Abstract

The present study was designed and conducted to determine the effects of Neemazal on the general body metabolism of the house fly Musca domestica. The second instar larvae of the house fly M. domestica (L.) were reared on artificial diet treated with the botanical extract, NeemAzal. Five concentration levels of this compound (1000, 500, 250, 125 and 62.5 ppm) were used. The main body metabolites, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and cholesterol were determined during the early and late third larval instar. Various degrees of almost significant (p <0.001) reducing effects were recorded for proteins, lipids and carbohydrates during the early and late third larval instar. These decrements paralleled to the increments of the concentration levels. On the other hand, results indicated a slight, but non significant, reducing action of NeemAzal on cholesterol of early larval instar. This action followed by significant increase of the same metabolite at the end of this instar comparing with control congeners, except the highest concentration (1000 ppm) which exhibit a non significant (p >0.01) reducing action on cholesterol. It is quite clear from these results that disturbances of nutrient contents might affect larval growth and development.

Key words: Musca domestica, Azadirachta indica, NeemAzal, neem, main metabolite.