Combined rearing of Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabr.), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabr.) and Chrysomya albiceps (Wied.) (Dipt., Calliphoridae) under laboratory conditions

The objective of the present study was to determine some aspects of the interspecific relationships of Cachliomyia macellaria (Fabr.), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabr.) and Chrysomya albiceps (Wied.) larvae in the laboratory. The larvae received a diet consisting of decomposing horse flesh, and a ratio of 1 larva . g(-1) diet was established. A predictable variation in duration of postembryonic development was observed between specimens reared on pure or combined cultures, almost always corresponding to a reduction of duration in the combined cultures. The association with Ch. albiceps also significantly reduced the weight of mature Co. macellaria and Ch. megacephala. This decrease in weight, taken together with predation on Co. macellaria and Ch. megacephala larvae by Ch. albiceps larvae, caused a decrease in survival in all stages. Thus, we conclude that the association of Ch. albiceps, Co. macellaria and Ch. megacephala larvae was differentially deleterious for the three species, with Ch. albiceps showing a high capacity for survival by virtue of its strong competitive ability.