Evidence for the Multiple Exotic Origin of Australian Populations of the Sheep Blowfly, Lucilia-Cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera, Calliphoridae)

Abstract

Some Lucilia cuprina populations in the eastern coastal areas of Australia are shown to be a blend of the two subspecies, Lucilia cuprina cuprina and L. cuprina dorsalis. The possible history of the introduction to Australia of these two subspecies, respectively from the Pacific and South Africa, is discussed. The hybrid nature of the Australian population makes it vital to take into consideration the genetic constitution of cultures before launching comparative studies.