The effect of temperature on the frons width in males of Stomoxys calcitrans Linnaeus (Diptera : Muscidae)

Abstract

Laboratory experiments established that males of Stomoxys calcitrans, raised at a high temperature (30°C), had frons widths that were very significantly smaller (P=0,01) than those of males raised at a lower temperature (20°C). Thus, although the frons width is apparently controlled genetically, it can also be influenced by temperature. It was also established that temperature acted on the fully-fed 3rd instar larva to affect the adult male frons width.