Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acari: Macrochelidae) associated with Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae) in the municipality of Sabanalarga, Antioquia

Abstract

Objective: To identify mites in Diptera in a wooded area of Sabanalarga, Department of Antioquia, Colombia. Materials and methods: Two "stable flies" (Stomoxys calcitrans) were collected in a corral used temporarily to move cattle located in a wooded area of the municipality of Sabanalarga, Antioquia-Colombia. The flies were stored in Eppendorf tubes containing 70% ethyl alcohol for further processing. In the laboratory, the flies were identified, and then the mites they carried on their ventral area were removed and counted. Subsequently, the mites were stored in 70% ethyl alcohol to be rinsed on slides and identified under a light microscope. Results: A total of 15 specimens of a mite of the order Mesostigmata, family Macrochelidae of the species Macrocheles muscaedomesticae, parasitizing the flies S. calcitrans, were identified. Conclusions: This is the first report on the parasitic association between phoretic mites Macrocheles muscaedomesticae and stable flies Stomoxys calcitrans in Sabanalarga, Antioquia-Colombia.