Effect of cadmium on the longevity and fecundity of the blowfly Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

First-instar larvae of the blowfly Chrysomya albiceps were reared on ground beef media containing 0, 100 and 200 mu g Cd/g of dry media. Adult longevity and fecundity were studied. When treated males were mated with treated females, the duration of pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods, longevity, egg batches per cage, total number of eggs per female and the percent of egg hatch were found to be affected by increasing cadmium concentrations. The duration of pre-oviposition and post-oviposition periods were significantly prolonged, whereas the duration of the oviposition period and longevity for both sexes shortened. Egg batches per cage, the total number of eggs per female and the percent of egg hatch decreased with increasing cadmium concentrations. Similar results were obtained by mating untreated males with treated females and treated males with treated females, except longevity of males was not affected. Untreated females mated with treated males showed no significant effects on ovipositional activities, longevity of females, the number of egg batches per cage. the total number of eggs per female and egg viability, but the longevity of males was shortened. It is concluded that cadmium has strong negative effects on the blowfly Chrysoniya albiceps, especially on longevity and fecundity.