Spectral sensitivity of the compound eyes and behavioral attraction to light stimuli with different intensities and wavelengths in Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) from Colombia

Abstract

Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a synanthropic fly with a worldwide distribution that pollinates plants and is relevant in medical, veterinary, and forensic sciences. L. sericata is a diurnal species whose vision plays an important role in spatial orientation. Here we evaluated the electrophysiological responses (ERG) of L. sericata’s compound eyes in adults of both sexes from Colombia and their behavioral attraction to LED lights with different wavelengths. The ERG revealed a dichromatic vision with peaks at blue (450 nm) and green (510-530 nm) wavelengths in individuals of both sexes. Behavioral experiments with a two-sided light tunnel showed that both sexes were mainly attracted to blue, white, and red lights of different intensities (0.34, 0.15, and 0.034 μW/cm2). Attraction to the lights decreased at lower intensities; however, attraction to blue, white, and red lights was still observed. The electrophysiological and behavioral results we obtained in the laboratory were complementary and explain how Colombian untrained L. sericata adults interact with their environment using mainly the sunlight wavelengths reflected under natural conditions.