Development rate and mortality of immature Parasarcophaga (Liopygia) ruficornis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) at constant laboratory temperatures.

Developmental time of Parasarcophaga ruficornis (F.) was determined at constant temperatures of 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, and 37 degrees C. Estimates of the lower developmental threshold temperatures (tL) were 10.5, -7.0, 6.3, 8.8, and 7.7 degrees C and the thermal constants (K) were 65.15, 111.93, 152.13, 229.66, and 388.22 degree-days (DD) for feeding larvae, wandering larvae, larvae (feeding + wandering), pupae, and total developmental time, respectively. Flies reached their maximum weight in pupal and adult stages at 25 and 28 degrees C, whereas minimal weights were recorded at 16 and 37 degrees C. The optimal temperature in terms of rapid development, low mortality, and greatest weight ranged between 22 and 28 degrees C.