Studies on Rhinoestrus purpureus (Diptera: Oestridae) larvae infesting donkeys (Equus asinus) in Egypt. III. Pupal duration under controlled conditions

Abstract The pupal duration of Rhinoestrus purpureus was studied under variable degrees of temperature and relative humidity (RH). It was found that pupal duration was affected by temperature by RH. An increase in the temperature above 22°C decreased the pupal duration: 26–27 days at 22°C, 16–24 days at 27°C, 13–15 days at 32°C. At 37°C, the pupated larvae failed to pupate and died. The deformity ratio of emerged flies was 25–30% at 22–32°C, but it was directly proportional to RH at a constant temperature of 32°C: 26.1% at 75% RH, 16.7% at 50% RH, 6.7% at 30% RH. It was concluded that the optimum temperature and RH for obtaining normal active flies were 32°C and 30%, respectively.