The role of bacterial odours in oviposition by Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), the Australian sheep blowfly

Abstract

Extracts from cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Proteus mirabilis and Enterobacter cloacae in samples of fleeces from sheep were incorporated into nutrient agar and exposed to females of Lucilia cuprina (Wied.) in cages. The blowflies often laid eggs in response to the odours emanating from the cultures of all bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. cloacae did not appear to utilise fleece components in the production of oviposition stimulants, whereas B. subtilis did, utilising compounds such as palmitic acid, and Proteus mirabilis degraded wool fibres to produce sulphurous compounds. The results are discussed in relation to the role of L. cuprina in cutaneous myiasis of sheep.