Common Housefly Research Articles

Cloning and characterization of three Musca domestica yolk protein genes.

The yolk protein (yp) genes encode the major nutritional polypeptides deposited in developing oocytes for subsequent utilization during embryogenesis, and represent a highly conserved family of genes in higher Diptera. Originally isolated from Drosophila melanogaster, they are expressed in a temporal-, tissue- and sex-specific manner in all species in which they have been identified. We report here the isolation of cDNAs encoding three independent yolk proteins from the common housefly, Musca domestica. Expression of the three M. domestica yp genes is analysed both by Northern and in-situ hybridization. We discuss in an evolutionary context both the significance of the expression patterns, and regions of apparent polypeptide sequence divergence.

An insect model for assessing mercury toxicity: Effect of mercury on antioxidant enzyme activities of the housefly (Musca domestica) and the cabbage looper moth (Trichoplusia ni)

The effect of mercury as Hg2Cl2 and HgCl2 on the antioxidant enzyme levels and its toxicity was investigated in an insect model comprised of adult females of the common housefly, Musca domestica, and fourth-instar larvae of the cabbage looper moth, Trichoplusia ni. HgCl2 was found to be more toxic than Hg2Cl2 to both M. domestica and T. ni. The LC50s for M. domestica were 1.17% and 0.38% w/v concentration for Hg2Cl2 and HgCl2, respectively. For the more tolerant T. ni, the LC50S were 5.15% for Hg2Cl2 and 0.96% w/w concentration for HgCl2. The minimally acute LC5 dose of both oxidation states of Hg was approximately 0.005% for both insects (w/v for M. domestica and w/w for T. ni). At the LC5, both forms of Hg significantly induced the activity of superoxide dismutase in both insect species. Catalase was induced by both Hg2Cl2 and HgCl2 in M. domestica but was only induced by HgCl2 in T. ni. Glutathione-S-transferase, its peroxidase activity, and glutathione reductase activities were also significantly altered in most cases by Hg in both insects although the pattern of alternation was different between the two insects. It is evident that mercury induces oxidative stress in insects as it does in vertebrates. Our findings suggest that insects may serve as a valuable, non-mammalian model species to assess Hg-induced oxidative stress as a component of environmental toxicity.

Characterization of a Bacillus thuringiensis strain which is toxic to the housefly Musca domestica.

A Bacillus thuringiensis isolate has been discovered which is toxic to the common housefly (Musca domestica) as well as other Diptera and Lepidoptera. Crystal delta-endotoxins purified from this isolate killed 50% of Musca larvae at a concentration of 10.2 micrograms/ml, and beta-exotoxin was not detected. Sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified crystals revealed three protein species which were related to CryIA(b), CryIB and CryIIA toxins on the basis of immunoreactivity and amino-terminal sequence determination. Southern blot and DNA restriction analyses suggested that the strain has sequences related to one cryIA(b), one cryIIA, and two cryIIB genes.

Characterization of a Bacillus thuringiensis strain which is toxic to the housefly Musca domestica

A Bacillus thuringiensis isolate has been discovered which is toxic to the common housefly (Musca domestica) as well as other Diptera and Lepidoptera. Crystal delta-endotoxins purified from this isolate killed 50% of Musca larvae at a concentration of 10.2 micrograms/ml, and beta-exotoxin was not detected. Sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified crystals revealed three protein species which were related to CryIA(b), CryIB and CryIIA toxins on the basis of immunoreactivity and amino-terminal sequence determination. Southern blot and DNA restriction analyses suggested that the strain has sequences related to one cryIA(b), one cryIIA, and two cryIIB genes.

An investigation of the efficacy of organotin compounds for the control of the cotton stainer, Dysdercus cingulatus, the mosquito,Anophelese stephensi, and the common house fly, Musca domestica

AbstractA series of commercial organotin compounds was screened for efficacy against the three insect species Dysdercus cingulatus (cotton stainer), Anophelese stephensi (mosquito) and Musca domestica (house fly). Tributyltin species in the general order Bu3SnCl>(Bu3Sn)2O>Bu3Sn(linoleate) were more effective than two triphenyltin compounds. Tricyclohexyltin hydroxide, dimethyltin chloride, phenyltin trichloride and a diethyltin dichloridephenanthroline adduct were less effective.

A convenient reduction of alkylated tosylmethyl isocyanides : Applications for the synthesis of natural products

A convenient and simple method for the reduction of mono- and diatkylated tosylmethyl isocyanides with lithium in liquid ammonia to corresponding hydrocarbons is described. The utility of this methodology adopted in the synthesis of tricos-9Z-ene. (7g), a. sex pheromone of common house fly, (-)-1S.5R, 7S-exo-brevicomin (17), an antipode of sex pheromone of Western pine beetle and (4S,5S)-5-hydroxy-4-decanolide (L-factor, 19), a proposed autoregulator for leukaemomycin biosynthesis.

Exudate from cassava leaves

The exudate from the midribs and petioles of cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves is composed mostly of fructofuranosides and reducing sugars with few amino acids and no cyanide. Serial sections of the specific sites where the exudate appeared did not reveal the presence of structural nectaries. The fresh exudate was harmless to both common house flies and mosquitoes, which may indicate that the exudate is not a protective factor against insect attack to the cassava plants. It is considered that the exudate is simply secretion from the sieve elements or the companion cells while translocation is taking place at night.

Copper concentrations in flies ( Musca domestica L.) as a means of identifying their breeding sites

A preliminary method, employing the determination of copper concentrations in common houseflies ( Musca domestica L.), was developed to determine the breeding sites of flies at animal production facilities. The results indicated that copper concentrations found in flies bred in pig manure were twice as high as those found in flies bred in chicken manure.

The avoidance of superparasitism in four species of parasitic wasp—Mathematical models and experimental results

SummaryExperimental results, and interpretation, are presented which relate to oviposition behaviour in four species of parasitic wasp (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). All lay their eggs in pupae of the common house fly (Musca domestica) and of other flies associated with man. Probability models suggested byD. J. Daley for describing the avoidance of superparasitism are used to analyse the data. Certain of the models considered by previous authors appear as specieal cases. A satisfactory fit was obtained either by assuming a fixed probability of oviposition in an already parasitised pupa, or by using a model motivated by supposing that a female will tolerate without oviposition some fixed number of visits to already parasitised pupae. A third model was considered which makes the probability depend on the number of previous ovipositions in the pupae now visited. In all four species the presence of other females (with parasite: host ratio unchanged) increased the probability of oviposition upon encountering an already parasitised pupa. In the presence of other females Spalangia endius laid an increased number of eggs, whereas the other three species laid fewer eggs.

Seasonal breeding structure in house fly, Musca domestica L., populations

Allelic and genotypic frequencies were studied in four adult age groups of the common house fly. Electrophoresis was used to monitor allele frequencies at the Adh locus and three Amy loci at six farms on ten sampling dates from January to November 1983. No departures from random mating were noted. No differences in allele frequencies were found among sexes or age groups. Alleles at all loci showed seasonal trends. Frequency changes at Adh and Amy— loci were large and occurred in parallel among all farms. Changes in the Amy+ loci were small. At each locus, gene frequencies were statistically significantly different among farms, but differences were slight and not suggestive of strong local adaptation. Allele frequencies were stable from autumn to spring in the overall population, but frequencies monitored at a single farm drifted significantly from estimates in the founding autumn subpopulation. In spring, allele frequencies were heterogeneous among farms due to genetic drift during winter. This differentiation diminished rapidly in June. Spatial genie differentiation was pronounced among flies 0–3 days old, but older flies were panmictic. Seasonal trends in gene frequencies among farms were similar in 1982 and 1983.

Temporal and spatial trends in allozyme frequencies in house fly populations, Musca domestica L.

Allelic and genotypic frequencies were sampled from a single age class of the common house fly, Musca domestica L., at five farms on six dates from July 6 to October 12, 1982. Allozymes at six loci were resolved with vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. No consistent departures from random mating were detected. No consistent linkage disequilibrium was observed. Allele frequencies at the farms changed in independent and unpredictable ways. Gene frequencies at the five farms were initially divergent, converged in midsummer, and then progressively diverged. The divergence occured in mid-August when fly populations were large. Variation in gene frequencies at adjacent farms accounted for a large proportion of the variance in allele frequencies among all farms. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that allele frequencies in young adult flies reflected the habitat in which they matured as larvae.

Occupational allergy to the common house fly (Musca domestica): Use of immunologic response to identify atmospheric allergen

A 48-year-old scientific worker developed rhinitis that occurred when she entered the housefly ( Musca domestica) rearing room where she worked. She was found to have specific IgE antibody to M. domestica in her serum by RAST. She was relocated at work and avoided further occupational exposure to M. domestica. The level of specific IgE decreased in serial samples but subsequently increased after her inadvertent reexposure at work. Extracts of fly-cage dust and of high volume atmospheric samples from the fly-rearing room inhibited the M. domestica RAST in a dose-dependent fashion. After logit transformation the lines of inhibition of the fly cage dust and of the atmospheric samples were parallel and steeper than the selfinhibition by M. domestica, implying the cage dust and atmospheric samples shared antigens not present in the M. domestica extract. This method of monitoring atmospheric antigen has considerable potential for evaluating the effectiveness of environmental change in the workplace.

The common housefly as a simple, inexpensive bioassay for neurotoxins: Bernard, C. Abbott, Alvin Siger and Maria Ross (Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.)

The common housefly as a simple, inexpensive bioassay for neurotoxins: Bernard, C. Abbott, Alvin Siger and Maria Ross (Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.)

A new stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-9-tricosene, the sex attractant of the common housefly

“Muscalure” (9-tricosene) was prepared very readily by an instant-ylid reaction in a highly cis-selective manner although it was found difficult to assess the (Z/E)-ratio with accuracy.

Erynia pieris (Zygomycetes: Entomophthoraceae), a new pathogen of Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae): description, host range, and notes on Erynia virescens

Erynia pieris Li & Humber (Entomophthorales: Entomophthoraceae) is described for a fungus originally isolated from Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). The fungus grows and sporulates well on standard mycological media. Primary conidia are ovoid to obovoid, 21–33 × 11–24 μm (averaging 26 × 16 μm, with a length/width ratio of 1.60), uninucleate, bitunicate, and forcibly discharged from bifurcate or irregularly branched conidiophores. Secondary through quaternary conidia are more nearly globose than primary conidia. Nuclei contain prominent, readily stained chromosomal granulations. Cystidia emerge from the host body before the conidiophores, are only slightly thicker than conidiophores at the base, and taper to a blunt apex. Rhizoids are monohyphal on lepidopterans, are little thicker than vegetative hyphae, and have no discoid terminal holdfast; rhizoidal morphology varies considerably between lepidopterous and nonlepidopterous hosts. No resting spores were observed. Laboratory studies demonstrated the pathogenicity of cultures of this fungus on several other lepidopterans (Estigmene acrea, Heliothis zea, Heliothis virescens, Trichoplusia ni, Spodoptera eridania). on the common housefly (Musca domestica), and on potato leafhopper (Etnpoasca fabae). Erynia virescens (Thax.) Remaudière & Hennebert is emended and compared with E. pieris; both species are assigned to Erynia subg. Furia (Batko) Li & Humber, comb. nov. Furia differs from other Erynia subgenera by the presence of cystidia as thick as conidiophores and of rhizoids no thicker than vegetative hyphae and having no differentiated terminal holdfasts, and by the absence of secondary capilliconidia.

A convenient reduction of dialkylated tosylmethyl isocyanide

Dialkylated tosylmethyl isocyanides have been conveniently reduced to the corresponding hydrocarbons with lithium in liquid ammonia. This process has been successfully utilised in the synthesis of (Z)-9-tricosene - a sex pheromone of common house fly.

Role of the common house fly (Musca domestica) in the spread of ulcerative lymphangitis.

Role of the common house fly (Musca domestica) in the spread of ulcerative lymphangitis.

Flies associated with cattle in south west Scotland during the summer months

The sheep headfly, Hydrotaea irritans, and Morellia simplex were the species most frequently associated with cattle at pasture and comprised 69.01 per cent and 13.93 per cent, respectively, of the total fly collection made from grazing cattle. The most prevalent biting fly was Haematobosca stimulans which comprised 4.46 per cent of the total catch. A few clegs, Haematopota pluvialis, and horse flies, Hybomitra distinguenda, were also recorded. A few of the headflies swarming around cattle entered milking parlours and byres and made up, at 38.23 per cent, the highest percentage of the total fly collection from these buildings. Headflies congregated on the windows, particularly those in the roof. Lesser numbers of the flies, Hydrotaea albipuncta, Morellia simplex and Trichopticoides decolor, with similar feeding habits to H irritans were also collected from these windows with a number of those species attracted to excrement. The biting muscids, Stomoxys calcitrans and Haematobosca stimulans, were collected mainly from the outside surfaces at the entrance to milking parlours and byres and comprised 23.53 per cent and 11.18 per cent, respectively, of the total fly collection from these buildings. Stomoxys calcitrans, the stable fly was present on every sample taken from calf houses and comprised 63.79 per cent of the total fly collection from these houses. Two other species, Sepsis violacea and the common housefly Musca domestica, were present on occasions in significant numbers and comprised 20.69 per cent and 9.48 per cent, respectively, of the total fly collection from calf houses.

The developmental anatomy of the tracheal system ofMusca Domestica NebuloFabr. (Diptera-Cyclorrhapha-Muscidae)

Summary This paper deals with the developmental anatomy of the tracheal system of Musca domestica nebulo, Fabr., the common Indian housefly. The tracheal system of the various developmental stages, viz. the larva, the prepupa, the pupa and the adult, though it shows a basic morphological similarity, at every stage of development is modified to suit the metamorphic changes undergone by the developing stage. The modifications occur in the number of functional spiracles, the tracheal branching and the tracheal air sacs.

Mapping of the salivary gland chromosomes of Musca domestica (Muscidae: Diptera).

The present investigations deal with the mapping of the salivary gland chromosomes of the common house fly, Musca domestica (Muscidae: Diptera).Cytological map for five pairs of long, synapsed, polytene chromosomes has been constructed and a detailed description is presented for each chromosomal arm. They have been designated and classified purely in an arbitrarily fashion. The chromosomal complement of Musca domestica has been divided into 43 zones. A definite chromocentre is absent. Each chromosome has a separate centromere which serves as a marker to separate its right and left arms.The pair I constituted by the sex chromosomes has not been observed. They may be largely inert.