New procedures to enhance survival of third-instar Hypoderma lineatum (Villers) (Diptera: Oestridae) in artificial media

New techniques for the maturation of late third instars of the common cattle grub, Hypoderma lineatum (Villers), in artificial media are described. Larvae were held in either 24-well culture plates with media plus penicillin, streptomycin sulfate, nystatin, and chloramphenicol or in small salve jars on Perlite and media plus the same antibiotics. Chloramphenicol was not always necessary in the jars. Survival to pupariation of young third instars increased from 5% without nystatin and chloramphenicol to 73% when the two antibiotics were present in the culture plates. The survival of mature third instats to pupariation increased from approximately 53 to 80% after addition of nystati and chloramphenicol to the culture plates. Survival to pupariation of more mature grubs was similar in the jar and culture plate techniques. The former was more convenient, but the young grubs did not survive well in the jars.