Laboratory Study on the Biology and Ecology of Megaselia Scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae)1

Laboratory research was conducted on the biology of the phurid fly Megaselia scalaris. The influence of 3 constant temperatures and various larval densities was researched in the laboratory as these relate to mean life stage rate of development and survival. Fly development on a synthetic diet at 25 °C, 75 ± 2% RH, and 18-h photophase was used as the standard. Mean times for development and survival were egg incubation 16.3 h (97.6%); larval period 7.3 days (97.6%); pupal period 9.8 days (♀ 95.8%, ♂ 91.6%); adult longevity ♀ 29.9 days, ♂ 24.8 days. Fecundity was 664.8 eggs. One generation required 19.7 days. Data are presented on the influence of 20 °C and 15 °C on the duration of life stages, survival and fecundity. Theoretical lower thresholds of development for life stages are reported. The adverse effects of larval crowding was reflected at the 100 larvae/10 g diet medium as larval and pupal periods increased. At the 200 larvae/10 g diet medium larval survival declined; pupal survival decline began at the 100/10 g level. Fecundity was not significantly altered.