The Carotenoid Composition of Larvae Feed Is Reflected in Adult House Fly (Musca domestica) Body
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Achva Academic College, Beer-Tuvia Regional Council 7980400, Israel
2
The Bert W. Strassburger Metabolic Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan 5265601, Israel
3
Katif Center for R&D Coastal Desert, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Sdot Negev Regional Council, P.O. Box 100, Netivot 8771002, Israel
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Insects 2024, 15(7), 521; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070521
Submission received: 13 May 2024
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Revised: 7 July 2024
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Accepted: 8 July 2024
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Published: 11 July 2024
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)
Simple Summary
Carotenoids are organic compounds with various important functions in animals. Most animals obtain their carotenoids only from their food. House flies are common pests with a worldwide distribution. Their larvae feed on organic matter that may vary substantially in its carotenoid composition. This study examines if the carotenoid composition in the body of adult house flies is related to the composition in the larval feed. House fly larvae were reared on diets that differed in carotenoid composition. HPLC analysis of the emerging adult flies indicates that the carotenoid composition in adult house flies was similar, but not identical, to the composition in the larval feed. These results suggest that carotenoid composition in adult flies may be used to estimate the composition in their natal habitat and therefore may be used to identify potential sources of house fly infestations. Also, the feed of house fly larvae, used for animal feed, should be carefully considered.
Abstract
Carotenoids are common and diverse organic compounds with various functional roles in animals. Except for certain aphids, mites, and gall midges, all animals only acquire necessary carotenoids through their diet. The house fly (Musca domestica) is a cosmopolitan pest insect that populates diverse habitats. Its larvae feed on organic substrates that may vary in carotenoid composition according to their specific content. We hypothesized that the carotenoid composition in the adult house fly’s body would reflect the carotenoid composition in the larval feed. House fly larvae were reared on diets that differed in carotenoid composition. HPLC analysis of the emerging adult flies indicate that the carotenoid composition of adult house flies is related, but not identical, to the carotenoid composition in its natal substrate. These findings may be developed to help identify potential sources of house fly infestations. Also, it is recommended that rearing substrates of house fly larvae, used for animal feed, should be carefully considered.
Keywords:
substrate; feed; larvae; insects; chemical composition; carotenoids; house fly
