SURVIVAL OF THE PUPAL STAGE OF THE SCREWWORM, COCHLIOMYIA HOMINIVORAX (COQUEREL) (DIPTERA: CALLIPHORIDAE) IN SUBTROPICAL MEXICO

Survival of the screwworm pupal stage was studied under different ecological conditions over a 12-month period in southern Mexico. Survival (measured as successful adult eclosion) differed only slightly between the wet and dry seasons, but survival was highest (avg. 75%) in sheltered sites and lowest (avg. 23%) in exposed sites. High soil temperatures at exposed sites were probably responsible for high mortalities. Only during the cool months was there any survival at exposed sites. Moisture levels were of minimal influence, though high mortality from especially heavy rains may occur in sheltered sites.