Environmental Factors Influencing the Growth of Lucilia sericata Larvae Used for Maggot Therapy under Laboratory Condition

Background: The larvae of Lucilia sericata are efficiently and widely used in maggot therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate some environmental factors that influence the mass rearing of Lucilia sericata as the most suitable candidates for maggot therapy in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in flies breeding insectarium of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The best temperature for embryonic period and hatching was 27 °C with relative humidity of 80% and 16:8 light-dark periods. At the insectarium, food, water and a nest for laying eggs were provided for the flies and after oviposition, the eggs were transferred to a new rearing place and identification keys were used to identify the specimen. Four factors (temperature, humidity, photoperiod and diet) were studied for the maintenance and mass rearing of Lucilia sericata larvae under laboratory condition. Results: The best temperature for embryonic period was 27 °C (P<0.05). The highest larval death (15.27%) was seen at the temperature of 23 °C and was statistically significant (P<0.05). The highest hatching rate (86.95%) was seen at relative humidity of 80% and was also statistically significant (P<0.05). The maximum batches of eggs laid (25 batches) occurred in 16:8 photoperiods. Significant difference was seen between the weight of larvae fed with burgers, fish, liver and blood agar (P<0.05). Conclusion: In in-vitro condition, although temperature, humidity, light-dark period and diet had an effect on the growth of L. sericata, however, temperature and relative humidity were found to have more influence in the development of L. sericata larva.