Improvements in the Pteridine Method for Determining Age in Adult Male and Female Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae)

Abstract
Mail et al. (1983. Bull. Entomol. Res. 73: 501–525) developed a new method for determining age in adult Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) based upon rate of accumulation of pteridines in the head capsule of the flies. We measured body temperature of male and female S. calcitrans basking in sunlight, accurately determined the threshold temperature limit for pteridine production, and established the relationship between pteridine accumulation rate and temperature throughout the physiological range of the fly. When these new data are used, the equation for determining the age of adult S. calcitrans in the field is expressed in more accurate terms. A computer program for calculation of age of adult flies from measured pteridine levels is listed.

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