In the present study we estimed the longevity and reproductive potential of Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius, 1775), in different densities of grouped pairs, as a function of time of collection. The study was divided into two phases and conducted in an incubator regulated at 27oC, 65±10% RH and 14 hours photoperiod. Forty and 20 pairs/replication were used, corresponding to the third and fourth generation originating from a laboratory colony. Egg masses were collected at 8:00 and 17:00 hours daily. The results obtained were influenced by the variables established. The ovipositing peak occurred 20 days after the emergence of females belonging to the third generation. This peak occurred earlier in fourth generation females, i.e., 11 days after imago emergence. These peaks corresponded to a total of 0,30 and 0,23g of egg masses, respectively. The survival curves for adults were estimated by the Weibull method.
Cochliomyia macellaria; bowlfy; rearing methods; reprodutive behavior; secondary screwworm