RESUMEN
This study reports the occurrence of Tachinaephagus zealandicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) parasitizing pupae of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) associated with a decomposing rat carcass in a secondary wood area in Campinas, SP. The parasitism rate was 91.8 percent.
Asunto(s)
Dípteros/parasitología , Himenópteros/parasitología , Miasis/diagnóstico , RatasRESUMEN
Calliphorid larvae are important in the decomposition of carrion. Since these larvae are present in the primary stages of succession on carcasses, they may be important indicators of death time and the movement of corpses in homicide investigations. In this study we examined the morphological differences among puparia of Chrysomya megacephala, C. putoria and Cochliomyia macellaria. Puparia of the three species (N=30, each) were obtained from the F2 generation bred in culture medium at 25 degrees C, and 60% relative humidity on a 12 h photoperiod. The interspecific differences found were related to the conspicuousness of six tubercles located in the region near the posterior spiracles and to the distance between the two peritrema involving the spiracles. The latter were (mean +/- SD) 15.2 +/- 3.1 microm for C. megacephala, 18.8 +/- 2.8 microm for C. putoria and 16.5 +/- 3.5 microm for C. macellaria. The results of the present study may be useful in forensic entomology.
Asunto(s)
Dípteros/anatomía & histología , Animales , Cadáver , Bovinos , Dípteros/clasificación , Larva/anatomía & histologíaRESUMEN
The laboratory population dynamics of Chrysomya megacephala (F.) was explored with a mathematical model of density-dependent growth. Fecundity and survival decreased significantly as a function of larval density. Parameters in the exponential regressions fitted to the fecundity and survival data were incorporated into a finite-difference equation that incorporates the delayed effect of larval density on fecundity and survival of adults. The theoretical population model of C. megacephala showed cyclic behavior with a stable limit cycle of two points for adults and immatures.