Stability and Hopf bifurcation analysis for Nicholson's blowflies equation with non-local delay

Abstract

We consider a diffusive Nicholson's blowflies equation with non-local delay and study the stability of the uniform steady states and the possible Hopf bifurcation. By using the upper- and lower solutions method, the global stability of constant steady states is obtained. We also discuss the local stability via analysis of the characteristic equation. Moreover, for a special kernel, the occurrence of Hopf bifurcation near the steady state solution and the stability of bifurcated periodic solutions are given via the centre manifold theory. Based on laboratory data and our theoretical results, we address the influence of various types of vaccinations in controlling the outbreak of blowflies.