Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Influence of snail feces and mucus on oviposition and larval behavior ofPherbellia cinerella (Diptera: Sciomyzidae)

  • Published:
Journal of Chemical Ecology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Larvae of the sciomyzid flyPherbellia cinerella are voracious predators of terrestrial helicid snails. Eggs are deposited in areas where snails occur and larvae hunt actively for their prey. Snail feces and mucus were tested to determine if they had any kairomone or stimulatory effects onP. cinerella. Adult flies oviposited more frequently on substrates containing fresh snail feces than on substrates containing snail mucus or water (control). However, mucus and feces both stimulated increased search behaviour in first instar larvae. These results are discussed in relation to snail biology, and the potential for augmentation of these flies in areas affected by pest snails.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Baker, G.H. 1986. The biology and control of white snails (Mollusca: Helicidae), introduced pests in Australia.C.S.I.R.O. Technical Paper 25, 31 pp.

  • Berg, C.O. 1953. Sciomyzid larvae (Diptera) that feed on snails.J. Parasitol. 39:630–636.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Berg, C.O. 1966. The evolution of parasitoid relationships in malacophagous Diptera, especially the Sciomyzidae.Proceedings First International Congress on Parasitology pp. 606–607.

  • Berg, C.O., andKnutson, L. 1978. Biology and systematics of the Sciomyzidae. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 23:239–258.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chock, Q.C., Davis, C.J., andChong, M. 1961.Sepedon macropus (Diptera: Sciomyzidae) introduced into Hawaii as a control of the liver fluke snail,Lymnaea ollula.J. Econ. Entomol. 54:1–4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cook, A. 1979. Homing by the slugLimax pseudoflavus.Anim. Behav. 27:545–556.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cook, A. 1992. The function of trail following in the pulmonate slug,Limax pseudoflavus.Anim. Behav. 43:813–821.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coupland, J.B., andBaker, G. 1995. The potential of several species of terrestrial sciomyzids (Diptera: Sciomyzidae) as biocontrol agents of pest helicid snails in Australia.Crop. Prot. 14:573–576.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coupland, J.B., Espiau, A. andBaker, G. 1994. Seasonality, longevity, host choice and infection efficiency ofSalticella fasciata (Diptera: Sciomyzidae), a candidate for the biological control of pest helicid snails.Biol. Cont. 4:32–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Florkin, M., andLozet, F. 1949. Origine bactérienne de la cellulase du contenu intestinal de l'escargot.Arch. Int. Physiol. 57:201–207.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knutson, L.V., Stephenson, J.W., andBerg, C.O. 1970. Biosystematic studies ofSalticella fasciata Meigen, a snail killing fly (Diptera: Sciomyzidae).Trans. R. Entomol. Soc. London 1223:81–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lorvelec, O. 1990. La retour au gite chez l'escargotHelix aspersa. Etude au laboratoire.Biol. Behav. 15:107–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maharaj, R., Appleton, C.C., andMiller, R.M. 1992. Snail predation by larvae ofSepedon scapularis Adams (Diptera: Sciomyzidae), a potential biocontrol agent of snail intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis in South Africa.Med. Vet. Entomol. 6:183–187.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Morris, D.E., andPivnick, K.A. 1991. Earthworm mucus stimulates oviposition in a predatory fly (Diptera: Anthomyiidae).J. Chem. Ecol. 17:2045–2052.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nettles, W.C., andBurke, M.L. 1975. A substance ofHeliothis virescens larvae stimulating larviposition by females of the tachinid,Archytras marmoratus.J. Insect Physiol. 21:965–978.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parle, J.N. 1963. Micro-organisms in the intestines of earthworms.J. Gen. Microbiol. 31:1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwalb, H.H. 1961. Beiträge zur Biologieder einheimischen LampyridenLampyris noctiluca (Geoffr.) undPhausis splendidula (Lec.) und experimentelle Analyse ihres Beutefang-und Sexualverhaltens.Zool. Jahrb. Syst., Oekol. Geogr. 88:399–550.

    Google Scholar 

  • Takabayashi, J., andTakahashi, S. 1989. Effects of host fecal pellet and synthetic kairomone on host-searching and post-oviposition behaviour ofApanteles kariyai, a parasitoid ofPseudaletia separata.Entomol. Exp. Appl. 52:221–227.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wyatt, T.D., Phillips, A.D.G., andGregoire, J.C. 1993. Turbulence, trees and semiochemicals: wind-tunnel orientation of the predator,Rhizophagous grandis, to its bark beetle prey,Dendroctonus micans.Physiol. Entomol. 18:204–210.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIRO Biological Control Unit Campus Internationale de Baillarguet, 34982, Montferrier sur Lez, France

    James B. Coupland

Authors
  1. James B. Coupland
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Coupland, J.B. Influence of snail feces and mucus on oviposition and larval behavior ofPherbellia cinerella (Diptera: Sciomyzidae). J Chem Ecol 22, 183–189 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02055091

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02055091

Key Words

Search

Navigation