Influence of Protein in the Diet of Face Fly1 on the Development of its Nematode Parasite, Heterotylenchus autumnalis2

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Abstract
The development of the nematode, Heterotylenchus autumnalis Nickle (Tylenchida: Allantonematidae), within the face fly, Musca autumnalis De Geer (Diptera: Muscidae), depended upon the presence of protein in the hosts' diet. Nematodes in flies deprived of dietary protein could reproduce, but maturation of gamogenetic male and female nematodes was either delayed or did not occur. Protein-fed flies passed nematodes (“nemaposited”) into cattle dung 9–12 days after the hosts emerged from puparia, whereas flies deprived of protein failed to nemaposit by the 22nd day. Following 13 days on a protein-free diet, the addition of protein to the diet permitted the nematode to resume development and complete its life cycle 5 days later.