Biological behavior of Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1819) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) after refrigeration: Logistics for use in Biotherapy

Abstract

The influence of refrigeration on the post-embryonic development of Chrysomya putoria larvae was evaluated, regarding its resistance in the logistics of storage and distribution in biotherapy. Previously sterilized larvae were submitted to four periods of storage under refrigeration (T1=12 h, T2=24 h, T3=48 h and T4=72 h) and control (without sterilization and refrigeration). Newly hatched larvae (0.200 g) were stored between 3 and 9ºC. After refrigeration, 40 neo-larvae (in triplicate) were transferred to 50 g of protein diet and incubated in an acclimatized chamber. There was a significant difference in the larval body mass (T1 and T2) and in the duration of larval, pupal and total development (T3 and T4). The sex ratios found in the four treatments did not differ from what was expected. Normality rates were 100% for all treatments.There was no significant difference between the Control, T1 and T2 treatments for larval, pupal and total viability. There was a significant difference between control (C) and T4 (larval viability), between C, T3 and T4 (pupa) and between C and T4 (total). C. putoria has resistance under refrigeration and storage of up to 56 h, presenting viability above 70% for use in biotherapy.