Environmental Entomology (2006) 35, 194-200

A. Russo, G.E. Cocuzza, M.C. Vasta, M. Simola and G. Virone (2006)
Life fertility tables of Piophila casei L. (Diptera: Piophilidae) reared at five different temperatures
Environmental Entomology 35 (2), 194-200
Abstract: Piophila casei L. or cheese skipper is a well-known fly with a controversial role: it is considered harmful in the food industries but important in nature as a detritivore and useful for studies in forensic entomology. The temperature response of P. casei was studied at five constant temperatures: 15, 19, 25, 28, and 32°C. The lowest mortality percentage of eggs was recorded at 15°C and the highest at 32°C. Conversely, less mortality was observed for maggots at higher temperatures. The developmental time from first instar to adult decreased with temperature reaching the lowest value at 32°C (13.7 d). Adult longevity was strongly affected by temperature, decreasing from 20.5 d at 15°C to 6.6 d at 32°C. Mean total fecundity per female was higher at 25°C and lower at 15 and 19°C, whereas the best performance in mean daily total fecundity per female was recorded at 32°C. Male longevity followed a similar trend to the one observed for females. The net reproductive rate (R₀) was greatest at 25°C, whereas the highest r_m was recorded at 32°C. At this latter temperature, the highest mean generation time (T) and doubling time (D) were also observed. The finite rate of increase (lambda) was augmented slightly with higher temperatures.
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Database assignments for author(s): Giuseppe E. Massimino Cocuzza, Agatino Russo

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Piophila casei