Abstract
The housefly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), is capable of transmitting many pathogens that cause severe diseases in humans and animals. Mostly the management tactics rely on synthetic chemicals, but these chemicals creates lethal effects on biological ecosystem. For natural and safe options, bio-control strategy is one of the choice. The present study was a part of such effort to use this strategy and validate the biological performance of the potential pupal parasitoid Dirhinus giffardii (Silvestri) against house fly and provide alternative and safe control of filthy flies. This is the first report on parasitism potential and preference of D. giffardii against house fly. The D. giffardii, early reported as an effective pupal parasitoid of tephritid flies, here in the case presented, showed overall 70% reduction in the house fly population by parasitizing pupae. The parasitism efficiency and longevity of hymenopteran parasitoid was remarkably noted two-fold higher and one-fold more female production on house fly pupae as compared to primary hosts (Tephritids). Furthermore, sex ratio of the resultant progeny was also confirmed the dominancy of female by 74% as compared to males. Based on the novel findings we therefore conclude that D. giffardii is the best bio-control agent for controlling house flies.
Highlights
In arthropods, class Insecta is mainly related to disease transmission
During the first experiment of the study, parasitism preference and potential of D. giffardii were scrutinized against house fly pupae and was compared with primary hosts (B. zonata and B. cucurbitae pupae)
A remarkable large sized adult parasitoids (5.64mm) were emerged from house fly pupae as compare to parasitoids emerged from B. zonata (4.32mm) and B. cucurbitae pupae (4.0mm) (Fig 4)
Summary
Class Insecta (order Diptera) is mainly related to disease transmission. (Diptera: Muscidae) are synanthropic flies responsible for the mechanical transmission of more than 100 pathogens [12–14]. They mainly feed on filth foods, animal and human wastes, decaying matters and garbage. Being a synanthropic and endophilic in nature, they love to survive and complete its whole life in or near human habitations [15]. They can fly long distances [16] and can be able to pick thousands of microorganisms with its mouthparts, legs, and other body organs (fine hairs on abdomen and thorax) [14]. Contamination of food and drinking water due to house fly keeps
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