Metamorphosis behaviour and regulation in tsetse flies (Glossinaspp.) (Diptera: Glossinidae): a review

Abstract

AbstractThis review examines the recent literature on tsetse (Glossinaspp.) metamorphosis behaviour and its regulation. The behavioural events associated with metamorphosis are highly specific and most occur only once during the life of the fly. The review begins with the larva's commitment to metamorphosis and then discusses the behaviour associated with parturition, wandering of the third instar larva, pupariation, pupation and adult eclosion. While certain aspects of tsetse metamorphosis behaviour are common to the higher Diptera, the peculiar reproductive strategy of tsetse has dictated many modifications. Most notable of the tsetse peculiarities are the larva's late commitment to metamorphosis, the contribution by the mother in deciding the onset of the wandering period, the brevity of the wandering period, the involvement of the nervous system in co-ordinating puparial tanning, the tight pack aging of the pupa within the puparium, the long duration of pharate adult development, and the great expansion of the body that occurs following eclosion. A final section discusses the potential for disrupting tsetse metamorphosis.