Muscina Stabulans Research Articles

A first record of a suspected intestinal myiasis caused by Muscina stabulans (Fallén 1817) (Diptera: Muscidae) in Southern South America.

We report a case of a suspected intestinal myiasis of a child from Southeast Argentina. Diptera larvae were sampled by a physician from the nappy worn by the child and submitted for examination and identification to the Laboratorio de Artrópodos (Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata). Based on diagnosis of the anterior and posterior spiracles and mouthparts, the larvae were identified as the false stable fly Muscina stabulans (Fallén, 1817) (Diptera: Muscidae). A comparison of diagnostic characters between Argentinean and European third instars of this species is presented. Muscina stabulans is a prevalent species in the district of General Pueyrredón, Buenos Aires province, where the case occurred. Its abundance in the area coincidentally peaked at the time of the infestation. This is the 1st report of M. stabulans as a suspect of intestinal myiasis for the whole of the southern cone of South America (Chile and Argentina).

Zoophilic flies (Diptera) of South Iran–the dominance structure and species composition

ABSTRACT Zoophilic flies play an important role in dairy farms by transmitting diseases to livestock. These flies can cause significant damage to animal husbandry through physical disturbance and the spread of pathogens. This study aims to identify insect species in both traditional and industrial animal husbandry settings, focusing on the dominant species of zoophilic flies. The research involved collecting livestock insects from March to October, between 2017 and 2021, using insect nets, sticky nets, and light traps. A total of 10,942 flies were collected from livestock farms in three counties Marvdasht, Shiraz, and Zarghan. The collected flies belong to 21 species from 6 families. Musca domestica, Fannia canicularis, Musca autumnalis, Stomoxys calcitrans, Muscina stabulans, Calliphora vomitoria, and Lucilia cuprina were identified as the dominant species. Musca domestica, F. canicularis and M. autumnalis accounted for 70.24% of the total number of flies on livestock farms. Among the collected samples, Eristalis tenax (Syrphidae) was found with a frequency of 0.96%. The importance of this species is related to the presence of its larvae that cause myiasis in livestock. Identification of the dominant species of flies put the scientific basis to reduce their populations in dairy farms and the costs caused by the damage made by these pests to livestock farms through safe ways, such as biological control.

Identification and distribution of some medico-veterinary important pathogens in muscid flies in two geographical regions of Türkiye.

Some dipteran flies play an important role in the transmission of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoan and metazoan parasites in humans and other animals. Despite this importance, knowledge of the prevalence and molecular characteristics of some pathogens in flies is limited, and no data are available for Türkiye. In this study, we investigated the possible vector role of muscid fly species for the transmission of Enterocytozoon bieneusi Desportes (Chytridiopsida: Enterocytozoonidae), Encephalitozoon spp., Coxiella burnetii Derrick (Legionellales: Coxiellaceae) and Thelazia spp. using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis. The flies were trapped in different animal-related places and surroundings from two different geographical regions of Türkiye including Central Anatolia and Middle Black Sea. According to the morphological keys, 850 (85%), 141 (14.1%) and 6 (0.6%) of the total of 1000 fly specimens identified as Musca domestica Linnaeus (Diptera: Muscidae), Stomoxys calcitrans Linnaeus (Diptera: Muscidae) and Musca autumnalis De Geer (Diptera: Muscidae), respectively. The other species including Haematobia irritans Linnaeus (Diptera: Muscidae), Muscina stabulans Fallén (Diptera: Muscidae) and Hydrotaea ignava Harris (Diptera: Muscidae) were each represented by a single specimen. Screening of the pathogens identified E. bieneusi only in M. domestica with a prevalence of 2.4%. Sequence analyses identified three known genotypes, Type IV, BEB6 and BEB8, and one novel genotype named AEUEb of E. bieneusi in M. domestica. Coxiella burnetii was detected in M. domestica and S. calcitrans with prevalences of 2.9% and 2.8%, respectively. The one specimen of H. ignava was also positive for C. burnetii. Encephalitozoon spp. and Thelazia spp. were not found in the examined specimens. Our results contribute to the current knowledge on the vector potential of muscid flies and their possible role in the transmission dynamics of certain pathogens, especially in regions where diseases are prevalent and affect public and animal health.

CHARACTERISTICS OF INSECTOFAUNA OF CATTLE FARMS

The article presents data on the determination of the entomofauna of zoophilous flies in the conditions of the cattle breeding farm. Were subjected to parasitological research cattle of various ages: dairy cows, heifers of mating age, calves. The research was carried out on pastures, in production premises and walking areas. As a result of the conducted research, it was established that the main representatives of zoophilic flies parasitizing animals in pasture conditions were: Lyperosia irritans, Haematobia stimulans, Musca autumnalis Musca vitripennis. The following types of flies in the case of animals staying in the production premises, were identified on them: Musca domestic, Fannia canicularus, Calliphora uralensis, Calliphora visina, Lucilia sericata and Muscina stabulans. It was established that the extent of infestation by zoophilous flies was 100% among all age groups of cattle. Intensity of infestation in the group of dairy cows was 270.22±4.28 specimens/animal, among heifers and heifers of mating age – 244.67±3.49 specimens/animal, and among calves – 81.67±1.14 specimens/animal. We identified a clear trend regarding the specifics of parasitic insect damage in cattle of different breeds. When staying within the same production group, the highest intensity of infestation (354.50±5.08 insects per animal) was found in black Holstein cows, and the lowest II indicator was found in Simmental cows - 159.83±1.41 insects per animal. The intensity of the infestation of cows by zoophilic flies among representatives of the Holstein breed is 28% higher than that of the Simmental breed, and also 25% higher than that of the cows of the Ukrainian black-spotted dairy breed. It was noted that with high indicators of the intensity of invasion by zoophilous flies, the animals showed the maximum degree of restlessness, when analyzing behavioral reactions and the level of well-being of cows. It manifested itself in a constant effort to be in motion. Therefore, as a result of the conducted complex of studies, the extreme relevance of insecticidal treatments of cattle of different age groups has been proven, since a wide range of zoophilic flies has been identified in the places where animals stay.

The Composition of Zoophilic Fly Species in Eastern Ukraine

Zoophilic Diptera plays a leading role in the epizootic foci formation of many infectious and parasitic diseases and directly affects the quality of livestock products. The current study aimed to analyze the number and species composition of parasitic Diptera in industrial, farm, and homestead agrobiocenoses of large and small cattle, pig, and poultry farms in Eastern Ukraine. The research involved entomological collection during the peak activity daylight hours in early May, July, and early September 2021-2022 per farm. A total of 360 entomological collections were made, and 4310 zoophilous flies were examined. In livestock farms of five districts of the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, 28 species of zoophilic flies were registered, among which Musca domestica, Muscina stabulans, Stomoxys calcitrans, Lucilia sericata, Protophormia terraenovae, and Drosophila species were dominant species. The analysis revealed that cattle biocenoses hosted 27 fly species, pigs had 8 species, and poultry and small cattle each had 7 species. The study indicated an increase in the population of Musca autumnalis, the main species in the pastures, near livestock premises during the summer. Stomoxys calcitrans was also recorded in livestock agrobiocenoses. The species Musca domestica, Musca autumnalis, and Stomoxys calcitrans account for 78.8% to 88.3% of the entire complex of zoophilous flies. The two species of Ortellia caesarion (shiny dung beetle) and Ortellia cornicina (green dung beetle), known for their role as manure mineralizers and deemed non-threatening to animals, were completely absent during the research period. The findings indicated the species of Eristalis tenax in agrobiocenoses in 2021. Therefore, it can be concluded that zoophilic flies are physical irritants to animals and potential carriers of many infectious diseases, especially diseases caused by unicellular organisms.

Diptera Pests Occurring on Vegetable Crops in Poland

Abstract In Poland, the share of Diptera in the species composition of the harmful entomofauna occurring on vegetable crops ranges from 20 to 25%. They occur on all vegetables grown in Poland (over 80 species and botanical varieties). Since the systematic registration of pests inhabiting crops in Poland in 1919, over 70 species of flies have been listed as pests of vegetable plants. Species from three families dominate in terms of population and numbers: Anthomyiidae with 12 species (Delia radicum, on early and late cultivars of cruciferous vegetables, mainly broccoli, cauliflower, white cabbage, kohlrabi, and radishes; Delia platura occurs annually on bean and cucumber; Delia antiqua on onion and garlic; and Pegomya hyoscyami on beetroot), Cecidomyiidae with 10 species (two species dominate, Contarinia nasturtii and Dasineura napi, on cruciferous vegetables), and Agromyzidae with 23 species (Liriomyza bryoniae on cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers, and Phytomyza gymnostoma on leeks). Short-term, gradational occurrence of some dominant species was found, including Botanophila gnava (lettuce), Chamaepsila rosae (carrot, parsley), Delia platura (asparagus, bean), Delia radicum (broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, radishes, white cabbage), Phytomyza gymnostoma (leek), Oscinella frit (corn), and Suillia lurida (garlic). However, they did not affect the level of plant production in the following years of cultivation. Apart from phytophagous species, taxa with a different trophic structure are common. These are copro-, necro-, sapro-, and zoophagous species. The most numerous were flies from the Drosophilidae family (Drosophila busckii, Drosophila limbata, Scaptomyza pallida, Fanniidae (Fannia canicularis, Fannia scalaris), Heleomyzidae (Tephrochlamys tarsalis), and Muscidae (Muscina levida, Muscina stabulans, Phaonia trimaculata). Natural enemies of insects play an important role in vegetable agrocenoses. Species belonging to the order of Coleoptera beetles (Carabidae and Staphylinidae), Syrphidae, Tachinidae, and Muscidae, mainly Phaonia trimaculata larvae, play the most important role in reducing the number of Diptera. In addition, the number of phytophages is limited by other organisms, e.g., Diplopoda, Nematoda, Arachnida, and pathogens of viral, bacterial, and fungal origin.

Determination of the important insect fauna of forensic entomology in Kayseri province

The aim of this thesis is the determinations of insects species of forensic importance in Kayserı province. The experimental part of our study was carried out between September 2018 – May 2019; during the periods of winter, spring, autumn seasons in four different regions. In this study, fresh cow liver and chicken muscle were used as the experimental materials. The traps which allow the insects to enter easily but which prevent exit were used to collect insect species. As a result, 21 species were identified in four different study areas. Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Muscina stabulans (Fallen, 1817) (Diptera: Muscidae), Musca autumnalis (De Geer,1776) (Diptera: Muscidae), were identified in fall season at all study areas. C. vicina was identified in winter season. C. vicina, Thricops sp. (Rondani, 1856) (Diptera: Muscidae), Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus, 1761) (Diptera: Fanniade), L. sericata, Dermestes frischii (Kugelann, 1792) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), were identified in spring season at all study areas. C. vicina was seen from September to the end of May at all study areas. L. sericata was seen from September to the end of November and April to end of May at all study areas. Therefore, C. vicina and L. sericata can be used as an indicator species for determining the Postmortem Interval in Kayseri.

Evaluation of the Toxic Effects of Novaluron on Muscina stabulans (Fallen) (Diptera: Muscidae).

The worldwide fly species, Muscina stabulans (Diptera: Muscidae) is known as 'false stable fly'. It has veterinary, forensic and medical importance. The present study aimed to examine the toxicity of novaluron (chitin synthesis inhibitor) via its effect on the growth and reproductive potential of M. stabulans. The early last (3rd) instar larvae and prepupae have been treated with novaluron using five doses: 5.0, 1.0, 0.5, 0.1 and 0.01 μg/larva. Student's t-test analysis has been used for data processing as well as refined by Bessel correction for significant differences among means. Current study revealed that, after the treatment different mortalities of larva, pupa and adult have been estimated. LD50 values of novaluron were 0.018 and 0.057 μg/insect, respectively. Furthermore, the larval period was insignificantly shortened while the pupal duration has been significantly extended and the developmental rate has been slightly enhanced. On the other hand, the adult longevity of females was considerably reduced and the adult emergence was considerably blocked, regardless the dose. However, only after the treatment, some deformed pupae were observed and some adult deformities were observed. Both fecundity and fertility were drastically reduced and sterilizing activity on novaluron increased in a dose-dependent course, regardless the time of treatment. Novaluron can be used as an effective IGR in the integrated control program for this medically and veterinary serious fly.

A preliminary study on the distribution of necrophagous flies on Hainan Island, China.

To date, there have been no studies on necrophagous fly populations on Hainan Island in China. Thus, we investigated the species composition of necrophagous flies as well as their geographic distribution on Hainan Island for the first time. Ten sites in different climatic regions across the island were sampled for 7days per location from November 1, 2018 to February 28, 2019 and from July 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019. Bottle traps made of 1.5L soft plastic bottles were used to trap necrophagous flies. The collected individuals were identified to species. The specimens represented 5 families and 28 species. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) was the most dominant species, followed by Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart, 1843), Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann, 1830), Boettcherisca peregrine (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830), Parasarcophaga dux (Thomson, 1868), Parasarcophaga misera (Walker, 1849), Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Wulp, 1883), and Ophyra chalcogaster (Wiedemann, 1924). The largest collection of flies was obtained in the semiarid region. Species richness was highest in the subhumid region and was higher in summer than in winter, but there were exceptions, such as L.hainanensis (Fan,1965), Boettcherisca formosensis (Lopes, 1961), and Muscina stabulans (Fallen, 1817). Fannia pusio (Wiedemann, 1830), and Boettcherisca formosensis (Lopes, 1961) were newly recorded species on Hainan Island. Of the necrophagous flies collected during the study, we propose several predominant species based on the criteria of distribution, occurrence frequency, and resource preference. Our results not only investigate necrophagous flies on Hainan Island but also accumulate data for criminal investigations in the region.

Identification of Common Sarcosaprophagous Flies in the Yangtze River Delta by COⅠ Gene.

To identify the common sarcosaprophagous flies in the Yangtze River Delta based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit Ⅰ(COⅠ) gene sequence and verify the reliability of this method. Seven common genetically stable sarcosaprophagous flies in three families and six genera were collected from large domestic pig carcasses placed in the field and cultured in the laboratory for many generations. The whole genome DNA was extracted and the COⅠ gene fragment was amplified. The forward and reverse sequencing was followed by splicing. The base composition of the amplified fragment and the rate of interspecific evolutionary divergence were analyzed by software such as Mega 7.0.26. The phylogenetic tree of COⅠ gene sequence of common necrophagous flies in the Yangtze River Delta was established by neighbor joining (NJ) method and unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA) method. The average base composition of different flies was A(30.14%), T(38.23%), C(15.98%), G(15.65%). The rate of interspecific evolutionary divergence ranged from 2.2% to 15.3%, the lowest rate was between Chrysomya megacephala and Chrysomya pinguis, the highest rate was between Muscina stabulans and Boettcherisca peregrina. COⅠ gene can be used to identify the common necrophagous flies in the Yangtze River Delta.

Unwelcome guests at farms breeding the black soldier fly,Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera Stratiomyidae)

Livestock farms represent a source of attraction for other species, which find food resources on the animals themselves, in the food supplied to them, in their manure, etc. Insect farms too can suffer infestation by different organisms living on substrates or behaving as parasites and/or predators. Breeding of the black soldier fly (BSF),Hermetia illucens (L.) requires organic materials which are attractive for other arthropods (commensals, mycetophages, scavengers, etc.). During recent years, the breeding system adopted at the Di.Pro.Ve.S. of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza (Italy), has suffered the presence of the following ‘pests’:Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera Phoridae),Muscina stabulans (Fallén) (Diptera Muscidae),Monomorium pharaonis (L.) (Hymenoptera Formicidae) andCaloglyphus berlesei (Michael) (Astigmata Acaridae). The use of fermented fruit, vegetables or of an artificial diet to induce egg laying proved to be attractive for small flies such asM. scalaris. This species also takes advantage of the aqueous sugar solution used to feed BSF adults. Infestations byM. scalaris are worrying because its larvae can compete efficiently with those of the BSF in substrate colonisation. Likewise,M. stabulans can be attracted by the substrates, even though this species has not shown the same levels of high competitiveness as the previously mentioned species.M. pharaonis was observed to prey on eggs and newborn BSF larvae. Lastly, infestations by the miteC. berlesei were detected when conditions for the larval development of the BSF were not optimal. This species could also be harmful for the workers involved in the breeding. The establishment of insect and mite populations inside BSF rearing boxes suggests that a careful analysis should be made based on the location of the breeding facility and a series of measures should of course be adopted when this kind of structure and activities are designed and realised.

Analysis of vaccine-like lumpy skin disease virus from flies near the western border of China.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a devastating viral disease that occurs in cattle. In China, it was first detected in the Xin-Jiang autonomous region, near the border with Kazakhstan, in August 2019. As there were no new occurrences of LSD in either country following the first detection, the initial introduction of the virus remains unknown. Arthropod vectors were considered as potential vectors. Consequently, to identify the arthropod vectors involved in transmitting LSD virus (LSDV), an insect surveillance campaign was launched at four different sites scattered along the border, and samples from 22 flying insect species were collected and subjected to PCR assays. Following the Agianniotaki LSDV vaccine and Sprygin's general LSDV assays, two kinds of non-biting flies, namely, Musca domestica L and Muscina stabulans, were positive for LSDV. However, all the other insects tested negative. Viral DNA was only detected in wash fluid, implying body surface contamination of the virus. The negative test results suggest that non-biting flies are the dominant insects involved in the observed local epidemic. Three genomic regions encoding RPO30, GPCR, and LW126 were successfully sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The sequences shared high homology with LSDV/Russia/Saratov/2017, a recombinant vaccine-like strain formerly identified in Russia, and clustered with LSDV vaccine strains in phylogenetic trees of RPO30 and LW126. However, the GPCR gene was seen to be solely clustered with LSDV field strains, implying differences in host affinity between these closely related vaccine-like strains. Despite this, there is no direct evidence to support cross-border transmission of the vaccine-like LSDV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of vaccine-like LSDV DNA detection in non-biting flies in China.

Application of Sarcosaprophagous Insects to Estimate the Postmortem Interval in 11 Cases.

Objective To test the feasibility and accuracy of with sarcosaprophagous insects postmortem interval （PMI） estimation with sarcosaprophagous insects and provide references for estimation practice. Methods Eleven cases confirmed by the detection results, with complete entomological evidence were selected. The insect species, estimation results and true results involved in the cases were statistically analyzed and compared. Results Thirteen species of insects were found at the criminal scene, including Chrysomya megacephala （Fabricius）, Chrysomya rufifacies （Macquart）, Chrysomya nigripes （Aubertin）, Lucilia sericata （Meigen）, Hydrotaea spinigera Stein, Muscina stabulans （Fallén）, Sarcophagid （species were not identified）, Megaselia scalaris （Loew）, Hermetia illucens （Linnaeus）, Saprinus splendens （Paykull）, Creophilus maxillosus （Linnaeus）, Dermestes maculatus （De Geer） and Necrobia ruficollis （Fabricius）. The PMI of all eleven cases was within the range of estimated PMI. The estimated results of 72.73% cases were on the same day of the true results. Conclusion Sarcosaprophagous insects can estimate the PMI simply and conveniently. In cases where the PMI is within the time range of one generation of flies or beetles, the estimation results are relatively accurate. However, the estimation is less accurate when the PMI is beyond the time range.

FEATURES OF FLIES OF THE LIVESTOCK COMPLEX OF YUKHNOVSKY DISTRICT, KALUGA REGION

Flies are also the main negative indicator of the low-level sanitary condition of the production. At livestock farms and complexes of the Yukhnovsky District of the Kaluga Region, a significant part of livestock products is lost due to the parasitism of harmful insects, namely flies. The article describes some features of the fauna and ecology of zoophillic flies spread on the territory of the Collective Agricultural Enterprise UGRA in Yukhnov. The dominant species is Musca domestica domestica (CI 81.62%), the subdominant species are Protophormia terrae-novae (CI 13.97%), Muscina stabulans (CI 0.94%), Calliphora uralensis (CI 0.86%) and Fannia canicularis (CI 0.86%). Few in number are Calliphora vicina (CI 0.68%), Lucilia sericata (CI 0.45%), Сеrохуs urticae (CI 0.34%), Themira putris (CI 0.18%) and Ravinia striata (CI 0.15%). Diptera of the family Muscidae (CI 71.8%) dominate on pastures, and Caliphoridae (16.9%) and Sarcofagidae (6.2%) are subdominant. In the first family, the housefly is the most widespread (CI 21.6%) followed by Musca osiris (pasture fly 8.4%). The total duration of flying of the main species of zoophillic flies in their habitats ranges from 100 to 150 days.

Вредоносные мухи Юхновского района Калужской области

Flies are the main negative indicator of poor production hygiene. At livestock farms and complexes of the Yukhnovsky district of the Kaluga region, a significant part of livestock products is lost due to the parasitism of harmful insects, namely flies. The article describes some of the features of the fauna and ecology of flies distributed on the territory of the UGRA KSP in the city of Yukhnov. The dominant species is Musca domestica domestica (ID 81,62%), the subdominant species are Protophormia terrae-novae (ID 13,97%), Muscina stabulans (ID 0,94%), Calliphora uralensis (ID 0,86%), Fannia canicularis (ID 0,86%); small numbers – Calliphora vicina (ID – 0,68%), Lucilla sericata (ID – 0,45%), Sehokhus urticae (ID – 0.34%), Themira putris (ID – 0,18%) and Ravinia striata (ID – 0,15%). Diptera of the family Muscidae (ID 71,8%) dominate on pastures, while Caliphoridae (16,9%) and Sarcofagidae (6,2%) are subdominant. In the first family, the housefly is most widespread (ID – 21,6%), followed by Musca osiris (pasture – 8,4%). The total duration of the summer of the main species of zoophilic flies in their habitats ranges from 100 to 150 days.

Management of swine mortalities through the use of a mixed composting-accelerating bio-inoculant

A composting-accelerating bio-inoculant (Bacillus subtilis, Talaromyces sayulitensis (HC1), Steinernema sp., and Heterorhabditis sp.) was evaluated in a composting process made up of a different mix of wood chips, pig manure, urine, and swine mortality (raw material RM). Three different treatments (T1, T2, and T3) were assessed, and physicochemical, microbiological, and entomological evaluations were carried out at 0 and 45 days of the composting process. The highest organic nitrogen (1.34 %) concentration was detected in swine mortality, whereas the highest total oxidizable organic carbon (39.1 %) concentration was observed in wood chips. Salmonella spp., was not identified in any of the raw materials. Clostridium spp., count was 5.5, 2.0, and 1.0 Log10 unit, for pig manure, wood chips, and swine mortality, respectively. Pig manure, swine mortality, and wood chip total coliform count was 6.21, 5.32, and 1 Log10 unit, respectively. Helminth eggs were not detected in any of the RM and Cryptosporidium spp., oocysts were occasionally found in pig manure and wood chips. Several types of flies were identified, Musca domestica, Muscina stabulans, Stomoxys calcitrans, Fannia canicularis, Sarcophaga sp., and Calliphora sp. Treatment 3 (45.11 % swine mortality, 33.33 % wood chips, and 21.55 %, urine and bio-inoculant) had the greatest total oxidizable organic carbon availability, the highest carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio (20.67, p < 0.05), and the lowest dipterous larvae count. Moreover, Salmonella sp., was not observed and had only low Clostridium spp., and fecal coliform count. The bio-inoculant's effect on C/N ratio, cation exchange capacity, and electrical conductivity were beneficial, and resulted in production of a fertilizer complying with EPA 600/1-87-014, EPA 40 CFR Part 258, and NTC5167/11 norms. According to the characterization protocols used in this study the compost was apparently free from bacterial and parasitic pathogens and minimal dipteran counts. Last, maturation time was 15 days shorter compared with control (C4).

The position of the Azeliinae in the Muscidae (Diptera) based on musculature of the male terminalia.

The male genital and pregenital skeleton and musculature were studied in males of the following species of the Muscidae subfamily Azeliinae: Drymeia firthiana (Huckett, 1965), Drymeia longiseta Sorokina & Pont, 2015, Drymeia segnis (Holmgren, 1883), Thricops nigritellus (Zetterstedt, 1838), Thricops hirtulus (Zetterstedt, 1838), Hydrotaea dentipes (Fabricius, 1805), Muscina stabulans (Fallén, 1817), and Muscina levida (Harris, 1780). Descriptions and figures of the genital sclerites and muscles of D. firthiana and M. stabulans are given. A comparison was made between the genital segments and muscles of previously studied species of Mydaeinae and Muscinae and those of the Azeliinae. Based on the structure of the skeleton and muscles of syntergosternite VII + VIII and the phallapodeme muscles, significant differences were found between the subfamily Azeliinae and the subfamilies Mydaeinae and Muscinae. The basal position of the Azeliinae within the family Muscidae was confirmed. A comparison of the genital segments and muscles of the Muscidae with those of the Scathophagidae (Scathophaga stercoraria (Linnaeus, 1758)) and Anthomyiidae (Delia platura (Meigen, 1826)) was made. Tendencies in reduction of the pregenital segments and musculature, as well as of the phallapodeme muscles in the evolution of the Muscoidea have been revealed. The complete set of phallapodeme muscles in the Scathophagidae and Anthomyiidae corresponds to the basal state, and therefore the structure of the genital sclerites and muscles in the Muscidae shows a certain degree of reduction. The progressive changes in the Muscidae from the Azeliinae through the Mydaeinae to the Muscinae were traced.

Oviposition preferences and antennal size in carrion flies

AbstractCarrion‐feeding flies use odours emanating from the decomposing corpse as cues for oviposition and are described as generalists because the larvae feed on the corpses of diverse species. Whereas several features of the corpse may influence the oviposition choices of these flies, it is not known whether there is a preference for a particular species of corpse. We provided carrion flies with ovipositional (and feeding) choices in a field experiment, in which various odour sources were presented simultaneously. We found novel evidence of broadly consistent choices of carrion by flies from four families. Traps baited with decaying fish flesh captured the greatest number of individuals, whereas traps baited with decaying pig liver typically attracted the least. We also asked whether individuals captured in the various baits vary in antennal size, perhaps reflecting different capacities for odour detection. There was a trend for individuals of Lucilia sericata Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and the platystomatid collected from the traps baited with pig liver to have significantly larger antennae, whereas individuals of Muscina stabulans (Fallen) (Diptera: Muscidae) captured in traps baited with marine fish flesh had relatively longer antennae for their body size. Our data reveal a more nuanced pattern of oviposition behaviour in these generalist carrion flies, which may reflect differences in their preference of carrion with different nutrients, and in their capacity to detect particular odours.

Successive waves of dipteran flies attracted to warfarin-intoxicated rabbit carcasses in Cairo, Egypt

BackgroundForensic entomology is an increasing area of research, focuses on the violent crime, and deals with the necrophagous-feeding insects that typically decompose carcasses. The present study aimed to update the baseline data of the decay process and its associated successive waves of necrophagous flies on rabbits placed in an urban city (Cairo, Egypt) in spring season.ResultsSix rabbits divided equally into two groups were used. The first group was killed by asphyxia via hanging and marked as the control (C), while the second group was intoxicated with rodenticide warfarin (WI). The fresh, bloated, active decay, advanced decay, and skeletal stages of decomposition were observed and defined in all carcasses. Out of 30 insect families collected, 3 families were more common (Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Sarcophagidae). Thirteen insect families were collected of which Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Sarcophagidae were common. A total of 10,121 individuals (immature and adult stages) of 26 species were collected, of which Chrysomya rufifacies was the most common species on both types of carcasses (14.7%) followed by Musca domestica, Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya albiceps, Muscina stabulans, Sarcophaga hertipes, Calliphora vicina, Musca sorbens, Lucilia cuprina, Sarcophaga argyrostoma, and Lucilia sericata (2.0–12.4%). The other 15 species were represented by small numbers (cumulatively 2.9%). Among the collected flies, Scathophaga litorea (Scathophagidae) was reported for the first time as a new report in Egypt. Unexpectedly, significantly more adults and immatures were attracted to WI than to C carcasses (P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study investigated the rabbit carrion dipteran necrophagous fauna as a model which may be of value for medico-legal cases.

Development of Muscina stabulans at constant temperatures with implications for minimum postmortem interval estimation

Muscina stabulans (Fallén 1817) is a disease vector and a species of forensic value, particularly in the case of buried bodies. In this study, M. stabulans was reared under a total of seven constant temperatures at 16–34 °C, and the developmental duration, accumulated degree days, and larval body length were studied. From the results, three developmental models were established for estimating the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin), including isomorphen diagram, isomegalen diagram, and thermal summation model. Equations used to estimate the age of M. stabulans larvae were obtained by regression analysis using larval body length as the independent variable and time after hatching as the dependent variable, or vice versa. M. stabulans completed development at 16–31 °C, while it did not complete development at 34 °C, where puparia failed to transform into adults. The average developmental duration from oviposition to eclosion at 16, 19, 22, 25, 28 and 31 °C were 929.7 ± 31.7, 693.5 ± 4.8, 515.3 ± 4.6, 392.5 ± 9.0, 334.0 ± 7.8, 331.5 ± 4.71 h, respectively. We used a linear thermal summation model and estimated that the lower developmental threshold temperature was 9.87 ± 0.33 °C and the thermal summation constant was 253.16 ± 11.32 degree days. Lower developmental thresholds, intrinsic optimum temperature and upper lethal developmental threshold temperature were estimated by a nonlinear model to be 9.56, 21.63 and 32.85 °C, respectively. Our study provides data for the use of M. stabulans for PMImin estimation.