Orientation stimulants from substances attractive to Lucilia cuprina (Diptera, Calliphoridae)

Abstract

Summary. Liver and liver–sodium sulfide mixtures, sheep faeces, urine and gut mucus are known attractants for the sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina (Weid.). These substances were analysed for volatile compounds using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy. The most commonly detected compounds were tested in a bioassay for their potential as attractants for gravid female L. cuprina.

Flies orientated towards pulses of dimethyl sulfide at a concentration of 1 µg/g but not 0.1 or 10 µg/g. Ethane thiol elicited a response at a concentration of 10 µg/g but not at 1 µg/g. Dimethyl disulfide did not elicit orientation at 10 µg/g.