A technique for initiating artificial strikes on sheep using eggs or l
arvae of Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) under co
ntrolled conditions is described. A liver based implant provides prote
in for initial larval development. The technique has been found to pro
duce viable strikes more reliably than other currently-used methods fo
r the purpose of screening insecticides in controlled experiments.