The combined effects of temperature and relative humidity parameters on the reproduction of Stomoxys species in a laboratory setting.

Abstract

In this study, Stomoxys species (S. calcitrans, S. sitiens and S. indica) were examined to improve on the current technique for mass rearing using a method of combined incubation parameters. Moreover, the reproductive potential of immature forms at various stages of development was defined. Immature forms of stable flies were incubated according to species. There was no significant difference in the number of immature forms obtained among species incubated under the same conditions. Six incubation parameters were used in combination, at temperatures (T) of 32°C, 27°C and 22°C and relative humidity (RH) of 90% and 70% RH. The combined method resulted in a higher number of eggs hatching at 32°C and 90% humidity as well as an increase in the number of larva pupated and emergence of imago at 27°C and 70% humidity.