Organic body constituents of Protophormia terrae-novae (Dipt.) from Spitsbergen compared with flies from a laboratory stock.

Main storage substances in blowflies from Spitsbergen are protein (313.9 mg/g d.w.) and lipids (365.1 mg/g). Laboratory stock individuals (30° C) on the contrary, do not accumulate such quantities of lipids but have low-molecular carbohydrates for their main organic constituent. Mean caloric values range from 5.41 to 5.73 kcal/g dry weight in Spitsbergen species, but reach only 4.52 kcal/g in laboratory cultured Protophormia. Results are discussed in relation to the effect of biotop conditions on the calorific value of flies and their importance as food quality.