Comparison of longevity in male and female Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Authors

  • Andrew Ryan Crider

Abstract

Females and males of many creatures including insects differ in regards to various traits including longevity.  Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), the secondary screwworm, is a medically and forensically relevant insect due to its infestation of necrotic tissue on cadavers and living organisms.  Screwworms both female and male were reared from captured adults and their longevity was charted.  It was determined that female and male C. macellaria exhibit no significant differences with regards to longevity.  C. macellaria are similar to other carrion-feeding Diptera and commonly feature in cases of myiasis or cadaver infestation.  The results increased understanding of C. macellaria development and may inform further research on its role in medical and forensic entomology.

References

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Published

2016-02-12