AVALIAÇÃO DOS EFEITOS DE PHLOXINA-B E RIBOFLAVINA SOBRE ESTÁGIOS DE VIDA DE STOMOXYS CALCITRANS (DIPTERA: MUSCIDAE)

Abstract

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, is a widely distributed dipteran of major veterinary importance and a significant impact on livestock production. The extensive use of chemical insecticides has contributed to increasing resistance, highlighting the need for alternative control strategies. This study evaluated the effects of the photosensitizing molecules Phloxine-B and Riboflavin on different developmental stages of S. calcitrans, including eggs, larvae, and adults. In the egg assays, both molecules showed low penetration through the chorion, resulting in high hatching rates and indicating limited potential for egg control. In the larval tests, the compounds were incorporated into the rearing substrate, but neither Phloxine-B nor Riboflavin significantly (P>0.05) affected larval survival or adult emergence, demonstrating low larvicidal activity at the tested concentrations. Adult flies were exposed to the molecules through sugar solutions and citrated bovine blood. At the concentrations used, although mortality was higher compared to the control group, the effect was only observed after several consecutive days of feeding on the photosensitizers, suggesting that they affect adult survival. Overall, the results indicate that Phloxine-B and Riboflavin show limited efficacy as photosensitizers for population control of S. calcitrans under the tested conditions. These findings reinforce the need for further investigations aimed at improving application methods and exploring alternative approaches to enhance the photodynamic effect of these molecules in the control of this insect. Keywords: Stable fly; Control; Photosensitizers