The effect of temperature on the frons width in males of Stomoxys calcitrans Linnaeus (Diptera: Muscidae).

Laboratory experiments established that males of Stomoxys calcitrans, raised at a high temperature (30 degrees C), had frons widths that were very significantly smaller (P=0,01) than those of males raised at a lower temperature (20 degrees C). Thus, although the frons width is apparently controlled genetically, it can also be influenced by temperature. It was also established that temperature acted on the fully-fed 3rd instar larva to affect the adult male frons width.