Sexual dimorphism and the impact of temperature on the pupal and adult stages of Sepedon spinipes spinipes, a potential biological control agent of fascioliasis

The malacophagous feeding behaviour of larvae of members of the family Sciomyzidae makes the group ideal for the selection of potential biological control agents of snail hosts of trematode diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature (14 °C, 17 °C, 20 °C, 23 °C, and 26 °C) on the pupal and adult stages of Sepedon spinipes spinipes (Scopoli) (Diptera: Sciomyzidae). Larval prey density effects on the pupal stage and the extent of sexual dimorphism within the species are also assessed. Optimum growth conditions for the pupal stage and pre‐oviposition/oviposition periods, and female fecundity are identified for mass culturing purposes. The tendency of mature third instar larvae to engage in wandering behaviour is highlighted, and the biological control implications of such behaviour are discussed. Female puparia were significantly (P<0.001) heavier than males for both larval prey densities. Such sexual dimorphism would enable the prediction of adult sex from puparial weight prior to eclosion, thereby facilitating culture establishment. The effect of three food types honey/yeast mixture only, crushed Radix balthica (L.) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Lymnaeidae) only, and honey/yeast mixture plus a crushed snail] on adult longevity (laboratory conditions) was also determined and the results suggest that adults live longest when provided with a crushed snail and a honey/yeast mixture.