Observations on Dispersal of Sterile Screwworms (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Relation to a Clear-Cut Utility Right of Way in Southern Mexico

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Abstract
Dispersal of ground-released sterile screwworm flies, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), in relation to a clear-cut utility right of way was studied near Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico, during October and November 1984. Collection data from windoriented traps suspended below trees along the edge and along transects 150 m into the woods along both sides of the right of way indicated male and female flies exhibited the same dispersal patterns. Chi-square analysis of these data indicated that the right of way was not important as a flight corridor for screwworm flies. All traps caught flies, indicating dispersal in all directions from the release site. Man-made topographic features such as utility right of ways probably do not affect adult screwworm dispersal through wooded areas. Wind appeared to be a factor in dispersal patterns in that traps downwind collected significantly more flies than traps upwind.