Larval growth dynamics of Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Calliphoridae) and Boettcherisca formosensis (Sarcophagidae) in crowded and uncrowded cultures

Abstract

Larval growth patterns of Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Calliphoridae) and Boettcherisca formosensis (Sacophagidae) in crowded and uncrowded cultures were compared. Growth of the larvae followed a sigmoid curve. The highest larval growth rates were 0.33 and 0.36 mg h -1 for uncrowded and crowded H. ligurriens respectively. The corresponding figures were 2.38 and 1.23 mg h -1 for B. formosensis. Larvae of both species attained maximum weight earlier in crowded cultures than in uncrowded cultures, although the final weights attained in crowded cultures were less. The earlier period of most rapid growth in both species was interpreted as a result of intraspecific facilitation at higher larval densities. Uncrowded B. formosensis had a shorter larval to pupal development and an earlier period of most rapid growth than uncrowded H. ligurriens, suggesting the former may be superior in exploiting carcasses with limiting food. © 1989 Society of Population Ecology.