Effect of soil compaction on parasitism of Lucilia sericata puparia by Nasonia vitripennis

The hymenopteran parasitoid Nasonia vitripennis (Pteromalidae) has long been used to control the green bottle fly Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in many locations worldwide. This interaction has traditionally occurred in an agricultural setting where L. sericata is regarded as a pest of humans and livestock. This symbiotic relationship also can be used in forensic entomology to help estimate the extended period of insect activity. In the present study, the effect of soil compaction on this interaction was investigated. Larvae of L. sericata were allowed to burrow into soil of two different compactions in the presence and absence of N. vitripennis to determine if larval burrowing depth, as a function of soil compaction, affected the ability of N. vitripennis to parasitize puparia. Results from the first trial showed a significant difference in larval burrowing depth with respect to soil compaction; however, no parasitism occurred, suggesting that soil plays a role in the ability of N. vitripennis to parasitize L. sericata.