Effects of temperature on mortality of larval stable fly (Diptera: Muscidae) caused by five isolates of bacillus thuringiensis

Abstract

We examined the effects of temperature on mortality of larval stable ßy [Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)] caused by Bacillus thuringiensis tolworthi 4L3, B. t. darmastedensis 4M1, B. t. thompsoni 401, B. t. thuringiensis HD2, and B. t. kurstaki HD945. At moderate doses, mortality caused by all isolates ranged from 87 to 99% at 15°C and declined to 29-63% as temperature increased to 30°C. A similar pattern was seen when a higher dose was used, except that the reduction in mortality at warmer temperatures was not as great as was seen with the moderate doses. Insecticidal activity of each isolate against rst-instar larvae was reduced by only 5-15% after 5 d in the medium. Mortality of second-and third-instar larvae ranged from 2 to 21%, suggesting the isolates were less effective against larger larvae. © 2012 Entomological Society of America.