Ingestion of sugar, protein and water by adultLucilia cuprina(Wied.) (Diptera, Calliphoridae)

Abstract

The food and water requirements of adults of the blowflyLucilia cuprina(Wied.), singly or in groups of ten, were recorded under laboratory conditions from the intake of water and of sucrose and bovine serum albumin plus liver extract, either in solution or in dry form. Water intake by both male and female flies is negligible when sucrose solution is available. When fed sucrose females live 18–19 days as opposed to 4–5 days on water alone. Intake of sucrose solution increases in both male and female flies when protein is also available. Protein is ingested from the day of emergence by both sexes of the blowfly. A peak of protein intake occurs early in each ovarian cycle of the female. The amount of protein feeding by females remains the same and appears independent of the sucrose concentration; carbohydrate uptake is inversely related to that of protein. In males protein intake declines steadily after an earlier lower peak. Knowledge of the dietary requirements of the blowfly, related to nutritional and reproductive demands, has allowed recognition of a series of behavioural phases in adult life.