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ViewAttendees 3

Student 10-Minute Paper

Medical, Urban, and Veterinary Entomology

Student Competition

Student

Grad Competition MUVE: Biodiversity, Behavior, and Ecology

(2nd Place) Larval clustering behavior in the house fly (Musca domestica)

Monday, November 6, 2023
9:00 AM – 9:12 AM ET
Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Maryland A
In-Person Student Competition

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Sydney Wilson

    Master's Student
    University of California
    Riverside, California

    • Co-Author(s)

  • AG

    Alec C. Gerry

    Professor of Entomology / Extension Specialist
    University of California
    Riverside, California

The house fly (Musca domestica) is one of the most pervasive synanthropic pests, with both the potential for nuisance and physical transmission of pathogens. Despite their ubiquitous nature in both urban and rural environments, relatively little research has been conducted on larval behavior. Anecdotally, M. domestica larvae are observed to cluster together within their developmental habitat, but this phenomenon is poorly understood. Clustering (or massing) by fly larvae may be driven by intrinsic or extrinsic factors including predator avoidance or environmental conditions. Work has been done to evaluate the degree of clustering and ascertain preferred developmental temperature. Better understanding of larval clustering behavior may allow for better control through manipulation of developmental media to target the vulnerable larval stage.