Developmental biology and assessment of post-harvest preference of Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) on fish

Abstract

The ecologically important blow fly, C. megacephala (F.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) which have great importance in forensic, veterinary and medical sciences was attempted to multiply on fish, Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) in the laboratory at 29 plus or minus 2 degree celsius, 60 plus or minus 5 percentage RH. The aim of the study was to understand their biology on fish and evaluate their attraction preference towards post-harvest stages of fish. The flies were multiplied for 5 generations and the biological parameters were; hatching time 0.754 to 0.756 days, larval period 5.1 to 5.5 days, percentage pupation 91-94 percentage, pupal period 5.04 days to 5.9 days, percent adult emergence 89.6 to 92.3 percentage, sex ratio 1 colon 1, male longevity of 24.9 to 26.4 days and female longevity 26.1 to 27.4 days. These parameters were at par with those reared on usual rearing medium beef, while the total developmental time was 11.1 to 11.8 days which was higher than 10.9 days on beef. The results indicated that fish is a suitable medium to rear the flies and development occur at a faster rate. The preference studies indicated that after harvest, the flies prefer 1-2 day old fish and underlines the right time to take adequate precautions to prevent post-harvest loss by blow flies.