LARVAL DISPERSION IN CHRYSOMYA-MEGACEPHALA, CHRYSOMYA-PUTORIA AND COCHLIOMYIA-MACELLARIA (DIPT, CALLIPHORIDAE)

Horizontal and vertical frequency distribution of larvae in three spec ies of Calliphoridae were studied. Correlation between horizontal and vertical dispersion and larval size was also assessed. The experiment was monitored depositing vials with larvae at one end of a cardboard b ox covered with wood shavings. Chrysomya megacephala and C., putoria r eached 2.9 m from the starting portion of the box. Co. macellaria reac hed only 2.0 m from the starting portion of the box. The majority of p upae of the three species were found at 4 and 5 cm depth from the surf ace of the box. Correlation coefficients between pupal size and horizo ntal and vertical migration were usually very low, and apparently no c lear pattern emerges from this data set. This study revealed variation in the dispersion patterns although the two Chrysomya species are mor e similar in their postfeeding larval behaviour compared to Co. macell aria.