-139- 



maximum number of eggs per batch (88) was higher than observed by 

 Endris. Johnson and Hertig (1961) reported fecundity rates for 

 several neotropical sand flies that are consistent with those reported 

 here for Lu . diabol ica . Chaniotis (1967), working with California 

 species reported similar fecundity rates for Lu . cal ifornica 

 (Fairchild and Hertig) and Lu. stewarti (Mangabeira and Galindo) but 

 much higher rates (mean, 43; range 2-106) for Lu_. vexator 

 (Coquillett) . 



Incubation periods observed in laboratory-reared Lu. diabol ica 

 are consistent with Lindquist's (1936) report of 7 to 14 days. The 

 one and one-half to three days shorter incubation period observed in 

 the 1st generation (progeny of wild-caught females collected in June 

 1982) probably reflects the difference between field and laboratory- 

 rearing temperatures. Most egg batches from these wild-caught females 

 were deposited and incubated in the field at temperatures of 27°C or 

 higher, before they could be transferred to a controlled laboratory 

 environment. When the laboratory rearing temperature was increased 

 from 24°C to 27°C, the average incubation time was immediately reduced 

 to or below the level of the lst-generation figure (Table 3-1). 

 Similar temperature-dependent decreases in incubation times were 

 observed in several Panamanian species (Johnson and Hertig, 1961), as 

 well as in other nearctic species of sand flies (Chaniotis, 1967; 

 Perkins, 1982; Endris, 1982). 



Assuming that the percent fertile egg batches (at least one egg 

 hatching) can be used as an indicator of mating success, the high of 

 91% observed in the 1st generation (progeny of wi ld-caught females) 

 indicates that mating success in the field is greater than in the 



