Common Housefly Research Articles

Assessing the toxicity of green Agaricus bisporus-based Cadmium Sulfide nanoparticles on Musca domestica as a biological model

The common housefly, Musca domestica, known for transmitting over 100 infections, was studied using green-synthesized Cadmium Sulfide nanoparticles (CdS NPs) from Agaricus bisporus. These CdS NPs were tested on third-instar larvae under laboratory conditions using dipping and feeding methods with concentrations (75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 µg/mL). The toxicity, measured by LC50, was found to be 138 µg/mL for dipping treatment and 123 µg/mL for feeding treatment. Analysis with an energy-dispersive X-ray microanalyzer confirmed Cd accumulation in the larval midgut, indicating penetration of CdS NPs into the organism, which may potentially increase their toxicity. CdS NPs caused disruptions in Heat Shock Protein 70, cell apoptosis, and various biochemical components. Scanning electron microscopy revealed morphological abnormalities in larvae, pupae, and adults exposed to CdS NPs. Ultrastructural examination showed significant midgut tissue abnormalities in larvae treated with 123 µg/mL of CdS NPs. Our study demonstrated that green-synthesized CdS NPs from A. bisporus can effectively control the development of M. domestica larvae.

Insecticidal activity of isoborneol derivatives against Musca domestica adults and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae.

Musca domestica L., a common housefly, and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito are quite well-known pests that can transfer a wide range of diseases to humans as well as animals. In this study, various isoborneol derivatives including esters, ethers, and thioethers were synthesized from isoborneol under mild conditions. These derivatives were evaluated for inhibition of house-fly M. domestica adults and Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. Two of the synthesized isoborneol ester derivatives (2 and 3) showed good activity against both insect species. Additional two derivatives (6 and 9) were active against M. domestica L., and the derivatives (1-3, 8) were active against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae.

Transmission of viable Haemophilus ducreyi by Musca domestica.

Haemophilus ducreyi was historically known as the causative agent of chancroid, a sexually-transmitted disease causing painful genital ulcers endemic in many low/middle-income nations. In recent years the species has been implicated as the causative agent of nongenital cutaneous ulcers affecting children of the South Pacific Islands and West African countries. Much is still unknown about the mechanism of H. ducreyi transmission in these areas, and recent studies have identified local insect species, namely flies, as potential transmission vectors. H. ducreyi DNA has been detected on the surface and in homogenates of fly species sampled from Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea. The current study develops a model system using Musca domestica, the common house fly, as a model organism to demonstrate proof of concept that flies are a potential vector for the transmission of viable H. ducreyi. Utilizing a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged strain of H. ducreyi and three separate exposure methods, we detected the transmission of viable H. ducreyi by 86.11% ± 22.53% of flies sampled. Additionally, the duration of H. ducreyi viability was found to be directly related to the bacterial concentration, and transmission of H. ducreyi was largely undetectable within one hour of initial exposure. Push testing, Gram staining, and PCR were used to confirm the identity and presence of GFP colonies as H. ducreyi. This study confirms that flies are capable of mechanically transmitting viable H. ducreyi, illuminating the importance of investigating insects as vectors of cutaneous ulcerative diseases.

Turmeric shortens lifespan in houseflies.

Climate change poses a significant threat to food security and global public health with the increasing likelihood of insect pest outbreaks. Alternative ways to control insect populations, preferably using environmental-friendly compounds, are needed. Turmeric has been suggested as a natural insecticide with toxicity properties in some insect groups. However, empirical evidence of the effects of turmeric - and their interaction with other ecological factors such as diet - on insect survival has been limited. Here, we tested the effects of turmeric and its interactions with diets differing in protein source in the common housefly, Musca domestica. We found that turmeric shortened lifespan independent of diet and sex. Females in turmeric diets were heavier at death, which was likely driven by a combination of relatively lower rates of body mass loss during their lifetime and a higher percentage of water content at death. Each sex responded differently to the protein source in the diet, and the magnitude of the difference in lifespan between sexes were greatest in diets in which protein source was hydrolysed yeast; individuals from both sexes lived longest in sucrose-milk diets and shortest in diets with hydrolysed yeast. There was no evidence of an interaction between turmeric and diet, suggesting that the toxicity effects are independent of protein source in the diet. Given the seemingly opposing effects of turmeric in insects and mammals being uncovered in the literature, our findings provide further evidence in support of turmeric as a potential natural insecticide.

Molecular docking and insecticidal activity of Pyrus communis L. extracts against disease vector, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: muscidae)

ABSTRACT The common housefly (Musca domestica) is widely recognized as a significant pest and can transmit many pathogens. The habitual use of chemical insecticides against housefly has led to detrimental effects on humans, non-target species, and environment. Therefore, there is an urgent demand for new, sustainable alternatives of housefly control. This research investigates the effects of different extracts from common pear (Pyrus communis) leaves on M. domestica larvae, and lifecycle progression. Musca domestica was identified through DNA barcoding, and a sequernce for the COX1 gene was submitted to NCBI gene bank, with accession number of OQ363313. Results showed that extracts from P. communis leaves were lethal to the larvae at 650 and 150 ppm, respectively, with the n-hexane extract proving to be more efficacious. Also, tested extracts prolonged developmental stages of both larvae and pupae. Females emerged from treated larvae laid fewer eggs. A molecular docking was performed to examine the interactions between extract’s molecules and a crucial protein in M. domestica, Ls-AChBP (PDB ID: 2zju). Five compounds were identified as particularly effective: Tetratetracontane, Octacosyl acetate, Hexatriacontane, Eicosyl heptafluorobutyrate, and Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. The results indicate that these pear leaf extracts hold promise as alternative agents for managing M. domestica populations.

Heritability of fat accumulation in the house fly and its implication for the selection of nutritionally tailored phenotypes

Abstract Fats make up a large fraction of the larval biomass in insects and are of increasing relevance for industrial purposes. The quantity of fats accumulated during the larval period can vary greatly among individuals. To selectively breed favourable fat accumulation phenotypes for commercial purpose, a genetic component underlying these differences would be required. In this study we determined the heritability of larval fat accumulation in the common housefly (Musca domestica L.). A nested paternal half-sib breeding design resulted in a total of 47 full-sib families, which produced in total 633 larvae, each phenotyped for their dry weight and fat content (absolute and relative). Adult selection was strictly standardized to reduce the variation in fat content induced by differences in development time during the immature stages: sires and dams were separated according to their pupation day and emergence day, and subsequently pooled into randomized groups. Two animal models were built to estimate the heritability of larval fat accumulation: (1) a Markov Chain Monte Carlo linear mixed model (MCMCglmm) where three sets of priors were used, and (2) one based on linear mixed model using restricted maximum likelihood (ASReml). The results showed a moderate heritability for larval absolute fat content for both MCMCglmm (between 0.30 and 0.38, depending on the set of prior used) and ASReml (0.37 ± 0.11). Slightly higher estimates were obtained for the relative fat content with both the MCMCglmm (between 0.34-0.48) and ASReml (0.47 ± 0.10). In contrast, heritability estimates for larval dry weight were low and could be obtained only with the MCMCglmm model (between 0.11-0.22). This work provides valuable insights into the quantitative genetics of larval fat characteristics, a trait of high relevance for the emerging sector producing insects for feed and food.

Effect of two larval diets on the reproductive parameters of the housefly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera, Muscidae)

Abstract Deep understanding of the optimal reproductive and biological parameters is necessary to obtain the maximum egg production in captive rearing of Musca domestica, the common housefly. The effect of larval diet is explored in this study, using two different media: poultry manure and an artificial medium based on cereals mixed with meat. The preimaginal mortality and development time, with other reproductive parameters that indirectly affect adult fecundity as: ovary and wing size, fluctuating asymmetry, and cuticular hydrocarbon composition, were analysed. The results show that poultry manure was related with better efficacy values, lower larval mortality rate, and a sex-dependent effect in fecundity. Asymmetry fluctuation and different hydrocarbon composition was detected in females. The females from larvae that grew on manure presented bigger ovaries and oocytes, but a smaller number of ovarioles per ovary. Their morphological asymmetry was also lower; and the cuticular hydrocarbon composition was distinct from the rest of the adults, with more alkanes and less alkenes than males or females related with the artificial diet. As conclusion, the effect of larval substrate on the survival and fecundity parameters is evident. The implications for the mass production of the house fly as animal feed are also indicated.

How to prove neglect in the context of the post-mortem examination

Understanding the causes, extent, and period of neglect is not only a medical but also a forensic task when it comes to legal investigations. In this study, we evaluated 46 autopsied cases where there was clear evidence of physical neglect during the last period of the deceased’s life. The age of the deceased ranged from 21 to 96 years; most of them were female (71.7%). The majority of cases (89.9%) took place in a domestic environment, with partners or relatives providing care. The most frequent post-mortem findings were pressure sores, followed by inflammatory skin changes, and signs of malnutrition and dehydration. Neglect was the cause or co-cause of death in 23% of the cases. More than half of the deceased showed severe contamination of the skin surface by excrement, and in almost 40% of the cases, fly infestation was found. The majority of insects belonged to the group of house flies (Diptera: Muscidae), mainly the common house fly, Musca domestica. By analyzing the entomological evidence, it was possible to prove an insect infestation period of at least several days ante-mortem. Since the period of neglect may be relevant in terms of legal proceedings, the present work demonstrates the particular importance of insect traces in providing this evidence. While prosecution and conviction of caregivers remain challenging, it is all the more essential that entomology and legal medicine collaborate on the analysis of findings of neglect.

An update on the occurrence of flies (Diptera: Muscidae, Calliphoridae) and sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) of veterinary importance in Malta: First record of Lucilia cuprina and Linognathus africanus.

To obtain new data on the species diversity, host associations and spatiotemporal occurrence of flies and blood-sucking lice of veterinary importance in Malta, ectoparasites were collected at cattle, sheep and goat, pig farms, as well as dog shelters, and in two places in the absence of domestic animals. The species were identified morphologically, but voucher specimens were also analyzed with molecular-phylogenetic methods following DNA extraction. Altogether 3,095 flies (Diptera: Muscidae, Calliphoridae) were collected at farms and kennels near domestic animals, as well as 37 blowflies (Calliphoridae) in rural and urban areas without animals nearby. Regarding Muscidae, the great majority of flies (n = 3,084) were identified as the common housefly (Musca domestica). Eight flies represented the stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans). Three blowflies associated with dogs and small ruminants belonged to Lucilia cuprina. By contrast, all 37 blowflies collected without domestic animals nearby, were identified as Lucilia sericata. In addition, 22 sucking lice were collected from goats, and all belonged to Linognathus africanus. Molecular identification of 28 flies and four lice confirmed the above species. Considering the sex ratio of M. domestica among samples collected randomly at cattle farms, females predominated in the whole study period, but the abundance of males increased significantly toward the autumn. Stomoxys calcitrans was associated with cattle and dogs, whereas L. cuprina was found near small ruminants and dogs. To our knowledge, this is the first study including the molecular analysis of flies and lice of veterinary-medical importance from Malta. The most important finding of this study is the first evidence for the autochthonous occurrence of L. cuprina in Malta. The exclusive presence of L. cuprina at animal-keeping facilities in rural areas and association of L. sericata with urban areas void of livestock might reflect similar habitat preference of these species in Malta to what was reported in South Africa. Based on the sucking-louse burden in the examined goat herds, the situation in Malta was similar to northern Africa where the exclusive presence of L. africanus was reported, unlike toward the north in the Mediterranean Basin where populations of this species are mixed with Linognathus stenopsis.

Alpha-Cypermethrin Resistance in Musca domestica: Resistance Instability, Realized Heritability, Risk Assessment, and Insecticide Cross-Resistance.

Musca domestica L., the common house fly, is a cosmopolitan carrier of human and livestock disease pathogens. The species exhibits resistance to many insecticides; therefore, effective M. domestica insecticide resistance management programs are required worldwide. In the present study, the development of alpha-cypermethrin resistance, realized heritability (h2), instability of resistance trait (DR), and cross-resistance (CR) was investigated in an alpha-cypermethrin-selected M. domestica strain (Alpha-Sel) across 24 generations (Gs). Compared with an alpha-cypermethrin-unselected strain (Alpha-Unsel), resistance to alpha-cypermethrin increased from 46.4-fold (G5) to 474.2-fold (G24) in Alpha-Sel females and 41.0-fold (G5) to 253.2-fold (G24) in Alpha-Sel males. Alpha-cypermethrin resistance declined by between -0.10 (G5) and -0.05 (G24) in both M. domestica sexes without insecticide exposure for 24 generations. The h2 of alpha-cypermethrin resistance was 0.17 and 0.18 for males and females, respectively, in G1-G24. With selection intensities of 10-90%, the G values required for a tenfold increase in the LC50 of alpha-cypermethrin were 6.3-53.7, 4.1-33.8, and 3.0-24.7, given h2 values of 0.17, 0.27, and 0.37, respectively, and a constant slope of 2.1 for males and h2 values of 0.18, 0.28, and 0.38, respectively, and a constant slope of 2.0 for females. Compared with Alpha-Unsel, Alpha-Sel M. domestica exhibited moderate CR to bifenthrin (15.5-fold), deltamethrin (28.4-fold), and cyfluthrin (16.8-fold), low CR to two pyrethroids and five organophosphates, and no CR to insect growth regulators. The instability of resistance trait, low h2, and absent or low CR associated with alpha-cypermethrin resistance in M. domestica indicate resistance could be managed with rotational use of the insecticide.

The effects of common house fly (Musca domestica) larvaederived substances on wound healing in mouse model

The effects of common house fly (Musca domestica) larvaederived substances on wound healing in mouse model

Insight into bioavailability of various insect meals for European perch (Perca fluviatilis): A nutritional and stable isotopic evaluation

The present study evaluated nutritional composition, stable isotopic signature, apparent digestibility coefficient (ADCs), and relative contribution of seven insect meals, namely black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) (BSF), common housefly (Musca domestica) (CHF), yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) (YMW), lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) (LMW), house cricket (Acheta domesticus) (HC), banded cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus) (BC) and field cricket (Gryllus assimilis) (FC), on European perch (Perca fluviatilis), a potential aquaculture species in Europe.Nutritional composition on a dry matter basis varied widely across insect species. YMW, HC, and BC appeared to contain high protein content (>70%), whereas lower content was found in defatted BSF, LMW, and CHF (ranging 55–59%), adult FC remained intermediate (66.83%). Lipid levels were highest in LMW and CHF (27.72% and 26.53%, respectively), medium in BSF, HC, BC and FC, and lowest in the highly defatted YMW (8.14%). Methionine and lysine were the first limiting amino acids in all insect meals. Heatmap visualization indicated considerable similarity in amino acid profile between fishmeal and YMW. Most insect meals contain a high amount of saturated, monosaturated fatty acids and a lack of n-3 fatty acids. Although macro-minerals were lower in insect meals than in fishmeal, the trace minerals of YMW, BSF, HC, and FC surpassed fishmeal, implying that insect meals are an excellent source of trace minerals.The digestibility of nutrients and energy differed significantly among insect meals. Dry matter ADC varied from 67.91% (YMW) to 85.02% (LMW), with LMW and CHF significantly higher than YMW. Protein ADC was lowest in YMW (69.03%) and greatest in LMW (91.94%) and CHF (93.53%). BSF and HC exerted absolute lipid digestibility (104.86 and 99.99%, respectively), followed by LMW (94.75%), whereas BC had the lowest lipid digestibility among insect meals. Energy digestibility favored BSF, CHF, FC, HC, and LMW, but not BC and YMW. Ash and phosphorus digestibility did not differ among insect meals.FC contributed significantly to perch muscle development (mean and interquartile range; 23.9, 10.6–33.8%), followed by CHF (19.8%, 8.8–29.7%), whereas BC imprints relatively low contribution (12.6%, 7.4–17.4%). The stable isotope and mixing models provide insight into the role of ingredients in the accretion of perch muscle as well as in nutritional complementarity among them in satisfying nutrient requirements, thus growth performance of perch.

Essential Oils from Cameroonian Aromatic Plants as Effective Insecticides against Mosquitoes, Houseflies, and Moths.

Recently, spices have attracted the attention of scientists and agrochemical companies for their potential as insecticidal and acaricidal agents, and even as repellents to replace synthetic compounds that are labeled with detrimental impacts on environment and human and animal health. In this framework, the aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal potential of the essential oils (EOs) obtained from three Cameroonian aromatic plants, namely Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal, Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich., and Aframomum citratum (J. Pereira) K. Schum. They were produced by hydrodistillation, with yields of 3.84, 4.89, and 0.85%, respectively. The chemical composition was evaluated by GC-MS analysis. The EOs and their major constituents (i.e., geraniol, sabinene, α-pinene, p-cymene, α-phellandrene, and β-pinene) were tested against the polyphagous moth pest, i.e., Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), the common housefly, Musca domestica L., and the filariasis and arbovirus mosquito vector, Culex quinquefasciatus Say. Our results showed that M. myristica and X. aethiopica EOs were the most effective against M. domestica adults, being effective on both males (22.1 µg adult−1) and females (LD50: 29.1 µg adult−1). The M. myristica EO and geraniol showed the highest toxicity on S. littoralis, with LD50(90) values of 29.3 (123.5) and 25.3 (83.2) µg larva−1, respectively. Last, the EOs from M. myristica and X. aethiopica, as well as the major constituents p-cymene and α-phellandrene, were the most toxic against C. quinquefasciatus larvae. The selected EOs may potentially lead to the production of cheap and effective botanical insecticides for African smallholders, although the development of effective formulations, a safety evaluation, and an in-depth study of their efficacy on different insect species are needed.

Nutrient digestibility of diets containing five different insect meals in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

In the recent years, insect meals have been studied as alternative feed ingredients for aquafeeds, due to their adequate nutrient composition and low ecological footprint. These studies involve nutrient digestibility measurements, as they provide valuable information on the ability of fish to utilize insect meal efficiently. In this context, the current study evaluated the nutrient digestibility in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fed diets with five different insect meals. For this investigation, diets including 19.5 % of each insect meal from yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor – TM), black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens – HI), common housefly (Musca domestica – MD), super worm (Zophobas morio – ZM) or lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus – AD) and a control fish meal (FM) diet were tested. In European sea bass, TM and MD diets showed similar dry matter, protein, fat, energy, and organic matter ADCs among each other as well as with the FM diet (P > 0.05). However, adjusted protein ADC of TM and ZM diets (93.4 – 93.6 %) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to the FM diet (91.9 %). Fat ADC was similar in all dietary groups (88.6–92.4 %; P > 0.05). The HI diet exhibited significantly lower dry matter, protein and organic matter ADCs compared to the FM diet (P < 0.05). Moreover, the AD diet presented significantly lower digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter and energy than the FM diet (P < 0.05). The dietary contents of crude fiber and ash, and the inclusion of plant feedstuffs correlated negatively with various ADCs (P < 0.05). Regarding gilthead sea bream, the ADCs of dry matter, organic matter, protein, adjusted protein and energy were not affected by the different dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Fat ADC of the TM diet (73.6 %) was significantly lower compared to the other five diets (78.9–84.3 %; P < 0.05). The individual amino acid ADCs values were found to be very high in all experimental diets (90.9 – 98.0 % for European sea bass and 88.9 – 97.2 % for gilthead sea bream). In sea bass, the variation in crude protein and adjusted protein ADCs was strongly reflected on the individual amino acid ADCs. Nevertheless, the “true protein digestibility” as expressed by the sum of amino acids was not affected by the insect inclusion compared to the FM diet (P > 0.05), while a significant difference was observed between the ZM and HI diets (95.9 % and 94.1 % respectively; P < 0.05). In sea bream, the sum of amino acids and the individual amino acid ADC values did not differ among the experimental diets (P > 0.05) except for methionine (P < 0.05). Conclusively, in sea bream all diets exhibited similar overall digestibility. In sea bass, compared to the FM diet, TM and MD diets had similar or even slightly better digestibility, whilst diets HI and AD presented lower overall digestibility.

Novel insecticidal 1,6-dihydro-6-iminopyridazine derivatives as competitive antagonists of insect RDL GABA receptors.

The ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor (iGABAR) is an important target for insecticides and parasiticides. Our previous studies showed that competitive antagonists (CAs) of insect iGABARs have the potential to be used for developing novel insecticides and that the structural modification of gabazine (a representative CA of mammalian iGABARs) could lead to the identification of novel CAs of insect iGABARs. In the present study, a novel series of 1,3-di- and 1,3,5-trisubstituted 1,6-dihydro-6-iminopyridazines (DIPs) was designed using a versatile strategy and synthesized using facile methods. Electrophysiological studies showed that several target DIPs (30 μM) exhibited excellent antagonistic activities against common cutworm and housefly iGABARs consisting of RDL subunits. The IC50 values of 3-(4-methoxyphenyl), 3-(4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl), 3-(4-biphenylylphenyl), 3-(2-naphthyl), 3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl), and 3,5-(4-methoxyphenyl) analogs ranged from 2.2 to 24.8μM. Additionally, several 1,3-disubstituted DIPs, especially 3-(4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl) and 3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl) analogs, exhibited moderate insecticidal activity against common cutworm larvae, with >60% mortality at a concentration of 100 mg kg-1 . Molecular docking studies showed that the oxygen atom on the three-substituted aromatic ring could form a hydrogen bond with Arg254, which may enhance the activity of these DIPs against housefly iGABARs. This systematic study indicated that the presence of a carboxyl side chain shorter by one methylene than that of gabazine at the 1-position of the pyridazine ring is effective for maintaining the stable binding of these DIPs in insect iGABARs. Our study provides important information for the design of novel insect iGABAR CAs. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nutritive Value of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) as Economical and Alternative Feedstuff for Poultry Diet

Recently, insects have gained importance as viable protein-rich feedstuff with better productivity and feed efficiency for livestock and pet animal feeds. The most potential species are the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), and common house fly (Musca domestica). Amongst these insects, the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) contains high protein and fat with the amino acid profile in H. illucens larvae equivalent to that of various protein-rich feedstuffs, such as fish meal and soybean meal. This review aimed to illustrate the reputation of black soldier fly larva meal as a substitute to conservative, expensive, and ecologically threatening crops by guaranteeing a productive, inexpensive, organic, and perpetual source of non-conventional protein feedstuff for poultry production of broilers and layers. It can be concluded that the black soldier fly sometimes has very similar and significant effects on the productivity, health, and product quality of birds, compared to soybean and fishmeal.

Influence of preparative form on the target efficiency and toxicity of the solid insecticide based on pyrethroid and neonicatinoid

The influence of solid preparative form was studied on the «GET Dry» insecticide based on alpha-cypermethrin and imidacloprid. The target efficiency as acute and residual impact was studied when agent was applied against the bedbugs (Cimex hemipterus), German cockroach (Blatella germanica), common house flies (Musca domestica) and larvae of the leather beetles (Attagenus smirnovi). The agent demonstrated strong acute effect (about 100%) when applied against the cockroaches, bugs, and flies. Moreover, the agent demonstrates the residual impact on the cockroaches, flies, fleas for 45 days, and on the bugs for 30 days. The slight insecticidal activity was observed when the agent was applied against the larvae. We studied toxicity of the agent, LD50, when swallowed (moderately hazardous substances, class III) and when applied to the skin (low-hazard substance, class IV) as well as studied its inhalation hazard according to its volatility С 20 °C, irritant action when applied to the skin (slight) and eye irritation (moderate). Sensibilizing action was not observed.

Insect as feed ingredients for pigs.

Among edible insects, black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), and common housefly (Musca domestica) have been considered as an alternative protein source for pigs. Because they are easy to breed and grow in the organic wastes, and they have well-balanced nutritional value as a protein source for pigs. The black soldier fly larvae and mealworm could replace the fish meal in the diets for weaned pigs without adverse effects on growth performance and nutrient digestibility. Black soldier fly could also be included in the finishing pig’s diet without any negative effects on the growth performance and pork quality of the market pigs. Insect products showed a greater standardized ileal digestibility value of amino acids than conventional animal proteins in growing pigs. Due to the limited amount of insect products used for pig feeding study, most previous pig studies have been conducted in weaned pigs. Thus, further study is needed about the optimal inclusion level of insect products in every phase diet from weaned pigs to sows. The use of insect products in swine diets has some challenges in terms of cost, supply, and safety. Lastly, intrinsic differences among insect species, processing method, and feeding phase should be taken into consideration for the use of insect products in the swine diets.

The Contact/Fumigant Adulticidal Effect of Egyptian Oils against the House Fly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)

The common housefly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) is a cosmopolitan pest of a major medical and veterinary importance acting as a mechanical vector of pathogens. This study evaluated the toxicity of six essential oils against adult M. domestica through contact/fumigant toxicity bioassays. The most effective oil was radish, followed by camphor, mustard, thyme, garlic, and rosemary. The mortality (MO)% 60 min, post-treatment (PT) with 2% of camphor, garlic, mustard, radish, rosemary, and thyme oils were 90.00, 83.33, 86.66, 93.33, 83.33, and 86.66%, respectively. After treatment for one hour, the median lethal concentration, LC50 of camphor, garlic, mustard, radish, rosemary, and thyme were 0.305, 0.450, 0.366, 0.250, 0.475, and 0.405%, respectively. The corresponding LC99 values were 2.54, 3.19, 2.92, 2.30, 3.14, and 2.96%, respectively. Their toxicity indices were 81.97, 55.56, 68.31, 100.00, 52.63, and 61.73%, respectively. After treatment with 2%, their median lethal time (LT50) values were 16.52, 19.99, 18.29, 16.44, 18.73, and 17.92 min, respectively. The adulticidal effect of radish, mustard, camphor, and rosemary against house flies had a novelty record and the current investigation concluded that all applied oils were effective adulticides. Radish oil was the most potent oil followed by camphor, mustard, and thyme, whereas garlic and rosemary were less effective oils; therefore, the promising oils merit further investigations regarding their field application and ecotoxicological studies.

Involvement of Follicular Patency in the Ovarian Developmental Block in Virus-infected, MdSGHV, House Flies, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae).

The Musca domestica salivary gland hypertrophy virus (MdSGHV) is known to have marked effects on the female Musca domestica L. (or common house fly) reproductive system, particularly regarding the size and functionality of the ovaries. Examination of the terminal ovarian follicles can help determine if and how MdSGHV mechanistically causes the block in ovarian development. In this study, terminal ovarian follicle lengths were measured and monitored for patency using Trypan blue dye staining. We examined the effect of MdSGHV infection on female house fly ovarian follicles and attempted to rescue the diminished ovarian follicles in MdSGHV-infected house flies through the application of a hormonal treatment (i.e., methoprene). Comparison of patency in control saline-injected females, virus-injected females with no methoprene application, and virus-injected females with topical methoprene application revealed that none of the virus-infected flies showed an increase in terminal follicular length beyond stage 3 follicles (staging according to Adams 1974). Additionally, none showed evidence of patency. In control, saline-injected females, we found the threshold length of the terminal follicles for the onset of patency to be 600 µm. When examined at 48, 72, and 96 h post-eclosion, average follicle length for infected females seldom reached 250 µm and they also failed to display patency. Thus, the virus is somehow involved in shutting down the mechanism involved in follicular patency. The lack of patency in infected follicles may also be one of the determining factors preventing vertical transmission of the pathogen.