Fly Genus Research Articles

A new white-spotted Megaselia Rondani (Diptera: Phoridae) from western North America.

BackgroundThe phorid fly genus Megaselia Rondani is a large, poorly-known taxon whose species are found worldwide.New informationA new species of Megaselia Rondani, M. simunorum, is described from both urban and rural sites in southern California. With a large area of white colour on the posterior part of the abdominal dorsum, it closely resembles the much more common species M. sulphurizona, but M. simunorum has distinctly thicker ventral setae on the abdomen and a differently-shaped white spot.

Taxonomic revision of the genus Suillia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Heleomyzidae) from Korea

The fly genus Suillia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, belonging to the tribe Suilliini of the family Heleomyzidae, is distributed throughout the world. Only five species of this genus have previously been recorded from the Korean fauna: S. atricornis (Meigen), S. brunneipennis Czerny, S. nartschukella Gorodkov, S. rubida Coquillett, and S. lineitergum Pandellé. In the course of a revisionary survey of the heleomyzid flies of Korea, the authors found two species for the first time in Korea: S. bicolor (Zetterstedt, 1838) and S. oldenbergii (Czerny). A key to Korean species, photographs of their external features, and diagnoses of their morphological characteristic features are provided herein.

Histopathological alterations in the reproductive tract of male dogs with Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis

Dogs are considered the main domestic host of Leishmania infantum. The transmission between vertebrate hosts normally occurs during blood feeding of Lutzomyia sp., a genus of phlebotomine sand flies. However, other forms of transmission without a vector have been reported. Presence of amastigotes of Leishmania sp. in different organs can cause several pathologies depending on the immune status of the host and the parasite load. The aim of this study was to evaluate histopathological changes in the reproductive tract of male dogs. Samples of testes, epididymis, and prostate gland were collected from 70 animals that were grouped according to serology test results for visceral leishmaniasis and clinical symptoms. Three experimental groups were formed based on serological results and clinical presentation: asymptomatic, symptomatic and control. Prostatic changes were seen regardless of the serological results; however, the changes were more severe in symptomatic animals. In the testes and epididymis, lesions such as interstitial infiltrate, degeneration, and fibrosis were seen more frequently and were more severe in positive animals when compared to the control group. These results demonstrate that dogs infected with Leishmania sp. can develop nonspecific changes in the reproductive tract, which are more severe in symptomatic animals.

Two new species of Hurleyella Runyon amp; Robinson (Diptera: Dolichopodidae), with the first record from the Neotropics.

Two new species of the long-legged fly genus Hurleyella Runyon Robinson, 2010 are described and illustrated: Hurleyella belizensis sp. nov. from Belize and Hurleyella salina sp. nov. from alkali areas of the Northern Rockies of the USA (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming). The discovery of these new species greatly extends the known distribution of Hurleyella northward in the Nearctic and southward into the Neotropics. Notes, photos of habitats, a distribution map, and a key to the four known species of Hurleyella are provided.

New South American species of Crossopalpus Bigot (Diptera: Hybotidae: Tachydromiinae), including biogeographical insights and a reinterpretation of female abdominal tergite 10 in Drapetidini.

Crossopalpus is a rather diverse genus of tachydromiine flies, but regionally the genus is nowhere very speciose. Knowledge on the South American Crossopalpus before this paper included two described species from Andean related habitats, with several biomes from the eastern part of the continent being completely unexplored. Herein, we describe four new species of Crossopalpus from eastern South America, namely: C. albivertex sp. nov., C. aliceae sp. nov., C. goliathus sp. nov., and C. xanthogaster sp. nov. New diagnoses and high quality photographs are made available for C. armipes (Bezzi, 1909) and C. pennescens (Melander, 1918), including some characters used for the first time to distinguish South American species. We provide a key for identification of the six South American species, discussion about the position of Crossopalpus in Drapetidini, and some biogeographical insights including preferred habitats and seasonality of the South American species. We discuss the apparent loss of tergite 10 in females of Drapetidini, introducing a reinterpretation where the sclerite may be present in some genera of the tribe, but fused to the cerci and/or sternite 10.

Attractive lures for fruit flies in an organic guava orchard

ABSTRACT Fruit flies are the biggest obstacle in guava cultivation, with the monitoring of population a fundamental aspect for their management. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of attractive lures for fruit flies in guava trees, produced in an organic system. McPhail traps were installed with 400 mL of solution, in four repetitions, and distributed in randomized blocks in six treatments: Isca Mosca® (5%); Isca Samaritá Tradicional® (5%); Torula® yeast; Bio Anastrepha® (5%); Ceratrap® and guava juice (50%), with 3 weekly reviews. Data on capture were subjected to analysis of variance, and averages were compared (Tukey 5%). The values of fly trap per day (FTD) were computed. The correlation between flies and meteorological variables were evaluated, as well as the monthly cost of lures. A total of 37,917 individuals from the genus Anastrepha and 122 species of flies Ceratitis capitata were collected, being Anastrepha spp. the main genus of fruit fly in the region. The Ceratrap product proved to be superior, followed by Torula, Isca Mosca, and Bio Anastrepha; Isca Samaritá and guava juice presented the lowest results. The standard trapping of females was like the total. The uniformity of attraction presented a drop in all treatments, and Ceratrap was more constant after seven days. The correlations between meteorological factors and population variation were positive and significant only for precipitation. The most expensive treatments (Ceratrap and Torula) were also the most efficient and selective, and the Ceratrap product required less manpower.

Phylogeny and taxonomic revision of the genus Eristalopsis Evenhuis (Diptera: Bombyliidae: Bombyliinae)

The endemic Australian bee fly genus Eristalopsis Evenhuis, 1985 (Bombyliidae: Bombyliinae) is reviewed including 11 new species: E. aurata sp.n., E. concava sp.n., E. danielsorum sp.n., E. flava sp.n., E. maculata sp.n., E. minor sp.n., E. parva sp.n., E. rubra sp.n., E. smarti sp.n., E. uniformis sp.n., E. wrightae sp.n. In addition, we generate a morphological phylogeny including all recognised species. This genus can easily be distinguished from other Australian genera in the subfamily Bombyliinae by having a 2-segmented antennal flagellum, cell br longer than cell bm, crossvein m-m in apical half of cell dm, crossvein r-m much longer than crossvein m-m, abdominal tergites with black and yellow pattern, and female genitalia without sand chamber. A key to species of Eristalopsis is provided.

Occurrence of the Parasitic Fly Philornis torquans on Fledglings of the Rufous-Fronted Thornbird ( Phacellodomus rufifrons) in Southeast Brazil.

Philornis is a neotropical genus of muscid fly that interacts with birds and may affect the development and survival of the birds' offspring. Although Philornis is a relatively common parasite, there is a lack of information about Philornis hosts in several parts of the Americas. In this study, two nests of the Rufousfronted Thornbird ( Phacellodomus rufifrons) were collected in Pedro Leopoldo, southeast Brazil. The first contained four nestlings of advanced age (about 20 d old) and a recently emerged Philornis torquans female adult fly. The second nest contained three nestlings (less than 7 d old) and several Philornis torquans subcutaneous larvae. One of the nestlings was infested by 53 larvae, which had attacked several parts of its body and caused individual wounds containing 1 to more than 15 larvae. The length of the larvae ranged from 3 to 18 mm and only one was a second instar; the remaining 69 were third instars. The pupal period lasted 9-13 d. In total, 71 larvae were collected from the nest, with nestling parasitism varying from 7 to 53 larvae (mean- 23.7±25.5 larvae/nestling).

Saving DNA from museum specimens: The success of DNA mini-barcodes in haplotype reconstruction in the genus Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The fragmentation of DNA in historical specimens is very common, so obtaining sequences that allow molecular identification and the study of diversity is quite challenging. In this study, we used preserved and fresh specimens of the fruit fly genus Anastrepha, a genus of economic impact of fruit crops of the Neotropic. From these specimens, we evaluated: (1) the success PCR amplification rates of mini-barcodes fragments of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, and (2) the usefulness of mini-barcodes in the reconstruction of haplotypes for the identification of species and the diversity analysis. We used 93 specimens from 12 species, which had been preserved in 70% ethanol for more than 20 years. Internal primers were designed in the COI region and primers available in the literature were also evaluated. We obtained amplifications for 62.36% of the samples processed, and reconstructed haplotypes between 171 bp and 632 bp. Variable amplification rates between combinations of primers and between species were obtained, and molecular identification of some museum specimens was achieved. It was also possible to compare the haplotypes obtained in four species from which both fresh and museum samples were available. Our results also show the importance of the adjustment of the primers for the amplification, allowing to amplify fragments of up to 400 bp. The use available resources in biological collections is key to increasing knowledge of species of interest, and by means of the amplification of mini-barcodes, short sequences can be obtained that allow the molecular identification of specimens and the reconstruction of haplotypes with multiple purposes.

Genetic Variation of the Long-Legged Flies Phacaspis mitis Complex (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) in Peninsular Thailand Inferred From Three Mitochondrial Genes.

Phacaspis (Meuffels and Grootaert 1988) is a true marine dolichopodid fly genus. They are common on the mud flats in the front of mangroves where they deal with extreme conditions. The genus is represented in southern Thailand by Phacaspis mitis (Grootaert and Meuffels 2001) (Diptera: Dolichopodidae). Previous studies have focused on both taxonomy and classification of this genus, but there are a few studies focusing on this species in terms of molecular genetics. The objective of the present study was to investigate genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships of P. mitis using ribosomal DNA subunit 12S, ribosomal DNA subunit 16S, and cytochrome oxidase subunit I of mitochondrial genes. The specimens were collected in six coastal provinces from the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The phylogenetic relationship of combined mitochondrial genes revealed that P. mitis in peninsular Thailand is a monophyletic group that can be divided into two distinct clades. According to the haplotype network, 16 haplotype patterns were observed in P. mitis, but P. mitis was separated into two major haplotype networks. In addition, a positive correlation between genetic distance (FST) and geographical distance (km) was found among the populations of peninsular Thailand. The level of genetic differentiation between populations is influenced by geographic isolation. Moreover, P. mitis arose in late Eocene (35.5 Mya) and it diversified during the Plio-Pleistocene (3.14 Mya). Although, P. mitis is divided into two populations in this study, it is a well-supported monophyletic group.

The salivary hyaluronidase and apyrase of the sand fly Sergentomyia schwetzi (Diptera, Psychodidae)

Current knowledge of sand fly salivary components has been based solely on Lutzomyia and Phlebotomus species which feed mainly on mammals; their hyaluronidases and apyrases were demonstrated to significantly affect blood meal intake and transmission of vector-borne pathogens. Members of the third sand fly genus Sergentomyia preferentially feed on reptiles but some of them are considered as Leishmania and arboviruses vectors; however, nothing is known about their salivary components that might be relevant for pathogens transmission. Here, marked hyaluronidase and apyrase activities were demonstrated in the saliva of a Sergentomyia schwetzi colony maintained on geckos. Hyaluronidase of S. schwetzi cleaved hyaluronan as the prominent substrate, and was active over a broad pH range from 4.0 to 8.0, with a sharp peak at pH 5.0. SDS PAGE zymography demonstrated the monomeric character of the enzyme, which remained active in reducing conditions. The apparent molecular weight of 43 kDa was substantially lower than in any sand fly species tested so far and may indicate relatively low grade of the glycosylation of the enzyme. The apyrase of S. schwetzi was typical strictly Ca2+ dependent Cimex-family apyrase. It was active over a pH range from 6.5 to 9.0, with a peak of activity at pH 8.5, and had an ATPase/ADPase ratio of 0.9. The apyrase activity increased during the first 3 days post-emergence, then reached a plateau and remained relatively constant until day 8. In comparison with a majority of Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia species tested to date, both the hyaluronidase and apyrase activities of S. schwetzi were relatively low, which may reflect an adaptation of this sand fly to blood feeding on non-mammalian hosts.

Five new species of the flesh fly genus Boettcheria (Diptera: Sarcophagidae).

Five new Neotropical species of the flesh fly genus Boettcheria Parker, 1914 are described: B. brachion sp. nov. (Venezuela), B. dikros sp. nov. (Costa Rica), B. hirta sp. nov. (Costa Rica), B. tridens sp. nov. (Venezuela), and B. ulo sp. nov. (Venezuela). The definition of the genus is briefly discussed.

Case 3772 – Anastrepha Schiner, 1868 (Insecta, Diptera, Tephritidae): Proposed precedence over Toxotrypana Gerstaecker, 1860

The purpose of this application under Article 23.9.3 of the Code is to conserve the current usage of the well-established genus-group name AnastrephaSchiner, 1868 for a genus of Neotropical fruit flies by reversal of precedence with its senior synonym, ToxotrypanaGerstaecker, 1860, under the plenary power of the Commission, in the interest of nomenclatural stability. Recent morphological and molecular studies demonstrate that the two genera are synonyms, however, while only one species of Toxotrypana is an agricultural pest, the multiple major pest species currently placed in Anastrepha have far greater impact on numerous commercial and subsistence fruit crops. The synonymy will involve changing their names and this would cause tremendous nomenclatural instability and disrupt scientific research and communication regarding their taxonomy, basic biology, management, and regulation.

Two species of Caiusa Surcouf (Diptera: Calliphoridae) new to India, with data on larval behaviour and morphology.

Caiusa Surcouf (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is an Old World genus of blow flies, the larvae of which feed on egg masses in the foam nests of various species of rhacophorid tree frogs. Here, we provide the first records for India (West Bengal, Eastern India) of Caiusa coomani Séguy, 1948 and C. karrakerae Rognes, 2015, together with new information on the behaviour and morphology of their larvae. Active surface swimming to disperse from infested nests is documented in blow fly larvae for the first time, as is the presence of a large internal air sac presumably acting as a floating aid. Chiromantis simus (Annandale, 1915) (Anura: Rhacophoridae) egg masses are first recorded as a feeding substrate of Caiusa larvae.

Neotropical Lispe (Diptera: Muscidae): notes, redescriptions and key to species

ABSTRACTThe following species of the fly genus Lispe are redescribed: L. albitarsis (Stein, 1898), L. latana Snyder, 1949, L. levis (Stein, 1911), L. lisarba Snyder, 1949, L. nasoni (Stein, 1898), L. serotina Wulp, 1896, L. setuligera (Stein, 1911) and L. vilis (Stein, 1911). Additionally, a new diagnosis is proposed for L. rufitibialis Macquart, 1843, and in order to fix the identity of the name the lectotype is designated. To facilitate species identification, a pictorial key for the species of Lispe in the Neotropical region and distribution maps are presented, together with the first published illustrations of the male terminalia of L. latana, L. levis and L. lisarba, and the female of L. lisarba.

The toad fly Lucilia bufonivora: its evolutionary status and molecular identification.

The blow fly genus Lucilia is composed largely of saprophages and facultative myasis agents, including the economically important species Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Lucilia sericata (Meigen). Only one species is generally recognized as an obligate agent of myiasis, Lucilia bufonivora Moniez, and this is an obligate parasite of toads. Lucilia silvarum (Meigen), a sister species, behaves mainly as a carrion breeder; however, it has also been reported as a facultative parasite of amphibians. Morphologically, these species are almost identical, and historically this has led to misidentification, taxonomic ambiguity and a paucity of studies of L. bufonivora. In this study, dipterous larvae were analysed from toad myiasis cases from the U.K., The Netherlands and Switzerland, together with adult specimens of fly species implicated in amphibian parasitism: L. bufonivora, L. silvarum and Lucilia elongata Shannon (from North America). Partial sequences of two genes, cox1 and ef1α, were amplified. Seven additional blow fly species were analysed as outgroups. Bayesian inference trees of cox1, ef1α and a combined-gene dataset were constructed. All larvae isolated from toads were identified as L. bufonivora and no specimens of L. silvarum were implicated in amphibian myiasis. This study confirms L. silvarum and L. bufonivora as distinct sister species and provides unambiguous molecular identification of L. bufonivora.

A new genus and species of an unusual Australian winter bee fly (Diptera: Bombyliidae) with discussion on its phylogenetic position

AbstractA new genus of bee fly (Bombyliinae: Bombyliini) is described to place a unique species Paramonovius nightking gen. et sp. nov. The new species is only collected in winter and is only known from a restricted area in Western Australia. Our morphological phylogeny indicates the new genus is sister to Sisyromyia White, 1916 and is similar to the latter in some external characters such as the one‐segmented antennal flagellum with apical stylus, subapex with 3–5 long hairs, open cell r5 and cell br nearly as long as cell bm. However, Paramonovius gen. nov. has dichoptic male eyes, sparse scales on the median abdominal stripe, enlarged claw and pulvillus, as well as a series of autapomorphies in the genitalia. We present a modified key to the Australian genera of Bombyliini to accommodate this new genus. The unusual flight time of this genus may have contributed to its rarity in collections.

Revision of Species of the Genus Scatomyza Fallén, 1810 (Diptera, Scathophagidae) in the Fauna of Russia

All the three species of the fly genus Scatomyza Fallen known from Russia are revised for the first time. Diagnosis of the genus, descriptions of the species, and a key to their identification are given. The species S. amplipennis (Portschinsky, 1887) appears to have been recorded from eastern Siberia by mistake, actually it is not present in the territory of Russia. Data on the distribution of each species are summarized and mapped.

Revision of the Australian bee fly genus Pilosia Hull, 1973 (Bombyliidae, Bombyliinae) from Western Australia.

A restricted Western Australia bee fly genus Pilosia Hull (Bombyliidae, Bombyliinae) is reviewed with the description of two new species, Pilosia incana Bowden Li sp. nov. and Pilosia flava Li Yeates sp. nov., and the type species, Pilosia flavopilosa Hull, 1973 is identified as a new junior synonym of Pilosia immutatus (Walker, 1849). This genus can easily be distinguished from other Australian genera in the subfamily by having a three-segmented antennal flagellum, a closed cell cup and a haired mediotergite. A recent morphological phylogeny of Australian Bombyliinae suggested Pilosia is sister to all the remaining Bombyliinae genera (Li Yeates, 2018). A key to all three known species of Pilosia is provided.

Dohrniphora (Diptera: Phoridae) from the Miocene Mexican and Dominican ambers with a paleobiological reconstruction

Male specimens of the phorid fly genus Dohrniphora Dahl from Miocene Mexican and Dominican amber are revised and described. This is the first systematic revision of the fossil species, and 11 new species are recognized from two Dohrniphora groups: those with and without large hind tibial setae. The group lacking hind tibial setae is notably more diverse and frequent in amber than those with such setae. Swarming behavior in Dohrniphora females is noted for the first time. Probably, these females were frequently attracted in large numbers to dead and decaying insects and other animals trapped in resin. Another phorid genus with similar habits, Puliciphora, frequently co-occurs in amber pieces containing Dohrniphora specimens.