in terms of larval and pupal duration, pupal survival, and pupae weight. All the extracts prolonged the larval and pupal period of P. xylostella. Only A. coriacea did not differ significantly from the control in terms of larval survival, and the highest larval mortality was observed in the treatment with S. marginata (50%). Pupal survival, pupae mass, oviposition period, and egg survival were reduced in all treatments with ethanolic extracts. The treatments with Annona and S. marginata species have reduced the number of eggs. Treatments with S. terebinthifolius and S. marginata have reduced the incubation time of eggs. Thus, the treatments with ethanolic plant extracts act on the life cycle of P. xylostella negatively impacting the biological parameters evaluated.

Growth performance and digestive enzymes activity of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) feeding on six rice cultivars

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are a promising alternative for controlling herbivorous pests. The current study investigated the effects of lufenuron and pyriproxyfen (at concentrations of 0.02, 0.04, and 0.08 ml) on the developmental duration from larva to adult, larval and pupal survival rates, fitness characteristics (larval and pupal length and weight), and reproductive parameters (longevity, fecundity, and fertility) of Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a major pest of fodder and cultivated crops. The results indicated significant reductions in developmental duration, survival rates, and fitness traits at higher concentrations of both IGRs. Specifically, at the 0.08 ml concentration, lufenuron and pyriproxyfen drastically shortened the larval (9.33 ± 0.19 days) and pupal (6.33 ± 0.19 days) durations compared to the control (16.22 ± 0.62 and 11.56 ± 0.59 days, respectively). Larval survival rates declined to 52.44% and 55.78%, while pupal survival rates dropped to 44.67% and 48.89%, respectively, at this concentration. Fitness assessments revealed significant reductions in larval and pupal lengths and weights following lufenuron and pyriproxyfen treatments. Adult longevity was also substantially reduced, with males and females exposed to lufenuron surviving for only 3.22 ± 0.29 and 4.67 ± 0.19 days, respectively, while those treated with pyriproxyfen lived for 5.33 ± 0.19 and 6.00 ± 0.19 days, compared to control values of 8.78 ± 0.48 and 11.89 ± 0.40 days, respectively. Furthermore, fecundity and fertility were significantly reduced at the 0.08 ml concentration, with lufenuron having the most pronounced effect (fecundity: 290.67 ± 19.00 eggs; fertility: 39.67 ± 0.84%).

Oviposition site selection by gravid female insects is an important determinant in species distribution, abundance, and population dynamics. Females may assess the suitability of a potential oviposition substrate by using cues from conspecific or heterospecific individuals already present. Here, we assessed whether the presence of conspecific or heterospecific larvae and parasites influenced oviposition decisions by the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Linneaus). Using dual and multiple-choice oviposition bioassays, we found that gravid female S. calcitrans avoided substrates with conspecific larvae, the larvae of house flies, Musca domestica (Linneaus), and the mite Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli). Avoidance of conspecific and heterospecific larvae persisted in the dark, suggesting that this behaviour is mediated by chemical rather than visual cues. When we reared S. calcitrans in the presence of conspecific larvae and the larvae of house flies at different densities we found that this negatively affected emergence time, larval weight, larval survival, pupal weight, pupal survival, and adult weight. We also demonstrated that individuals of S. calcitrans developed in the presence of mites exhibited low egg hatchability, and poor larval and adult survival. Our study provides additional support for the “preference-performance” hypothesis in S. calcitrans, with gravid females preferring to lay eggs on a substrate that will enhance offspring fitness. We recommend that the chemical cues involved in avoidance by gravid female S. calcitrans of substrates with conspecific and heterospecific larvae should be elucidated. This could lead to the discovery of repellent chemicals important for S. calcitrans management.

In order to investigate the effects of heavy metal stress on woody plant defense against phytophagous insects, we studied development and reproduction traits of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar that were separately fed with leaves plucked from poplar seedlings (Populus alba berolinensis) grown in either non-contaminated soil (control), Cd-contaminated soil (1.5 mg/kg), Zn-contaminated soil (500 mg/kg) or Pb-contaminated soil (500 mg/kg). The results showed that feeding on Cd or Pb stressed poplar leaves significantly decreased L. dispar larval weights, body lengths and head capsule widths, pupal weights and female fecundity, and delayed the duration of larval development. Similar effects from the Zn stressed poplar leaves were also observed on all the above mentioned variables except male pupal weight and larval development duration that showed no differences from the control. Cd, Zn, or Pb stressed poplar leaves had no significant effects on L. dispar larval survival, pupation and emergence rates; in fact, both larval survival and pupation rates reached 100%. These results suggest that Cd, Zn or Pb stress in P. alba berolinensis might help the trees defend against the defoliator, however; L. dispar may in turn have an effective detoxification mechanism for lessening the effects of plant-mediated defenses and heavy metals in leaves on larval survival, pupation and eclosion.

Effects of different concentrations of mercury on accumulation of mercury by five plant species

ABSTRACTTemperature serves as a critical environmental factor for ectotherms and significantly impacts numerous life history traits. This study examined the influence of temperature on life‐history traits of the fall webworm Hyphantria cunea at 20°C, 22°C, 24°C, 26°C, and 28°C. There were no significant differences in larval survival rates across the temperatures tested. However, pupal survival at 28°C was significantly lower compared to other temperatures. Sex ratios remained consistent at 20°C–26°C but skewed toward males at 28°C. The developmental time from egg to adult decreased as the temperature rose, with males emerging earlier than females (protandry), primarily due to shorter larval stages. Pupal weight exhibited temperature‐ and sex‐dependent trends: female pupae peaked at 22°C (184.6 mg) and there was a 9.2% increase at 28°C as compared with 20°C, demonstrating a reverse temperature‐size rule. In contrast, male pupal weight decreased by 8.2% at 28°C, indicating greater thermal sensitivity. Growth rates increased with temperature, showing sex‐specific variations at lower temperatures. Adult weight mirrored pupal trends, with females consistently larger than males. Metamorphic weight loss increased with temperature in both sexes, but males experienced more pronounced losses. Female‐biased sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is inclined to increase along with weight gain and temperature, not conforming to the Rensch's rule. Furthermore, positive relationships were discovered between pupal weight and larval development time, and between adult weight and fecundity. These findings emphasize temperature‐driven plasticity in development, SSD, and thermal tolerance, highlighting the species' adaptability to warming climates and its implications for pest management strategies.