Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 July 2009
Radioactive (32P) and genetic (recessive eye-colour mutation) markers were used to estimate egg to pupal survival of Musca vetustissima Walker. Both marking techniques provided similar survival estimates under laboratory and field conditions in Australia. Egg to pupal survival rarely exceeded 10% in samples at intervals during spring and summer. Abiotic (dung quality and weather) and biotic (other dung fauna) mortality agents were both important in limiting the breeding success of M. vetustissima, being jointly responsible for a seasonal mean mortality of 93·8%.