Immature Stages And Developmental Biology Of Two Muscid Flies (Cyclorrhapha: Diptera) Which Breed In Carrion In Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Two muscid flies of forensic importance, Morellia nilotica (Leow) and Alluaudinella flavicornis (Macquart) breed in carrion in Southern Nigeria. M. nilotica and A. flavicornis were bred in rotting beef meat. Morphological descriptions and developmental rates of the eggs, larval instars, and pupae are given. Average developmental rate of M. nilotica from egg to adult is 14.7 days, and A. flavicornis, 18.4 days. Keys to eggs, larval instars and pupae are given.

Keywords: Eggs, larval instars, pupae, developmental rates

The Zoologist Vol. 6 2008: pp. 1-6