Influence of age on the electroantennogram response of the female blowfly (Phormia regina) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

CRNJAR, ROBERTO MASSIMO;C. M. Yin;J. G. Stoffolano J.r.;TOMASSINI BARBAROSSA, IOLE;LISCIA, ANNA MARIA;A. M. Angioy

1990-01-01

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Abstract

By means of electroantennogram recording techniques, we have monitored the antennal olfactory sensitivity, from the time of eclosion until complete egg maturation, of female blowflies (Phormia regina) fed either a protein diet or a protein free one. The tested stimuli were swormlure-4 (SL-4) which is a potent lure for calliphorid flies, 1-hexanol as a reference stimulus and air as a control. After taking the electroantennograms, egg and ovarian development were evaluated. Stimulation with SL-4 and 1-hexanol evoked electroantennograms increasing in amplitude with age regardless of whether or not flies were fed protein during the first 5 days of adult life. In the protein-fed flies eggs were fully developed whereas those of the no-protein group remained undeveloped. The peak olfactory sensitivity occurs at a time when the female fly begins to search for an oviposition substrate. © 1990.