Effects of Mercury on the Growth and Development of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)

Authors : Nazlı Sert, Meltem Kökdener

Pages : 637-648

Doi:10.7161/omuanajas.1427175

View : 144 | Download : 113

Publication Date : 2024-10-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal and a serious source of environmental pollutants. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of mercury on some life history parameters of Musca domestica Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Muscidae). Forty larvae of M. domestica were placed on rearing media with three different concentrations of mercury (1.5 µg/g, 2 µg/g, 2.5 µg/g), and some life history parameters recorded (larval and pupal periods, larval, pupal and adult weights, larval and pupal survival rate). The development of M. domestica was studied at 30°C, 50% RH, and a photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D) h. In the present study, larval and pupal survival decreased as mercury concentrations increased and mercury decreased the pupal weight compared to the control. It has been demonstrated that the life-history parameters of M. domestica are sensitive to mercury residue and mercury changes in the environment. This study provides basic knowledge about the biology of this species, suggesting that the effect of the presence of mercury on larval development in corpses found in industrialized areas with high heavy metal pollution should be kept in mind in criminal investigations.
Keywords : Ağır metal, Ev sineği, Yaşamsal Parametreler, Entomotoksikoloji