Larval interactions are mediated by basal resources within Calliphoridae communities

Although community interactions are fundamental in determining the coexistence of species, larval interactions are poorly understood despite their importance. In order to determine what interactions occur within these communities, larva of Lucilia sericata (Meigen), Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) were placed together on different pig and bovine soft tissues and whole rats (depending on treatment conditions) as first instars and timed throughout their development to adults. Measures of survival and fitness outcomes were taken to evaluate what kinds of interactions were occurring within this trophic level.

Results determined that survival and adult size was greatly impacted by which species was present in the community and which resource the community was based upon. Exclusion of P. regina was seen in some communities before the third instar stage had completed. Lucilia sericata was negatively impacted by the presence of C. rufifacies due to predation and competition. The basal resource type also caused a shift in the interactions between the species. These findings suggest that the interactions in the community and the outcome of populations are greatly influenced by the species present during development of the blow flies and the quality of the resource. This evidence provides some understanding of coexistence within the community.