Abstract
The American screwworm flyCochliomyia hominivorax has recently been reported in Libya (El-Azazy 1989). Fly larvae were cultured on blood agar at different temperatures (−5°, 5°, 18°, 20°, 30°, 37°, or 40° C). Larvae pupated at 18°, 20°, 30°, or 37° C, and the highest pupation (100%) occurred at 20° C. Adult flies emerged from pupae that were maintained at 18°, 20°, 30°, or 37° C; the maximal eclosion (94%) occurred at 20° C. Correlation of these findings with meteorological temperature data from local areas in whichC. hominivorax myiasis occurs suggests a crucial role for temperature in the determination of the effective environment for this fly species.