Toward optimising reproductive output of <scp><i>Eristalis tenax</i></scp> (Diptera: Syrphidae) for commercial mass rearing systems

Developing mass rearing systems for the drone fly, Eristalis tenax, is a crucial step toward its use as complementary commercial pollinator. To meet timing of needs E. there significant value to both predicting and managing reproductive output development within protocol. help achieve this, our study focuses on laboratory manipulation adult mating eggs in tenax. stagger colony cohorts, egg temperatures ranging from 12 30°C were found be suitable successful hatching viability (97 28.3 h first hatch, respectively). The window tenax females was established commence 2 weeks post eclosion reached 75 ± 11% mated at 7 weeks. Reproductive over assessed separate cage trials: (1) varying sex ratio with 20:40, 30:30 40:20 female male flies respectively per (2) density 15:15, 30:30, 60:60 120:120 cage. Female percentage cluster size, which averaged 200.6 4.3 cluster, did not change between treatments trials. Egg significantly reduced across trials, had more than 30 A stocking rate 15:15 produced 86% expected, well above that all other treatments. However, highest most when level. Fly survival different sexes trials males dying earlier cages stocked males. Although fly colonies held constant light conditions 6 months, we evidence endogenous overwintering behaviours among resulting lower rates, success greater longevity studied winter.