Semi-field study on the control of the dung-breeding fly, Musca hervei Villeneuve (Diptera : Muscidae), by the activity of the dung beetle, Digitonthophagus gazella Fabricius (Coleoptera : Scarabaeidae)

Abstract

The effects of the dung beetle, D. gazella (=Onthophagus gazella), on the survival of the co-existing dung-breeding fly, M. hervei, were assessed using net cages in the field during an experiment carried out between August and September 1986 in Japan. The dung-burying activity of the dung beetle caused the emergent fly to be reduced to about 90% in number and about 20% in size. The results suggest that D. gazella could compete well with the fly, and be used as a biological control agent.