Effect of alprazolam on the developmental stages of forensically important blow fly Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Abstract

In the present investigation impact of sedative drug alprazolam on growth rate and development cycle of Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) was studied. The life cycle of Chrysomya megacephala includes egg, larva (three instars), pre-pupa, pupa and adult stages. Alterations in the life cycle of Chrysomya megacephala species was studied after exposure to alprazolam. The alprazolam treated food affect on growth rate of the larvae. The growth rate of Chrysomya megacephala was delayed in larvae fed with alprazolam containing diet. As the concentration of alprazolam increases in the food the larval and pupal development slows down. The flies appear first from control then from 0.4 ppm, while in higher concentrations of alprazolam 1.6 ppm, the pupation was delayed.