Final answer:
The development of blow fly pupa involves a period of metamorphosis where the larva, after feeding and growing, forms a pupal casing and undergoes significant internal transformation into an adult. The pupal stage is immobile and does not eat, with development influenced by environmental factors such as temperature. This complete metamorphosis allows for specialization in different life stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Development of Blow Fly Pupa
The development of a blow fly pupa is a fascinating process that begins once the blow fly larva has completed its growth phase. This stage of the insect life cycle, known as metamorphosis, is when the larva transforms into an adult. Blow flies, like many other insects, undergo complete metamorphosis, which includes four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larva, after feeding and growing, starts the pupation process by forming a protective casing around itself. During the pupal stage, the larval tissues break down and the insect's body reorganizes into the adult form. This stage is crucial as the pupa does not eat or move, but inside the cocoon, significant changes are happening.
During pupal development, which may last several weeks depending on environmental conditions such as temperature, the blow fly's internal structure is completely remodeled. In some flies, like the deer ked, the pupa falls from the host and over-winters in diapause, resuming development when the temperature rises. Complete metamorphosis is advantageous as it allows the insect to specialize in different roles at each life stage, optimizing survival and reproduction.