Seedcorn Maggot (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) Reproductive Biology and Techniques for Examining Ovarian Dynamics

Authors

L. G. Higley, Iowa State UniversityFollow
L. P. Pedigo, Iowa State University

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

1984

Comments

Published in J. Econ. Entomol. 77: 1149-1153 (1984)

Abstract

We developed techniques for examining ovarian dynamics of the seedcorn maggot, Delia platura (Meigen), and delineated detailed procedures for ovarian dissections and classifications.A three-class ovarian rating system was devised and physiological ages for each class were determined. The preovipositional period was 36 degree-days (DD) in the field and 100 DD in the laboratory. No ovarian development was observed unlessfemales had been given a protein food source. All females with ovarian development had mated.