Effect of dietary lipid on biochemical activities and fitness of house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae)

Effective control of the common house fly, Musca domestica, through manipulation of its diet is an innovation that could be pursued. A 4:1 carbohydrate-protein diet established for optimal performance in house fly and Drosophila was altered in this study with the addition of two lipid sources. The metabolic and fitness responses of fed house flies were then compared to conspecifics that were reared on the reference 4:1 diet. Generally, dietary lipids resulted in smaller and lighter progeny in addition to shorter adult longevity. This fitness reduction was accompanied by higher catalase activity and malondialdehyde concentration; an evidence of higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which have been implicated in fitness reduction. While the 4:1 carbohydrate-protein diet may be ideal for rearing purposes, addition of a lipid source (especially fish oil) would offer a level of pest control.