Gonotrophic Development in Hypoderma lineatum and H. bovis (Diptera: Oestridae), with Notes on Reproductive Capacity

Authors

P. J. Scholl, U.S. Livestock Insects Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 232, Kerrville, TX 78029-0232
J. Weintraub, Agriculture Canada Research Station, Lethbridge, Alberta TIJ 4Bl Canada

Date of this Version

1988

Comments

Published in Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 81(2): 318-324 (1988).

Abstract

Gonotrophic development in Hypoderma lineatum (Villers) and Hypoderma bovis (L.) is characterized by initiation and complete growth in larval and pupal stages. Developing oocytes through six stages to the definitive egg are described. Polytrophic ovarian development is modified; only primary and secondary complements of eggs survive and develop simultaneously. The female emerges from the puparium with its life-long complement of eggs fully developed. Capability to mate and immediately oviposit on host cattle is well suited to the short life span of the nonfeeding fly. Mean reproductive capacity of H. lineatum is 516 ± 54 (SD) eggs, significantly higher than the 478 ± 70 (SD) eggs of H. bovis. This system of ovarian development is more efficient than that of other musciform Diptera and contributes to maintenance of cattle grub populations, even when adult fly populations are decimated in areas undergoing organized control.