The effects of entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae on the
adult housefly, Musca domestica were
studied to evaluate their pathogenicity. Scanning electron microscopy allowed
observing fungal
developmental phases onthe M.
domestica adult. The results obtained revealed that not all areas of
the insect cuticle were equally vulnerable to penetration by propagules of
entomopathogenic fungi, the penetration pegs of B. bassiana were observed at the base of seta, conidia were
also observed between the ommatidia of the compound eye and at the articulating
membrane of legs. M. anisopliae conidia
were observed in the regions of the host insect as B. bassiana, but in smaller concentrations. In conclusion,
the present study established the pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi, B. bassiana and M. anisopliae on the housefly, M.
domestica as promising biological control agents. Biological control with
pathogenic fungi is promising alternative to chemical control against insect
pests.