Variation in oviposition behaviour of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) due to abiotic and biotic factors

For female blow flies, when and where she oviposits impacts the survival and fitness of her future offspring. Behaviours to search and accept a suitable carrion for oviposition are influenced by abiotic factors, especially temperature and relative humidity (R.H). Each species of blow flies has its own temperature-dependent growth rate, as well as thresholds for oviposition behaviour. Additionally, there have been some studies where R.H influences site selection and egg aggregation by female flies. In this study, we evaluate how R.H will affect oviposition preferences, specifically, choices in the timing of oviposition, clutch size, and temperature preference chosen within a temperature gradient. Using Lucilia sericata Meigen, individual females are released into an arena on a temperature gradient, where they will choose their preferred temperature to oviposit in either high or low humidity. Cameras are placed to record their movement and behaviour and once females have oviposited; pictures are taken to estimate clutch size using ImageJ. Preliminary data shows that on average for L. sericata, females laid slightly more eggs in high humidity compared to low humidity, females chose similar temperature (~27^oC) between both humidities and there was no difference between first timing of oviposition. Information from this study can help understand more about oviposition behaviour in blow flies, specifically how abiotic and biotic factors contribute to the community assembly of blow fly species in the Windsor-Essex area.