Effect of larval density and substrate quality on the wing geometry of Stomoxys calcitrans L. (Diptera: Muscidae)

Abstract

Background In insects, oviposition decisions may lead to egg deposition in substrates with different larval density and nutritional levels. Individuals developing in such substrates may present plasticity in their phenotype. Here, we investigated the effect of two factors related to oviposition decisions, namely larval density and substrate quality, on the wing size and wing shape of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans L. (Diptera: Muscidae). Methods We reared S. calcitrans larvae at different densities (5, 15 and 25) and on different substrates (camel, cow, donkey and sheep dung). For each fly that emerged, we recorded body weight, and detached, slide-mounted and photographed the right wing. Next, we collected 15 landmarks on each photographed wing, and applied geometric morphometric analysis to assess variation in wing size and wing shape of S. calcitrans across the different larval densities and substrate types. Results We observed that wing size and wing shape of S. calcitrans were affected by larval density and the nature of the developmental substrate. Flies reared in a group of 5 had larger wing centroid size, wing length, wing width, wing area and wing loading compared with those reared in a group of 25. Also, flies developed in donkey and sheep dung had larger wing centroid size, wing length, wing width, wing area and wing loading in comparison with those grown in camel and cow dung. Canonical variate analysis followed by discriminant analysis revealed significant wing shape variation in S. calcitrans across the different densities and substrates. Wing size had a significant but weak positive effect on wing shape. Conclusions This study demonstrates the high sensitivity of S. calcitrans wings to variation in larval density and developmental substrate, and that use of landmark-based geometric morphometric analysis could improve our understanding of how flies of veterinary importance respond to environmental variability.

Sexual dimorphism in the wing geometry of Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) from Colombia

“…Se ha demostrado que el tamaño corporal de poblaciones de M. domestica incrementa con la latitud y altitud (Bryant, 1977;Alves & Bélo, 2002). Por su parte, Baleba et al (2019) bajo condiciones de laboratorio controladas demostraron el impacto de otras variables como la densidad de larvas y el tipo de sustrato en el tamaño de los adultos de Stomoxys calcitrans L., otra especie de la familia Muscidae.…”

Wing Phenotypic Variation among Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae) Populations in Thailand

“…Furthermore, high-quality food sources and their population density in each area are key factors in the wing size changes of insects [ 42 ]. High food quality and suitable population density result in larger wing sizes of insects than in food-poor areas and high population density [ 23 , 42 ]. Consequently, different wing sizes in each area can account for the degree of suitability of their habitat [ 23 ].…”

“…High food quality and suitable population density result in larger wing sizes of insects than in food-poor areas and high population density [ 23 , 42 ]. Consequently, different wing sizes in each area can account for the degree of suitability of their habitat [ 23 ]. In this study, the habitat of S. calcitrans in southern Thailand was a zoo located in an urban area.…”

“…Furthermore, Costanzo et al [ 22 ] found the size-fecundity relationship of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) when their larvae were reared at high temperatures and low resource levels. Recently, Baleba et al [ 23 ] reported that larval density and substrate quality affected the wing size and shape of S. calcitrans and the physical change in wings could significantly affect their flight and dispersion.…”

The influence of larval density on triacylglycerol content in Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Culicidae)

“…Longevity, number of eggs laid, and vectorial capacity are related to female mosquito size and the amount of reserves. Population density is a stress factor that influences the development of insects, and it affects individuals in different aspects, such as reproductive success, size, and formation of reserves (Baldal et al, 2005; Baleba et al, 2019; Gilles et al, 2011). Studies evaluating only larval density increase, without a corresponding increase in the availability of food resources, have found nutritional impairment, interfering in the uptake and incorporation of nutrients, as well as cannibalism, starvation death, and smaller adult size (Beserra et al, 2009; Briegel, 1990; Price et al, 2015).…”