Canicularis Research Articles

Cooled Propylene Glycol as a Pragmatic Choice for Preservation of DNA From Remote Field-Collected Diptera for Next-Generation Sequence Analysis.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based methods can now be applied to large population-scale studies, but this demands very high-quality DNA. For specimens collected from remote field locations, DNA degradation can be a problem, requiring logistically challenging preservation techniques. Simpler preservation techniques are therefore required. Prior to collection of exotic fruit fly (Tephritidae) species, a number of readily available preservatives with storage at either 4°C or room temperature were trialed here to determine the DNA quality for three locally available Diptera species, Fannia canicularis (L.), Musca domestica L., and Lucilia sericata Meigen. Considerable variation was observed between the different preservatives, species, and temperatures, but several preservatives at 4°C were favored. Chilled propylene glycol was subsequently used for the storage and carriage of Australian field-collected Bactrocera fruit fly specimens to New Zealand. When processed up to 20 d later, DNA fragments of ∼10-20 kb were obtained for successful genotyping by sequencing analysis. This protocol is therefore recommended as a logistically simple and safe approach for distant collection of dipteran samples for NGS population genomic studies.

Species composition and dispersal of nuisance flies breeding on egg farms in southern Australia

The vectorial and dispersal capacities of flies make them a biosecurity and food safety risk on egg farms. The design of optimal control and biosecurity programs requires knowledge of species composition and patterns of abundance of the fly populations present. Although there have been many studies of flies breeding on egg farms in other countries there is little information available in Australia. We monitored numbers and species of flies breeding on cage egg farms in southern Australia and used mass marking with fluorescent resin dye to assess the dispersal of the major species from one of the farms. The main peak in fly numbers occurred in spring and early summer and was comprised predominantly of little house flies (Fannia canicularis). Significant numbers of false stable flies (Muscina stabulans) were trapped near accumulated manure, but relatively low numbers were present in bird housing areas. House flies (Musca domestica) were found in only low numbers or were absent at most times of the year. In the dispersal studies, 85% of marked F. canicularis and 67% of marked M. stabulans were trapped within 255 m of the layer sheds. The greatest distance from the farm at which marked F. canicularis flies were captured was 739 m for traps and 1.25 km for tapes whereas M. stabulans flies were trapped at all distances including in the most distant trap nearly 2 km from the farm. Modelling of trap catches by distance predicted maximum dispersal distances of 1.6 km for F. canicularis and 2.4 km for M. stabulans.

Synergistic Trap Response of the False Stable Fly and Little House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) to Acetic Acid and Ethanol, Two Principal Sugar Fermentation Volatiles.

In an initial observation, large numbers of muscoid flies (Diptera) were captured as nontarget insects in traps baited with solutions of acetic acid plus ethanol. In subsequent field experiments, numbers of false stable fly Muscina stabulans (Fallén) and little house fly Fannia canicularis (L.) trapped with the combination of acetic acid plus ethanol were significantly higher than those trapped with either chemical alone, or in unbaited traps. Flies were trapped with acetic acid and ethanol that had been formulated in the water of the drowning solution of the trap, or dispensed from polypropylene vials with holes in the vial lids for diffusion of evaporated chemical. Numbers of both species of fly captured were greater with acetic acid and ethanol in glass McPhail traps, compared to four other similar wet trap designs. This combination of chemicals may be useful as an inexpensive and not unpleasant lure for monitoring or removing these two pest fly species.

The Importance of Habitat in the Ecology of Decomposition on Rabbit Carcasses in Malaysia: Implications in Forensic Entomology.

The stages of decomposition and the faunal succession on rabbit carcasses in three different habitats, namely jungle, rural, and highland areas, were studied. Three New Zealand White rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) carcasses weighing ∼2 kg were sampled daily until the decomposition process was completed. Representative specimens of adult flies, larvae, pupa, and mites were collected from the carcasses and processed in the laboratory. There were differences in decomposition rate and faunal succession between the carcasses. The fastest rate of decomposition was recorded in rural area, and the slowest rate of decomposition was recorded in highland area. The carcasses exhibited the same pattern of colonization by adult flies, but the dominant species of larvae and adult flies on each carcass in specific habitats were different. The primary species of flies recorded in jungle were Chrysomya megacephala F., Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), Chrysomya chani Kurahashi, Chrysomya villenuevi Patton, Chrysomya nigripes Aubertin, Chrysomya pinguis (Walker), Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann), Hemipyrellia tagaliana (Bigot), Hypopyiopsis fumipennis (Walker), Hypopygiopsis violacea (Macquart), and Hydrotaea spinigera Stein represented by both adults and larvae. Musca domestica L., Atherigona sp., Lioproctia pattoni (Senior-White), Lioproctia saprianovae Pape & Bänziger, and Seniorwhitea princeps (Wiedemann) were represented by adults only. The biodiversity of flies in the rural area were C. megacephala, C. rufifacies, H. ligurriens, Fannia canicularis L., Hydrotaea chalcogaster (Wiedemann), and Hyd. spinigera represented by both adults and larvae, meanwhile M. domestica, Atherigona sp., Boettcherisca peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy), Parasarcophaga taenionota Wiedemann, Parasarcophaga scopariiformis Senior-White, and S. princeps were represented by adults only. The species of flies collected in the highland area were Lucilia porphyrina (Walker), C. megacephala, C. rufifacies, C. villenuevi, C. pinguis, H. ligurriens, Hyd. spinigera, Hyd. chalcogaster, F. canicularis, and Boettcherisca highlandica Kurahashi & Tan represented by both adults and larvae, whereas C. nigripes, Chrysomya thanomthini Kurahashi & Tumrasvin, M. domestica, Atherigona sp., Parasarcophaga albiceps Meigen, P. taenionota, Sepsidae, Phoridae, and Millichidae were represented by adults only. Faunal succession followed the sequence of dominant flies, i.e., Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Muscidae, Sepsidae, and lastly Stratiomyidae for jungle, or Sepsidae for rural and highland studies. Mites, from suborders Mesostigmata, Prostigmata, Astigmatina, and Oribatida, were also recovered throughout decomposition, which could be used for future implementation in forensic investigations. The data obtained from this study could provide more accurate indicators for local forensic scientists in solving criminal cases especially on the determination of time and primary location of death.

Synanthropic flies of Asir Province, southwest of Saudi Arabia

<p>A survey of synanthropic flies was carried out in 11 slaughter houses in 8 localities representing different altitudes in Asir. Flies were sampled twice a month from December 2008 to November 2009 by Final Flight Fly Traps. A total of 11,737 flies consisting of 19 species, belonging to 7 families were collected, of which those of family Muscidae predominated (94.88%) followed by Calliphoridae (3.12%), Sarcophagidae (1.22%) and Fanniidae (0.55%). The other 5 families (Piophilidae, Oestridae, Phoridae, Ulidiidae and Lonchaeidae) totally represented 0.79%. Of the identified species, <em>Musca</em> <em>domestica</em> was predominant (94.26%) followed by <em>Lucilia</em> <em>sericata</em> (1.51%), <em>Sarcophaga</em> <em>carnaria</em> (1.01%), <em>Chrysomya</em> <em>albiceps</em> (0.67%), <em>Fannia </em><em>canicularis</em> (0.55%), <em>Chrysomya</em> <em>marginalis</em> (0.54%), <em>Muscina</em> <em>stabulans </em>(0.52%), <em>Calliphora</em> <em>vicina</em> (0.39%), <em>Wohlfahrtia</em> <em>nuba</em> (0.14%), <em>Megaselia scalaris</em> (0.08%), <em>Lonchaea</em> sp. (0.06), <em>Bercaea</em> <em>cruentata </em>(0.05), <em>Ophyra</em> sp. and <em>Oestrus</em> <em>ovis</em> (0.04% each), <em>Atherigona</em> sp., <em>Piophila</em> <em>casie</em> and <em>Physiphora</em> <em>demandala</em> (0.03% each) and <em>Parasarcophaga</em> <em>ruficornis</em> (0.01). Flies altogether were more common (16 spp., 84.21%) and abundant (36.45 fly/trap) in highlands than in the other altitude levels. The highlands were found with the maximum Simpson (1-D=0.18) and Shannon (H=0.49, P<0.001) diversity indices. Likewise, the highest density of <em>M</em>. <em>domestica</em> was in the highlands (P<0.05). Regression analysis confirmed that house fly density was directly related to the altitude level (P<0.05). In all altitude levels, housefly was active during the whole year with higher activities during months of low and moderate temperatures (spring, autumn and winter seasons). Analysis revealed that fly density had inverse relation with temperature.</p>

Laboratory and field assessment of cyantraniliprole relative to existing fly baits.

Toxic fly baits are commonly used for fly control in California animal operations. However, resistance development has been a problem. Comprehensive laboratory and field studies were conducted to test commercial baits (imidacloprid, methomyl, dinotefuran, spinosad) and one novel cyantraniliprole bait. A susceptible Musca domestica strain was compared with wild-type M. domestica and Fannia canicularis strains in the laboratory using choice/no-choice tests. Field visitation to baits and both short- and longer-term mortality were documented. Susceptible Musca suffered high mortality with all baits after 3 days of choice and no-choice tests. Wild-type Musca mortality was more variable and higher in no-choice relative to choice tests. Fannia were most susceptible to spinosad > dinotefuran = cyantraniliprole > methomyl = imidacloprid. Field Musca were most attracted to spinosad > cyantraniliprole > dinotefuran > sugar > methomyl > imidacloprid. Delayed mortality from bait-fed field flies (captured and held with untreated food and water for 3 days) was ranked spinosad = cyantraniliprole > dinotefuran = methomyl > imidacloprid > sugar. Behavioral resistance of M. domestica to imidacloprid and methomyl persists. Spinosad and cyantraniliprole baits (delayed mortality) performed best. Speed of action may be a factor in use and misuse of baits.

Phoresy byAmerichernesAff.Incertus(Pseudoscorpiones: Chernetidae) on a Tropical FlyFannia canicularis(Diptera: Fanniidae) in a Fragment of the Atlantic Forest, Brazil

Pseudoscorpions employ phoresy for dispersal, in which one animal attaches to another for transportation. This study documents the occurrence and phoresy by Americhernes aff. incertus (Pseudoscorpiones: Chernetidae) on the fly Fannia canicularis (Diptera: Fanniidae) in a fragment of semi-deciduous seasonal Atlantic Forest, in the state of Pernambuco, northeast Brazil. The pseudoscorpions were found attached to the ventral surface of six individual flies. To our knowledge, no previous studies have shown the presence of Americhernes aff. incertus in the northeast Atlantic Forest and its use of flies as a dispersal method.

Flyblock test preparation for cows against bloodsucking insects

On the surface of cows’ bodies were detected horseflies Chrysops caecutiens, Chr. pictus, Tabanus bovinus, T. sudeticus; blood-sucking flies Hydrotaea irritans, Haematobia spp., Haematobosca stimulans, Stomoxys calcitrans; and flies with licking mouthparts—Musca autumnalis, Morrelia spp., Fannia canicularis, Musca domestica, Muscina stabulans. The amount of flies on animals in July and August varied: maximum in the first and second decade of July (average of 27–56), quite large amount in late July and early August (14–39), and minimum from mid-August until the first decade of September (3–8). The studies were conducted on 1167 cows and showed high efficacy of Flyblock against zoofilnymi flies, horseflies, and midges. A consecutive period of protective action was established: after 12–14 days, the protective effect coefficient was 97%; after 17–20 days, it was 86%; after 23–27 days, it was 78%; and after 30 days, it was 75%.

Applicability of partial characterization of cytochrome oxidase I in identification of forensically important flies (Diptera) from China and Egypt

Precise species identification of every insect sample collected from criminal scenes play an essential role in the accurate estimation of postmortem interval. The morphological similarity poses a great challenge for forensic entomologists. DNA-based method can be used as a supplemental means of morphological method. In the present study, we demonstrate the applicability of the 304-bp cytochrome oxidase I gene fragment in molecular identification of forensically important Diptera. We analyzed 75 specimens belonging to 19 species of 3 families originating from China (Calliphoridae: Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya albiceps, Chrysomya rufifacies, Chrysomya nigripes, Aldrichina grahami; Lucilia bazini, Lucilia caesar, Lucilia cuprina, Lucilia sericata, Lucilia porphyrina; Muscidae: Musca autumnalis, Musca domestica, Fannia canicularis, Stomoxys calcitrans; Sarcophagidae: Sarcophaga albiceps, Sarcophaga dux, Helicophagella melanura) and Egypt (Calliphoridae: C. megacephala, C. albiceps, L. sericata; Muscidae: M. domestica, F. canicularis, S. calcitrans, Synthesiomyia nudiseta; Sarcophagidae: Sarcophaga argyrostoma). This region was amplified using polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing of the amplification products. Nucleotide sequence divergences were calculated using the Kimura two-parameter distance model and a neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree generated. Intraspecific variation ranged from 0-0.8 % and interspecific variation occurred between 1-19 %. Although all examined specimens were assigned to the correct species and formed distinct monophyletic clades, the data of the phylogenetic analysis were not completely in accordance with the traditional morphological classification. As both C. nigripes and A. grahami unexpectedly joined with Muscidae and Sarcophagidae groups respectively. Moreover, both Calliphorinae and Luciliinae clades failed to represent Calliphoridae as a separate group. Therefore, although molecular methods are beneficial especially if the available evidence are immature stage or degraded fragments of insect, we suggest using this fragment only in addition to other identification methods.

Sensory organs of the antenna of two Fannia species (Diptera: Fanniidae)

The latrine fly (Fannia scalaris) and lesser house fly (Fannia canicularis) are ubiquitous fanniid species of forensic and medical importance. The external morphology of sensilla on the antennae is studied using a stereoscopic microscope and scanning electron microscope, and the internal structure of the antennae is revealed by paraffin sections under the light microscope and laser scanning confocal microscope. Only grooved bristles are found on the scape and pedicel. Four major types of surface sensilla are found on the antennal funiculus and are classified as: (a) trichoid sensilla, (b) two subtypes of basiconic sensilla, (c) clavate sensilla, and (d) coeloconic sensilla. Density of each sensilla type of the two species is calculated. A remarkable difference is observed that the higher density of clavate sensilla occurs on the posteroventral surface in F. scalaris, whereas they are on the anterodorsal surface in F. canicularis. Several cuticular depressions that were previously known as "olfactory pits" are observed on the funiculus of both species. Combining with previous studies, they are suggested to be classified into two types: pit and sacculus. Pit is single-chambered and filled with one type of sensilla, whereas the sacculus is a multi-chambered pit organ containing several types of sensilla. Surprisingly, the pits observed in our study are mostly situated at the lateral region of the antennal funiculus, whereas in other flies, they are found on the posteroventral or anterodorsal surface of antennal funiculus. In addition, the sacculus found in our study houses only basiconic-like sensilla, which is remarkably different from other findings. Moreover, observation under light microscope indicates that previous data of the complexity and the number of the "olfactory pits," which are an important type of efficient sensory convergence, could be underestimated. Thus, more precise methods such as paraffin section or transmission electron microscope are suggested for further study.

Larval morphology of the lesser housefly, Fannia canicularis

The morphology of all larval instars of Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Fanniidae) is documented using a combination of light and scanning electron microscopy. The following structures are documented for all instars: antennal complex; maxillary palpus; facial mask; cephaloskeleton; ventral organ; anterior spiracle; Keilin's organ; posterior spiracle; fleshy processes, and anal pad. Structures reported for the first time for all instars include: two pairs of lateral prominences on the prothoracic segment; additional ventrolateral prominences on the second thoracic segment, and a papilla at the base of the posterior spiracle. Other structures reported for the first time are anterior spiracles in the first instar and a serrated tip on the mouthhook in the second instar. A trichoid sensillum on the posterior spiracular plate, representing a sensory organ otherwise unknown in the Calyptratae, is described in the second and third instars. Results are discussed and compared with existing knowledge on dipteran larval morphology.

Preliminary study and Identification of insects’ species of forensic importance in Urmia, Iran

The proper identification of the insect and arthropod species of forensic importance is the most crucial element in the field of forensic entomology. The main objective in this study was the identification of insects’ species of forensic importance in Urmia (37°, 33
N. and 45°, 4
, 45 E.) and establishment of a preliminary data-base for forensic entomology purposes in Iran for the first time. A combination of various body viscera and tissues of some of vertebrates (sheep, cow, fish and hen), such as head, paunch, spleen, intestine, derma and liver was exposed in an open land on the private possession for 53 days. Ambient daily temperature (maximum and minimum) and relative humidity values were recorded; and existing keys were used for identification of different species. During the period of study, rainfall was none; average total temperature was 23.77°C; and average of mean RH or average total RH was 46.41%. Five stages of decomposition were recognized. A total of 3179 individuals were collected; belonging to 5 orders (Diptra, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Dermaptera and Blattaria), 11 families, 16 genera and 18 species: Psychoda sp, (Dip. Psychodidae), Calliphora vicina (Dip. Calliphoridae), Calliphora vomitoria (Dip. Calliphoridae), Lucilia sericata (Dip. Calliphoridae), Chrysoma sp. (Dip.Calliphoridae), Musca domestica (Dip. Muscidae), Muscina stabulans (Dip. Muscidae), Fannia canicularis (Dip. Fannidae), Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis (Dip. Sarcophagidae), Sarcophaga sp. (Dip.Sarcophagidae), Wohlfartia magnifica (Dip. Sarcophagidae), Dermestes maculates (Col. Dermestidae), Necrophorus sp.(Col.Silphidae), Blatta orientalis (Blattaria . Blattidae), Vespula germanica (Hym.Vespidae), Messor caducus (Hym. Formicidae), Cataglyphis sp. (Hym. Formicidae) and Forficula auricularia (Dermaptera. Forficulidae). The species of Psychoda sp, (Dip. Psychodidae), M. caducus, Cataglyphis sp. (Hym. Formicidae) and F. auricularia (Dermaptera. Forficulidae) are seldomly reported in previous researches; and they were heavily focused to tissues of animals in these studies.

Investigation of the Factors Affecting Adult Fly Production in Biosolid Cake

The seasonal pattern of adult fly production in both fresh and aged biosolid cake was established by the exposure of biosolid cake to natural conditions in the central coastal region of Perth, Western Australia, over the course of a year. Relationships between fly emergence and six factors (weeks exposed, pH, NH(4), rainfall, temperature, and moisture) suspected of facilitating the attraction of adult flies to biosolid cake were measured. The aim was to study the production of adult flies with regard to weeks exposed in different seasons to establish a "best practice" storage procedure for aged biosolid cake. Four fly species were collected during the study; Musca domestica L. (house fly), Stomoxys calcitrans L. (stable fly), Fannia canicularis L. (lesser house fly), and Muscina stabulans (Fallén) (false stable fly). Of the 5,303 flies identified, >97% of these were either M. domestica or S. calcitrans. Adult flies emerged from biosolid cake all year round with a sharp decline in winter. The number of emerged flies peaked in summer (3,163 flies) and declined during autumn (1,545 flies) and spring (532 flies). Significant positive relationships were observed between the number of adult flies emerging from biosolid cake and ambient temperature, NH(4) content, and weeks exposed. Higher ambient temperatures and a higher NH(4) content of the biosolid cake were associated with increased number of adult flies emerging from the biosolid cake. Similarly, the majority of flies emerged from biosolid cake in the first 10 wk of exposure to fly activity.

Persistence of Exotic Newcastle Disease Virus (ENDV) in Laboratory Infected Musca domestica and Fannia canicularis

House flies (Musca domestica) and little house flies (Fannia canicularis) were examined for their ability to take up and harbor a velogenic strain of exotic Newcastle disease virus (ENDV) (family Paramyxoviridae, genus Avulavirus). Laboratory-reared flies were allowed to feed on evaporated milk containing ENDV at a virus concentration of 10(8.3) egg infectious dose (EID)50/0.1 ml or on poultry feces containing an ENDV titer of 10(5.8) EID50/0.1 g. Flies exposed to either infectious food source for 24 hr became transiently infected with virus. Virus persisted predominantly in the mid- and hindgut, with relatively little virus isolated from the remainder of the fly body. Virus persisted similarly in both fly species that were fed evaporated milk containing ENDV, with a maximum ENDV titer of 10(5.98) EID50/fly for the house fly and 10(4.78) EID50/fly for the little house fly at 1 day postexposure; titers decreased on subsequent days to 10(2.38) EID50/fly for house fly and > or = 1 EID50/fly for little house fly at 5 days postexposure. Both fly species acquired viral titers greater than the infective dose for a susceptible chicken (10(3.0) EID50-10(4.0) EID50). In addition, flies fed evaporated milk containing a high titer of ENDV maintained viral titers above the infective dose for up to 4 days postexposure to the infectious food source. Flies fed on infective feces retained a chicken infective dose for only one day. The decrease in viral titer over time was significantly explained by logistic regression for both fly species (P < 0.05). The slope of the regression line was not different for the two fly species (P < 0.05), indicating a similar rate of virus loss.

Abundância e sazonalidade de dípteros (Insecta) em granja aviária da região nordeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Modern production systems accommodate broody hens in high densities, leading to the accumulation of excrement under the cages. This substrate is excellent for the development of sinantropic flies. Thus, the accomplishment of surveys in these places becomes essential, in order to plan better strategies of control. The present work aimed at studying the entomofauna and the seasonality of the species of dipterous present in the Crisdan poultry house located in the Municipality of São João da Boa Vista, the State of São Paulo, Brazil. In the period of January of 2001 to December of 2002, 1,012,595 flies were captured using the "jug-trap". The species were identified: Drosophila repleta (Wollaston, 1858), Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758), Ophyra spp., Hermetria illucens (Linnaeus, 1758), Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus, 1761), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), and Sepsidae. More frequently D. repleta and M. domestica had added 99.47% of the dipterous. Increased rainfall and the collection months influenced the sampling of dipterous (P<0.05). Drosophila repleta was the most abundant species, representing 91% of all captured flies. However, this diptera did not develop at the surveyed site since immatures were not captured therein.

Detection and Isolation of Exotic Newcastle Disease Virus from Field-Collected Flies

Flies were collected by sweep net from the vicinity of two small groups of "backyard" poultry (10–20 chickens per group) that had been identified as infected with exotic Newcastle disease virus (family Paramyxoviridae, genus avulavirus, ENDV) in Los Angeles County, CA, during the 2002–2003 END outbreak. Collected flies were subdivided into pools and homogenized in brain-heart infusion broth with antibiotics. The separated supernatant was tested for the presence of ENDV by inoculation into embryonated chicken eggs. Exotic Newcastle disease virus was isolated from pools of Phaenicia cuprina (Wiedemann), Fannia canicularis (L.), and Musca domestica L., and it was identified by hemagglutination inhibition with Newcastle disease virus antiserum. Viral concentration in positive pools was low (<1 egg infectious dose50 per fly). Isolated virus demonstrated identical monoclonal antibody binding profiles as well as 99% sequence homology in the 635-bp fusion gene sequence compared with ENDV recovered from infected commercial egg layer poultry during the 2002 outbreak.

Detection and Isolation of Exotic Newcastle Disease Virus from Field-Collected Flies

Flies were collected by sweep net from the vicinity of two small groups of "backyard" poultry (10-20 chickens per group) that had been identified as infected with exotic Newcastle disease virus (family Paramyxoviridae, genus avulavirus, ENDV) in Los Angeles County, CA, during the 2002-2003 END outbreak. Collected flies were subdivided into pools and homogenized in brain-heart infusion broth with antibiotics. The separated supernatant was tested for the presence of ENDV by inoculation into embryonated chicken eggs. Exotic Newcastle disease virus was isolated from pools of Phaenicia cuprina (Wiedemann), Fannia canicularis (L.), and Musca domestica L., and it was identified by hemagglutination inhibition with Newcastle disease virus antiserum. Viral concentration in positive pools was low (<1 egg infectious dose50 per fly). Isolated virus demonstrated identical monoclonal antibody binding profiles as well as 99% sequence homology in the 635-bp fusion gene sequence compared with ENDV recovered from infected commercial egg layer poultry during the 2002 outbreak.

A review of the canicularis group of Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Fanniidae) from China

The Chinese species of the Fannia canicularis group are reviewed. A new species, Fannia triangula Wang, sp. nov., is described. One new junior synonym, F. chaoyangensis Zhang, 1995 for F. canicularis (Linnaeus, 1761) is established. F. facisetosa is redescribed. A key to the twelve known Chinese species is presented.

Nuisance flies and landfill activities: an investigation at a West Midlands landfill site

Nuisance-causing flies were studied in and around a West Midlands, UK, landfill site from mid-January 2003 to mid-January 2004. The most important species was the common housefly, Musca domestica, which made up more than 92% of the total catch on traps in premises and was also frequent on the landfill site. An estimated 2 million common houseflies were imported to the site in waste as eggs, larvae or pupae during the peak month, July. Most did not apparently survive to maturity, only about 20 000 per month emerging from the tipped refuse. Lesser houseflies (Fannia canicularis) were also very commonly imported but they seemed unable to survive the conditions on the tip in their immature stages and few were found in emergence traps. No correlation was found between the distance separating premises from the landfill site and the number of M. domestica trapped in those premises. White sticky traps were effective for monitoring changes in fly populations over the longer term whereas the Scudder grill was more useful for making objective 'snapshots' of fly activity. There is scope to improve both the monitoring of fly activity and the investigation of complaints made by the general public about flies.

Evaluation of host responses to envenomation as a means to assess ectoparasitic pteromalid wasp’s potential for controlling manure-breeding flies

Abstract For most of the pteromalid wasps currently used in biocontrol programs, key fundamental aspects of the wasp’s biology are lacking, including information on the factors that make one fly more attractive than another as a host and which flies are best suited for wasp development, and hence mass propagation for later release. This study examined the physiological relationships between two species of filth flies (Musca domestica and Fannia canicularis) and eight species of ectoparasitic wasps (five solitary and three gregarious species). Seven of eight wasp species preferred the larger pupae of house flies over the smaller F. canicularis, and all solitary species induced death in fly hosts within 24 h after injection of venom. In contrast, the gregarious wasps induced a developmental arrest in parasitized hosts, the duration of which was host species dependent. This host arrest was accompanied by an increase in host hemolymph lipids and correlated with clutch sizes of the two gregarious wasps, Nasonia longicornis and Muscidifurax raptorellus. A similar relationship was not observed for any of the solitary species tested. Isolated crude venoms from all wasps induced similar changes in the morphology of cultured insect cells and the venoms displayed overlapping lethality (LC50s), but the time required for venoms from gregarious species to trigger death was significantly longer than solitary wasp venoms. The possible use of host responses to envenomation as parameters to screen the biological control potential of parasitoids is discussed.