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Zhang Y, Li L, Liao M, Kang C, Hu G, Guo Y, Wang Y, Wang J. Development of Megaselia scalaris at constant temperatures and its significance in estimating the time of death. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:97-106. [PMID: 37016192 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02993-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Megaselia scalaris (Schmitz, 1938) (Diptera: Phoridae) is a common insect in forensic science that is frequently found in indoor cases, particularly on corpses in closed environments. Although this species is useful for estimating the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) in the absence of Calliphoridae, there is a lack of data on its development in China. Herein, we studied the development of M. scalaris exposed to seven constant temperatures ranging from 16 to 34 °C. The mean (± SD) developmental durations of M. scalaris from egg to adult stage at 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34 °C were 1486.9 ± 75.3, 823.7 ± 42.8, 448.2 ± 59.8, 417.7 ± 19.7, 297.2 ± 27.3, 272.9 ± 10.4, and 253.0 ± 5.0 h, respectively. The mean (± SE) lower developmental threshold temperature (TL) and the thermal summation constant (K) were determined by a linear model as 12.69 ± 0.3 °C and 4965.8 ± 227.9-degree hours, respectively. A nonlinear model estimated the lower developmental threshold temperature, intrinsic optimum temperature, and upper lethal developmental threshold temperature as 14.58, 21.00, and 34.15 °C, respectively. We established three development models to estimate the age of the immature insect, namely the isomegalen diagram, isomorphen diagram, and thermal summation model. In addition, a regression analysis of the relationship between body length and total development time from hatching to pupariation was performed. Our findings provide a basis for applications of M. scalaris in PMImin estimations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Mingqing Liao
- Criminal Police Branch, Zhongshan Public Security Bureau, Zhongshan, China
| | - Chengtao Kang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Gengwang Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Jiangfeng Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China.
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2
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Pallavi J, Snehal H, Kolipakala RS, Salazar D, Hanbar M, Chiramel LB, Alok Jha K, Venkatesh SBL, Shetty TD, Madhusudan N, Mohan A, John A, D'souza ND, Sheet P, Nagarajan D. A complete morphological characterization of all life stages of the phorid fly Megaselia scalaris. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22933. [PMID: 38129567 PMCID: PMC10740010 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50200-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Megaselia scalaris, commonly known as the scuttle fly, is a cosmopolitan species in the family Phoridae. It is an easily cultured fly species that is an emerging model organism in the fields of genetics and developmental biology. Its affinity for carrion and its predictable life cycle makes it useful in the field of forensic science for estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) of human remains. Cases of human myasis caused by M. scalaris have also been reported in the medical literature. Despite its ubiquitous prevalence and its relevance across multiple fields, its morphology has not been adequately characterized. Here, we report the complete morphological characterization of all lifestages of M. scalaris, ranging from egg to adult. Scanning electron microscopy has enabled us to uncover morphological features and developmental processes that have previously not been reported in the literature. Our data lays the groundwork for future genetic studies: a morphological characterization of the wild type must be performed before mutants displaying different phenotypes can be identified. In this vein, we also report the observation of a acephalic, or 'headless', adult phenotype whose study could yield insights into the process of cephalogenesis. Finally, all morphological features observed have been compiled into an 'atlas' that should be of use to all workers in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayakumar Pallavi
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, 560054, India
| | - Harshita Snehal
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, 560054, India
| | | | - Daniela Salazar
- Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mrunal Hanbar
- Department of Microbiology, St. Xaviers College, Mumbai, 400001, India
| | | | - Khushi Alok Jha
- Department of Microbiology, St. Xaviers College, Mumbai, 400001, India
| | | | - Tanishka Dayanand Shetty
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, 560054, India
| | - Navya Madhusudan
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, 560054, India
| | - Amrutha Mohan
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, 560054, India
| | - Amulia John
- Department of Microbiology, St. Xaviers College, Mumbai, 400001, India
| | | | - Priyanka Sheet
- Department of Microbiology, St. Xaviers College, Mumbai, 400001, India
| | - Deepesh Nagarajan
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, 560054, India.
- Department of Microbiology, St. Xaviers College, Mumbai, 400001, India.
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3
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Mansegosa DA, Giannotti PS, Marchiori JI, Jofré FN, Aballay FH, Fernandez Aisa C. The story of a homicide: The location, exhumation, and multidisciplinary analysis of a clandestine burial. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL: REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2020.100165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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4
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Mariani R, García-Mancuso R, Varela GL, Kierbel I. New records of forensic entomofauna in legally buried and exhumed human infants remains in Buenos Aires, Argentina. J Forensic Leg Med 2017; 52:215-220. [PMID: 28963944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The study of carrion fauna associated with buried human corpses from a forensic perspective could provide useful information in criminal investigations. Insects and other arthropods remains sampled of 44 legally exhumed infant skeletons from La Plata (Buenos Aires, Argentina). They were identified at different taxonomic levels depending on the state of preservation. The specific diversity, abundance and frequency were analyzed and each taxon was assigned to the hypothetical colonization sequence: burial colonization, post-exhumation contamination at cemetery deposit or soil fauna. The phorid Dohrniphora sp. is mentioned for the first time in Argentina as carrion fauna of underground colonization, and the assemblage of Dohrniphora sp., Megaselia scalaris and Hydrotaea aenescens is proposed as indicator of buried cadavers. These findings provide new useful data to be applied in forensic entomology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Mariani
- División Entomología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Paseo del Bosque, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Rocío García-Mancuso
- Cátedra de Citología, Histología y Embriología "A", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Graciela L Varela
- División Entomología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Paseo del Bosque, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Ivana Kierbel
- División Entomología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Paseo del Bosque, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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5
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Ament DC, Dos Santos TG. Taxonomy and First Records of Two Megaselia Rondani Species (Diptera: Phoridae) Preying upon Eggs of Phyllomedusa iheringii Boulenger (Anura: Phyllomedusidae). NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 46:289-294. [PMID: 28247244 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-016-0462-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Non-aquatic reproductive modes have evolved among frogs possibly favored by some advantages such as the avoidance of aquatic predators. These reproductive modes, however, make the egg clutches susceptible to terrestrial predators, among which Diptera larvae are some of the most harmful. The present work reports the predation by phorid flies of 22 egg clutches of Phyllomedusa iheringii Boulenger in the South of Brazil. Phorid specimens were identified as Megaselia bruchiana (Borgmeier & Schmitz) and Megaselia necrophaga (Enderlein), species that were reported previously to be associated with ants and dead beetles, respectively. Frog-feeding in these species is hypothesized to be use of an alternative seasonal food source. We amend the diagnoses of both Megaselia species and provide new illustrations to facilitate their identification. We also describe the male of M. bruchiana for the first time and associate males with females of both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Ament
- Depto de Biologia, Univ de São Paulo, Fac de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Av Bandeirantes 3900, 14040-901, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.
| | - T G Dos Santos
- Univ Federal do Pampa, Campus São Gabriel, São Gabriel, RS, Brasil
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Braga MV, Mendonça PM, Barbosa RR, Blomquist GJ, Novo SPC, Dutra JDMF, de Souza SM, Queiroz MMDC. Identification of Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) (Diptera: Phoridae) in mummified human body from Itacambira (MG), Brazil, using scanning electron microscopy and cuticular hydrocarbons. J NAT HIST 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2015.1113320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Vianna Braga
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica e Forense, IOC, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paloma Martins Mendonça
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica e Forense, IOC, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Rocha Barbosa
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica e Forense, IOC, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gary James Blomquist
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Shênia Patricia Corrêa Novo
- Laboratório de Paleoparasitologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana da Matta Furniel Dutra
- Laboratório de Paleoparasitologia, Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa (Densp), Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sheila Mendonça de Souza
- Laboratório de Paleoparasitologia, Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa (Densp), Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Margareth Maria de Carvalho Queiroz
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica e Forense, IOC, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Mestrado Profissional em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Severino Sombra, Vassouras, Brazil
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7
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Sanford MR. Forensic entomology of decomposing humans and their decomposing pets. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 247:e11-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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8
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López-Esclapez R, García MD, Arnaldos MI, Presa JJ, Ubero-Pascal N. Are the evidences of forensic entomology preserved in ethanol suitable for SEM studies? Micron 2014; 62:43-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Marked for life: muscle attachment site patterns in blowfly larvae are constant throughout development. Parasitol Res 2012; 112:347-55. [PMID: 23052773 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3142-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The muscular attachment sites (MAS) of blowfly larvae can be visualised as "dots" by removing and staining the cuticle. Each segment bears several rows of MAS. The silhouettes of a subset of those rows in the second, third, and fourth segments were previously shown to be specific for four species of L3 blowfly larvae. In this investigation, the MAS patterns are described for a fifth species (Protophormia terraenovae) and throughout larval development of Calliphora vicina and Calliphora vomitoria. The patterns of P. terraenovae show considerable differences to those of the Calliphora species (larger MAS, characteristic "M" shape in row 4A), thus providing further evidence for the viability of the method as tool for species determination. Larvae with a body length of only 3 mm already show a complete set of MAS expressing identical pattern characteristics as L3 larvae with maximal body length. These characteristics are largely unchanged throughout development. Plotting the row length as a function of the body length throughout development reveals a linear correlation. Therefore, in case of requirement (e.g. fragmentation), not only the species but also the approximate larval age can be calculated with this method.
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10
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Surface ultrastrucure of larva and puparia of blow fly Hypopygiopsis tumrasvini Kurahashi (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Parasitol Res 2012; 111:2235-40. [PMID: 22895571 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3072-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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11
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Zuha RM, Razak TA, Ahmad NW, Omar B. Interaction effects of temperature and food on the development of forensically important fly, Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae). Parasitol Res 2012; 111:2179-87. [PMID: 22886544 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3070-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In forensic entomology, breeding of fly larvae in a controlled laboratory environment using animal tissue is a common technique to obtain insect developmental time for the estimation of postmortem interval. Previous studies on growth media are mostly on the effect of different diets on fly development. However, the interaction effects between temperature and food type used have not been explored. The objective of this study was to compare the use of cow's liver agar and raw liver on the development of a forensically important fly, Megaselia scalaris (Loew). This study also determined the interaction between different temperatures and different food types on the growth of this species. A total of 100 M. scalaris eggs were transferred into each of the two media mentioned above. Liver agar was prepared by adding dried ground liver into nutrient agar, whilst raw liver was naturally prepared from the same animal source. This experiment was conducted at 27, 30 and 33 °C in an incubator in a continuously dark condition. Length and weight of larvae, puparia and adult samples were determined. Total developmental times for larvae feeding on liver agar at each temperature were approximately 7-15 h slower than those feeding on raw liver. Survival rates were almost equal in both diets but were lower at 33 °C. Mean larva length in both diets did not differ significantly at all temperatures, but larvae feeding on liver agar had lower mean weight values than those in raw liver at 30 and 33 °C. The effect of temperature was significant in female puparia weight and male adult weight whereas the effect of diet types was significant in both male and female puparia size and weight. Interaction effects of temperature and food type on M. scalaris puparium size and adult weight were significant, indicating that puparium size and adult weight depended on both food type and temperature. This experiment highlighted the use of cow's liver agar as an alternative diet to breed M. scalaris in the laboratory and the importance of considering the interaction effect between temperatures and food types when deciding the most suitable medium in fly larva rearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Muhammad Zuha
- Forensic Science Program, School of Diagnostics and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University of Malaysia), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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12
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Feng DX, Liu GC. A study on morphology of immature stages of Diplonevra peregrina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Phoridae). Microsc Res Tech 2012; 75:1425-31. [PMID: 22711584 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Morphology of all larval instars and puparium of Diplonevra peregrina, a most common phorid fly species indoors in China, is presented using scanning electron microscopy. The first instar larva was composed of 12 segments, each of segments 3-11 with six spicate tubercles situated dorsally, dorsolaterally, and laterally in transverse row. The dorsal tubercles were much longer than the laterals and dorsolaterals. Antennae and maxillary palp complex were visible. The caudal segment was margined by six long, stout tubercles covered by numerous long bristles at the base through the apex. Two slits could be seen at the posterior spiracle. Besides the presence of anterior spiracle, the tubercles of second instar became more stout than those of first instar and were covered by numerous long bristles from the base to top. The posterior spiracle contained four slits. Third larval instar was similar to second instar. The bubble membrane comprised of clusters of small spines presented at the segment 5 of third instar larvae. Puparia showed a retracted cephalic region and a pair of pupal respiratory horns on the dorsum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian-Xing Feng
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Urban Integrated Pest Management and Ecological Security, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China
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Dian-Xing F, Guang-Chun L. Morphology of immature stages of Megaselia spiracularis Schmitz (Diptera: Phoridae). Microsc Res Tech 2012; 75:1297-303. [PMID: 22522698 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Dian-Xing
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Urban Integrated Pest Management and Ecological Security, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China
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Miranda-Miranda E, Cossio-Bayugar R, Martinez-Ibañez F, Bautista-Garfias CR. Megaselia scalaris reared on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus laboratory cultures. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2011; 25:344-347. [PMID: 21143490 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2010.00930.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Different laboratory cultures of the acarine tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1888) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) were infested by small Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) (Diptera: Phoridae) flies. Larvae of this species exhibited opportunistic parasitism predominantly on engorged female ticks, causing severe damage to their cuticle through which the flies were able to reach R. microplus internal organs, on which they fed until developing into pupae in the tick's remains. The flies were kept by continuous propagation on fresh ticks over six generations during which the same parasitoid behaviour was observed. Here we report on an ixodid tick laboratory culture used for rearing M. scalaris.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Miranda-Miranda
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Parasitología Veterinaria, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciónes Forestales y Agrícolas y Pecuarías, Jiutepec, Mexico
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