Species Of Muscidae Research Articles

Studies on Molecular Taxonomy and Morphological Characteristics of Haematobia irritans exigua (de Meijere, 1903); A New Range Extension in the Bargur Hills of Erode District in Tamil Nadu, India

The flies of the genus Haematobia (Diptera:Muscidae) are hematophagous ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance. The morphological identification of these flies is often complicated due to their similarities. This was the first documentation of Haematobia irritans exigua in Tamil Nadu which affected free-ranging Bargur Cattle (Bos indicus) from Bargur Hills of Tamil Nadu. The aim of this research was to provide the details on the molecular characterization and molecular divergence of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI) and 28S Ribosomal RNA of Haematobia irritans exigua and to compare them with the morphological features. The results of this study showed that the nucleotide composition of the COI gene of Haematobia irritans exigua had a higher AT (69.5%) and a lower GC (30.4%). The rate of transition was higher than that of transversion. The intra-specific distance based on COI gene analysis did not exceed 1.1%, while the inter-specific distance between different species ranged from 0.9% to 14.1%. A neighbor-joining tree and an Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) tree were constructed using 1000 bootstrapped samples to analyze the phylogenetic relationship between different muscidae species based on the COI gene as an identification marker. The analysis of 28S Ribosomal RNA showed an intra-specific distance of 1.6% and an inter-specific distance ranging from 1.49% to 8.56%. The 28S rRNA revealed the presence of intra-specific variation among the species. Additionally, this study found notable color variations on the thorax of the flies in the same population, along with a minute phenotypical variation with minimum intraspecific distance among the flies in the same population. This taxonomic data of the hematophagous fly Haematobia irritans exigua would be well-intentioned for identification.

Thelazia lacrymalis in horses from Romania: epidemiology, morphology and phylogenetic analysis

BackgroundEquine thelaziosis is a neglected vector-borne parasitic disease in modern veterinary medicine, lacking recent reports. It is transmitted by Musca autumnalis, and potentially other Muscidae species, by ingesting the lachrymal secretions of its equine host. The distribution of both Thelazia lacrymalis and its intermediate hosts remains largely unknown throughout Europe, with most studies dating back 20 years. The aim of this study was to assess the presence, prevalence and distribution of T. lacrymalis in horses from Romania.MethodsThe eyes of 273 horses, slaughtered at two abattoirs from the Northwestern and Western regions of Romania, were examined for the presence of T. lacrymalis between March and November 2021. Upon detection, the nematodes were collected and morphologically identified using the keys from literature. Following identification, one specimen from each animal was selected for molecular analysis while the rest underwent detailed morphometric measurements. Mapping and distribution, according to ecoregions, was done using the QGis 3.20 software, while sequences obtained were compared to those available in GenBank through BLAST analysis using the MEGA X software.ResultsOf the 273 animals sampled, 12 (4.39%) were positive for Thelazia spp. infection. Eighty-seven nematodes were recovered, all morphologically identified as T. lacrymalis. The intensity of infestation varied between one and 33 nematodes/animal while five animals presented a bilateral infestation and seven a unilateral one. The highest prevalence was encountered in Pannonian ecoregion (12.12%) while the lowest was in the Alpine ecoregion (0%). Seventy-five intact specimens underwent detailed morphometric analysis, of the 18–20 parameters, resulting in notable differences in striation lengths compared to the data available in other reports. BLAST analysis identified a 96.46–98.60% similarity to the only other COI gene sequence available for T. lacrymalis.ConclusionsThe current study represents the first report of T. lacrymalis in horses in Romania. The low prevalence rates are probably linked to the wide use of macrocyclic lactones.Graphic

Carrion flies (Insecta: Diptera) found on human cadavers in Chiba prefecture, Honshu, Japan, with the first record of Fannia prisca from a human corpse.

Forensic entomology (FE) involves the collection and analysis of necrophagous insects and arthropods for postmortem interval estimation based on their growth and succession. In Japan, research on FE is limited, and the predominant species of necrophagous insects and their distribution have not been clarified. The present study aimed to clarify the actual situation of insects, targeting Diptera collected from human cadavers, in Chiba Prefecture. We targeted the cases for which specimens could be collected from forensic autopsies conducted at the Legal Medicine Department of Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine or from human bodies handled by the Chiba Police in 2019. We specifically chose cases from which adult insects could be bred. Fifty cases were applicable, and 47 cases were successful in rearing adult flies. Sixteen species of Diptera were identified: six species of Calliphoridae, four species of Sarcophagidae, and a few species of Fanniidae, Muscidae, Phoridae, Piophilidae, and Stratiomyidae. The most frequently observed species were Lucilia sericata (20 cases) and Chrysomya pinguis (18 cases). For the first time, globally, we recorded the presence of Fannia prisca in a human cadaver. In conclusion, this is the first report to reveal the presence of carrion flies in human death cases in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Research in FE is important in the context of the Japanese natural and social environment since this can aid forensic investigations conducted by authorities.

Synanthropy and ecological aspects of the Muscidae (Diptera) in the Andean Amazon, Florencia, Caquetá, Colombia

Objective: The objective of this research was to analyze the synanthropic and ecological aspects of the Muscidae species in the municipality of Florencia, Caquetá, Colombia. Scope. Promote knowledge of the diversity of Muscidae in the Colombian Andean Amazon, given their medical, forensic, and ecological importance. Methodology: Sampling was conducted monthly over six months, in three habitats (urban, rural, and forest) using Van SomerenRydon traps baited with fish, chicken viscera, decomposing onion, and human feces. Four traps (one per bait) were installed in each habitat for 48 hours each month. Samples were collected every 12 hours. Results: The synanthropic index was calculated. A total of 4,916 specimens from 21 species and eight genera were collected, 11 of them are new records in Colombia: Chaetagenia stigmatica, Graphomya maculata, Morellia dendropanasis, Morellia hirtitibia, Morellia lopesae, Ophyra capensis, Philornis falsificus, Philornis masoni, Philornis schildi, Philornis setinervis, Polietina flavithorax. The species with the highest synanthropic index that showed strong preference for dense human settlements were Morellia violacea, M. basalis, M. dendropanasis, and Ophyra capensis. The most abundant species were Biopyrellia bipuncta, Cyrtoneuropsis gemina and M. violacea, all three evidenced a preference for human settlements. Conclusions: These results suggest that certain species can be used as ecological indicators of disturbance in humid forests in Colombia.

Diptera (Dryomyzidae, Fanniidae, Muscidae, Piophilidae) Associated With Pig Carcasses in a Forest Habitat of Poland: Sex-Related Patterns of Visitation and Effectiveness of Sampling Methods.

Our knowledge on many necrophilous dipterans was limited for a long time mainly due to taxonomic issues. Therefore, findings on the sex-related associations with pig carcasses in Dryomyzidae, Fanniidae, Muscidae, and Piophilidae are presented. Moreover, the effectiveness of pitfall traps and sweep nets in fly sampling were compared, since the correct method of collecting insects is critical for the development and application of entomological tools for forensic purposes. The trapped numbers of all species differed significantly in respect to both sexes. The sex ratios were strongly female-biased in most species of Muscidae and in Fanniidae. More females were also collected in Piophilidae, but the proportion of males was higher when compared to muscids. Within Dryomyzidae, the sex ratio differed according to species. Only Dryomyza flaveola (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Dryomyzidae) and Muscina pascuorum (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Muscidae) had male-biased sex ratios. Differences in residency patterns between sexes in Stearibia nigriceps (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Piophilidae), Liopiophila varipes (Meigen, 1830) (Diptera: Piophilidae), and D. flaveola were statistically insignificant. All studied species were recorded for each sampling method. The effect of the sampling method on the number of individuals was statistically significant for all dipterans but Piophilidae. Pitfall traps outcompeted the aerial sweep net in representing Dryomyzidae and Muscidae, whereas both methods were almost equally effective in the collection of Piophilidae. A varied effectiveness of sampling methods was observed in Fanniidae. The sampling method significantly affected the determination of the appearance time of flies on carcasses, but the effect of species and sampling method was insignificant. Implications for forensic entomology are discussed.

Antennal and palpal sensilla of three predatory Lispe species (Diptera: Muscidae): an ultrastructural investigation

Antennae and maxillary palps are the most important chemical reception organs of flies. So far, the morphology of antennae and maxillary palps of flies of most feeding habits have been well described, except for that of relatively rare aquatic predatory species. This study describes sensilla on antennae and maxillary palps of three aquatic predatory Lispe species: Lispe longicollis, L. orientalis and L. pygmaea. Types, distribution, and density of sensilla are characterised via light and scanning electron microscopy. One type of mechanoreceptors is found on antennal scape. Mechanoreceptors (two subtypes) and one single pedicellar button (in L. pygmaea) are located on antennal pedicel. Four types of sensilla are discovered on antennal postpedicel: trichoid sensilla, basiconic sensilla (three subtypes), coeloconic sensilla and clavate sensilla. A unique character of these Lispe species is that the coeloconic sensilla are distributed sparsely on antennal postpedicel. Mechanoreceptors and basiconic sensilla are observed on the surface of maxillary palps in all three species. We demonstrated clear sexual dimorphism of the maxillary palps in some of the Lispe species, unlike most other Muscidae species, are larger in males than females. This, along with their courtship dance behaviour, suggest their function as both chemical signal receiver and visual signal conveyer, which is among the few records of a chemical reception organ act as a signal conveyer in insects.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Neomyia cornicina (Diptera: Muscidae)

Neomyia cornicina (Fabricius, 1781) (Diptera: Muscidae) is considered to be an important dung-degrading species in Japan. In this study, we report the first mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of N. cornicina. The complete mitogenome of N. cornicina was 17,254 bp in length (GenBank accession No. MW592695), containing 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a non-coding AT-rich region. Its nucleotide composition was A (41.0%), G (8.4%), C (11.8%), and T (38.8%). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that N. cornicina is closely related to the species of Eudasyphora canadiana. This mitogenome contributes useful information for further understanding of the phylogenetic relationship and species identification within Muscidae species.

The Muscidae (Diptera) from the Atlantic Forest of Serra de Paranapiacaba, southestern Brazil

A first survey of Muscidae in the State of São Paulo (Southeastern Brazil) is presented here with a one-year of Malaise trap collecting from August 2010 to July 2011 at the Biological Reserve Alto da Serra de Paranapiacaba (23°46′00″-23°47′10″S, 46°18′20″-46°20′40″W, 750-891 m of altitude). A total of 1,284 individuals of muscids were collected, and 15 genera and 39 species of Muscidae were identified. So far, only one muscid species had been recorded to the Reserve, which now has its Muscidae diversity increased to 40 species. Thirteen species are new records for the State of São Paulo. With this, the number of species of Muscidae species known to occur in the State of São Paulo is increased to 169. The interval between November and February was higher in number of individuals and number of species. Muscidae presented a seasonal pattern, with more abundance and diversity in that interval. The study area is covered by secondary forest and very close to São Paulo metropolitan area, and the composition of the fauna of Muscidae signalizes this environment changing and anthropic stress with nine species with synanthropic habits, two of them are typically synanthropic species.

A Preliminary Investigation of Insect Succession Patterns on Decomposing Carrion on Rottnest Island (WA)

Introduction: Pivotal component of medico-legal investigations is the determination of time since death, or (minimum) postmortem interval, (min) PMI. Forensic entomology can provide reliable estimates of (min) PMI using carrion insect species. Carrion insect arrival and departure occurs in predictable and sequential waves, however, successions may vary depending on geographical location and environmental conditions. Hence, it is crucial to refer to insect succession data of the same region where the death scene occurs. A current gap in forensic entomology research is on carrion-breeding species and succession on decomposition remains/carrions on small islands. Rottnest Island is located off the south-west coast of Perth. The aim of this study was to establish baseline data of carrion insect fauna present on this island, and to provide entomological evidence that may aid in any future investigations on the island. Methods: A list of the insect taxa associated with two decomposing swine hindquarters during the summer season was compiled over a 15-day study period and compared with published mainland data obtained during the same period of the year. Results: Ten insect taxa representing four families were collected and identified in association with the decomposing carrion. The first wave of colonising Diptera species included Calliphoridae species and Sarcophagidae species. The second wave of Diptera comprised Muscidae species, in addition to beetles. Furthermore, ants and spiders were noted throughout the trial. Conclusions: Comparing the results on Rottnest Island with currently available data from mainland WA, showed that the composition of insect speciesand the patterns of succession were similar.

An annotated checklist of the Muscidae (Diptera) of Chukotka (Russia), with new records

Summary An annotated checklist is given of the species of Muscidae (Diptera) of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, including 153 species in 22 genera; 57 species are newly recorded from this territory. Twelve species are newly recorded for the Palaearctic region [Drymeia cantabrigensis Huckett 1965, Phaonia tenebriona Huckett, 1965, Mydaea otiosa Stein, 1920, Spilogona arcticola Huckett, 1965, S. hurdiana Huckett, 1965, S. incauta (Huckett, 1932), S. murina Huckett, 1965, S. nigerrima Huckett, 1965, S. padlei Huckett, 1965, S. pulvicrura (Huckett, 1932), S. turbidipennis Huckett, 1965, Coenosia morrisoni (Malloch, 1924)]. Coenosia atritibia Ringdahl, 1926 is newly recorded from Russia. The species list includes all regional references to each species, the material examined, the distribution, images of selected species and additional remarks where appropriate.

Wriggly creatures coming out of eye: case report on human ocular thelaziasis

Ocular Thelaziasis is an arthropod-borne, zoonotic disease of the eye affecting the conjunctival sac,lacrimal duct, and lacrimal gland caused by a nematode of the genus Thelazia. Thelazia species aretransmitted by different species of Muscidae, which are a family of flies with worldwide distribution.The present study reports a case of human ocular Thelaziasis in a 13-year-old female patient.Species Thelazia callipaeda was confirmed based on microbiological examination. The patient wastreated with anti-helminthic drugs and was relieved of the symptoms without recurrence.

The Muscidae (Diptera) of Saudi Arabia, descriptions of two new species, new records and updated list of species.

Despite the economic and medical importance of many species of Muscidae knowledge of species occurring in Saudi Arabia is insufficient. As part of a study on the biodiversity of Diptera of south-western Saudi Arabia a survey of the Diptera fauna of Jazan, Asir and Najran was performed from 2010 to 2015 at 22 sites. Seventy one known taxa of Muscidae were identified and recorded, 29 of which were recorded for the first time from south-western Saudi Arabia and two new species; Atherigona (Acritochaeta) afrotropicalis Deeming sp. nov. and Helina ponti Deeming sp. nov. are here described. Thus, the total number of Muscidae species that has been recorded from Saudi Arabia (including previous records of 31 species) is 102 and two subspecies. A list of all species and subspecies of Muscidae recorded from Saudi Arabia is provided. The species of Muscidae listed are predominantly of Afrotropical distribution as compared to other regions. Images of 78 taxa are presented. In addition to the results of the identifications all available literature about Muscidae of Saudi Arabia is summarized. Biological information (where known) on the species recorded in this study and the Middle East distribution are included. By developing a research collection and a checklist of species of Muscidae we hope to provide the basis for systematic studies and biogeographical and faunistic analyses, and the necessary guidelines for management of these important flies. The need for further field and laboratory work and surveillance surveys is highlighted.

Thelazia rhodesi in a dairy farm in Romania and successful treatment using eprinomectin.

Bovine thelaziosis can be caused by Thelazia rhodesi Desmarest 1828, Thelazia gulosa Railliet & Henry 1910 and Thelazia skrjabini Erschow 1928 which are known to be transmitted by species of Muscidae. Therapeutic measures in cattle include mechanical removal of the adult parasites, followed by irrigation of the conjunctival sac with different solutions such as levamisole (1%) or administration of ivermectin (0.2mg/kg SC), doramectin (0.2mg/kg SC or pour-on) both with high efficacy, however, the use of such macrocyclic lactones can be problematic in lactating cattle. Nematodes harboured in the eyes of some cattle from Romania were morphologically identified as Thelazia rhodesi and the PCR analysis confirmed the diagnosis with a 98.0% nucleotide similarity for ITS1 sequence, with other sequences available in GenBank. The present paper reports the presence of T. rhodesi in cattle from a dairy farm in Romania and the recovery after treatment with eprinomectin. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on the efficacy of eprinomectin against Thelazia spp. and the first molecular confirmation of T. rhodesi in Romania.

Ultrastructure of the Immature Stages of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae: Muscinae).

Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) is a muscoid species that is widespread throughout the world and acts as a mechanical vector of different enteropathogens primarily in underdeveloped countries. The adult and its immature forms are associated with decaying organic matter and can be seen visiting human corpses and animal carcass, and the larvae can also cause an infestation on human and animal wounds, feeding on the tissues. These characteristics make them have a forensic significance and, mainly, a great sanitary importance. This study aimed to analyze and describe morphological aspects of their immature stages of M. domestica, including the eggs, the first-, second-, and third-instar larvae, and the puparium using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The eggs have standard format that all muscoid flies shared. The exochorion has some modified cells that were used for embryonic respiration. The first-instar larvae present two openings on the posterior spiracle as in the second-instar larvae, but with the last one, we can observe the anterior spiracle structure. The third-instar larvae, as in some other Muscidae species, have a posterior spiracular opening with a sinuous form that is located near the edge of the spiracular plate. The puparium morphology is equal to the third instar with a respiratory structure that helps the breathing during the metamorphosis process. This article supports the need for knowledge over the morphological characteristics of the immature forms of the muscoid Diptera (Linnaeus, 1758) at the same time helping with the correct identification of this insect phase.

ZOOPHILOUS FLIES OF YAKUTIA (REVIEW)

The study of zoophilous flies in Yakutia was undertaken in the 80–90 years of the last century. More than 35 years have passed since then. The first data on the species composition of Muscidae in Yakutia were given in the monograph by L.S. Zimin, which lists 10 species for Central Yakutia. G.A. Veselkin conducted research of zoophilous flies in South and Southwest Yakutia, where the author noted the dominance of Muscidae (32 species), which accounted for 74% of the total zoophilic complex. A.V. Vinokurova discovered 9 species of Muscidae in Central Yakutia. Only in 2016, the collection material kept at the Institute for Biological Problems of Cryolithozone of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, of the species composition of Muscidae found in Yakutia where there are 108 species from 29 genera, was processed. An analysis of the available literature indicates that zoophilous flies are widespread in Yakutia and remain poorly understood. Based on this, the study of the species composition of zoophilous flies, bioecology and their pathogens will substantiate the system of measures for the protection of animals in Yakutia.

A checklist of Diptera collected in the Ca\xf1a de Az\xfacar morgue of Aragua, Venezuela

BackgroundVenezuela has experienced soaring rates of violent crime, in particular, homicides. The Aragua state with 142 to 168 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants has the highest homicide rate in the last 5 years. All these cases are transferred to the estate morgue. Entomological evidence on cadavers has been used as a tool to clarify the death causes. Due to this, we analyzed the occurrence of forensically important dipteran species on facilities of the Caña de Azúcar morgue in Aragua, Venezuela.FindingsA total of 692 adult insects belonging to five species of Calliphoridae and Muscidae were collected at the Caña de Azúcar morgue premises (body holding area and autopsy room). Chrysomya megacephala and Musca domestica were the most frequent species in the morgue areas. Other species with forensic importance were also found: Lucilia cuprina, Chrysomya albiceps, and Ophyra aenescens.ConclusionsThe results could be used as additional sources of information in Venezuelan criminal investigations.

Development and characterization of EST-SSRs for Muscidae (Diptera) and their cross-genera transferability

EST-SSR (Expressed Sequence Tag-Simple Sequence Repeat)markers were developed and used to examine genetic diversity of species assemblages of ten genera of Muscidae (Diptera), and specifically the genetic diversity of Phaonia Robineau species, from ten regions in China. 18 EST-SSR markers with high polymorphism and clear bands were screened out from 216 tested markers, with 219 alleles in total (95–280 bp) with an average of 6.1 alleles per locus. In various regions in China such as Tibet, Sichuan, and Yunnan, Muscidae species assemblages exhibited rich genetic diversity, with the polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranging from 0.831 to 0.934, while Hainan region showed a relatively low genetic diversity (PIC = 0.511). Low gene flow (Nm = 0.842) was found among the regions, and the average genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst) was 0.238, indicating a high degree of genetic differentiation among the ten surveyed assemblages. Accordingly, the ten genera of Muscidae exhibited high genetic diversity and genetic differentiation.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Hydrotaea dentipes (Diptera: Muscidae)

Hydrotaea dentipes (Diptera: Muscidae) is one of the forensically important fly species and distributed worldwide. We describe the complete mitochondrial genome of the H. dentipes for the first time. It is a circular molecule of 16,070 bp in size, consisting of A (40.10%), G (9.20%), T (38.50%), and C (12.30%). The order and structure of the genes are similar to other Muscidae species. The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) is composed of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNA), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA), and a non-coding AT-rich region. Most PCGs used the canonical putative codon to start and stop.

The occurrence and diversity of flies (Diptera) related to ruminant farming in southern Poland

The aim of the study was to determine the biodiversity of flies (Diptera) occurring in livestock buildings and in their direct proximity, in various systems of ruminants rearing. Flies were collected by net sweeping during the summer, in two cowsheds (one large-scale, and one traditional farm), and one specialist sheepfold, located in the Lesser Poland region of Poland. The insects were captured – both inside and outside the premises – three times (at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00) on selected warm and sunny days of June, July and September, when animals were assumed to be the most harassed. A total of 18365 flies belonging to 13 families were obtained. The largest relative abundance of Diptera were from the Drosophilidae family (61.4%), and dominating Muscidae species – Musca domestica L., 1758 (19.2%) and Stomoxys calcitrans (L., 1758) (5.7%). More than half (55.5%) of all flies were captured in the morning, and their vast majority not inside a livestock building (28.2%), but in its close proximity (71.8%). This was particularly true of the large-scale cattle farm. The smallest number of insects, although with the highest biodiversity, were collected at the sheepfold. Regardless of their particular animal preferences, the insect species found were commonly occurring in different livestock sectors.

Houseflies speaking for the conservation of natural areas: a broad sampling of Muscidae (Diptera) on coastal plains of the Pampa biome, Southern Brazil

The Brazilian Coastal Plain of the Pampa Biome (CPPB), has suffered fragmentation caused by resource extraction and cattle raising. In turn, conservation proposals are needed to prevent the anthropisation of Pampa natural areas. The first step towards conservation proposals by using insects is fauna inventories, providing data support for legislators. Thus, we undertook a regional and broad-scale sampling survey to investigate the diversity of Muscidae flies in protected and non-protected areas of CPPB. In addition, we carried out an ecological guild diversity analysis as a metric approach of bioindication. The Muscidae sampling resulted in 6314 specimens, 98 species taxa in 31 genera. Based on diversity estimators, our sampling represents 70–86% of all muscids of CPPB. The highest diversity occurs in Pelotas streams (non-protected) and Taim Ecological Station (a huge protected area). Despite the fact these areas are more diversified and present more predatory muscid species than others, invasive species associated with livestock were observed at a higher level, providing evidence of the impact of livestock proximity to protected areas. Based on biological characters of Muscidae species and ecological guild analysis, we were able to identify: (i) high diversity of carnivorous species associated with forested and more preserved areas and (ii) a high level of a few saprophagous species as indicator of anthropisation process. In general, our results represent a significant step towards understanding Muscidae in Southern Brazil, and we demonstrate how the population ecology of muscid flies supports data to conservation proposals.