[Visual and olfactory factors interaction in resource-location by the blowfly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), in natural conditions].
The interaction between olfactory and visual cues in the landing responses of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) was analyzed in a natural environment (grass) using three plain cardboard circles with the colors white, black and other being the own grass (control) with 30 cm in diameter. The circles were divided in four quadrants and five sectors using as bait 80 mg of carcass of fish and minced flesh put in the center. To check the interaction between visual and olfactory factors, we analyzed the relation among the direction of wind and the sectors, the quadrants and the color of circle where C. megacephala adults landed. In the presence of the black and white circles, flies landed closer to the central release point of the bait when the wind was present compared with the other control circle. The results show that while odor cues may enhance the induction of landing by C. megacephala, visual cues are important when selecting a final landing site. Improved understanding of this interaction may allow the development of more effective traps or targets, enhancing the control efficiency of these control devices.
Gomes
Leonardo
L
Lab. Eco-epidemiologia de Doenças de Chagas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900. leugomes@yahoo.com.br
Gomes
Guilherme
G
Casarin
Fabiana E
FE
da Silva
Iracema M
IM
Sanches
Marcos R
MR
Von Zuben
Claudio J
CJ
Fowler
Harold G
HG
D000818:Animals; D004175:Diptera / Q000502:physiology*; D011235:Predatory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology*; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*