Laboratory evaluation of Brevibacillus laterosporus strains as biocidal agents against Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae

•Brevibacillus laterosporus, induced variable levels of mortality against Chrysomya megacephala.•Histopathology of the gut lumen showed cellular vacuolization and cytoplasmic disorganization.•Shi 3 was the most effective strain at a concentration of 1 × 108 spores/g of diet.

The biocidal activity of three strains of Brevibacillus laterosporus upon the post-embryonic developmental stages of Chrysomya megacephala was evaluated. Bioassays were performed to verify lethal and sub-lethal effects including ultra-structural changes in the midgut. Among the strains assayed, Shi3 presented the highest larval mortality rates, achieving 70% at a concentration of 1 × 108 spores/g of diet. Transmission electron microscopy revealed intestinal alterations caused by all strains tested. The findings of this study indicate that Shi3 represents a promising tool for use in the biocontrol of C. megacephala.