Occurrence and seasonality of muscoids dipterous (Diptera, Calliphoridae) at Colégio Pedro II campus Niterói, Barreto, Niterói, RJ, Brazil

Abstract

This study was carried out by a group of high school students of Colegio Pedro II, campus Niterói, from 2015 through 2016 and was supported by the Junior Scientific Initiation Program supervised by the Dean of Graduate Studies, Research, Extension and Culture of this same institution. The purpose of the program is to familiarize students with scientific research methods and analytical tools. The research presented in this article aimed at knowing the fauna of Calliphoridae (Diptera) in Barreto, a borough in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, focusing on the quantity of predominant species found in the area. Flies were weekly captured at Colégio Pedro II campus Niterói, with the help of a cylindrical metal trap, containing sardine baits. The data collected consisted of 1308 specimens, which were properly identified using a stereoscopic microscope and properly dichotomous keys. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) was the most abundant species collected. Chrysomya species (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) usually have a strong connection to the environment modified by man. They compete with native species and they have a medical and veterinary significant role. It is important that studies continue to be carried out across the Brazilian territory so that they could help create programs to control and fight these insects.