Review of Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Diptera: Muscidae) as a useful tool in forensic entomology

Synthesiomyia nudiseta (van der Wulp, 1883) is a synanthropic muscid found in tropical and subtropical zones around the world. The larvae of this species are a secondary agent of myiasis with necrophagous habits and play an important role in forensic entomology, as they are used as an indicator of post-mortem interval. Adults can be considered vectors of etiological agents such as Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae. Due to its ability to adapt to different environmental conditions, its high dispersal capacity (shown by its introduction to Europe), its predatory habits in the last larval stage and the difficulty of identifying it, a very important goal is to update our knowledge about this species. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to review the identification, geographical distribution and biology of this species in order to provide better support to investigations involving this fly.

A review and illustrated description of Musca crassirostris, one of the most neglected haematophagous livestock flies

Tabanids, stomoxyine flies, hippoboscids and tsetse flies are the most well-known brachyceran biting flies of livestock. Only a few other higher Diptera have developed the unique mouthparts required for blood feeding. These neglected blood feeders can also have direct effects on hosts through blood loss, and are likely to contribute to the transmission of pathogens. Musca crassirostris (Diptera: Muscidae) is one of the most abundant of the muscid flies with this haematophagous lifestyle; it is widespread in the Palaearctic, Afrotropical and Oriental regions. The present study reviews and summarizes the biology and morphology of this species, and its potential for impact on animals and humans. The study also provides a fully illustrated description of the fly to facilitate its identification, and reviews information on abundance, with a focus on recent trapping surveys in Thailand. When sampled using traps designed for other biting flies, M. crassirostris appears to be four and 45 times more abundant than stomoxyines and tabanids, respectively. High numbers of M. crassirostris in the vicinity of livestock have also been associated with outbreaks of disease, such as that of a fatal plague in bovine farms in Egypt. This calls for a reconsideration of its potential impacts on livestock economics and health, and thus the development of suitable control methods.

Characterization and Identification of Puparia of Hydrotaea Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Muscidae) From Forensic and Archaeological Contexts

Flies and beetles are the main components of the entomofauna colonizing a body after death. Following the recognition of constant and predictable colonization patterns and the knowledge about the dependence of the insect development to temperature, a new discipline, forensic entomology, has provided information useful to reconstruct criminal events. Funerary archaeoentomology has also applied the same rationale in archaeological contexts. Puparia represent a large fraction of the insect remains that can be found associated with a cadaver, especially when the body is mummified or in the advanced stages of decomposition. Puparium identification is still a problematic topic due to the lack of identification keys and, in several cases, a lack of diagnostic feature descriptions. Here, we focus the attention on some Hydrotaea Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera, Muscidae) puparia from forensic and archaeological contexts. Puparia of Hydrotaea capensis (Wiedemann), Hydrotaea ignava (Harris), Hydrotaea aenescens (Wiedemann), Hydrotaea similis Meade, Hydrotaea pilipes Stein, and Hydrotaea dentipes (Fabricius) are here detailed and illustrated. Posterior spiracles, anal plate, and intersegmental spines have been considered as good diagnostic characters for the identification of these puparia.

The Application of COI Gene for Species Identification of Forensically Important Muscid Flies (Diptera: Muscidae)

Muscid Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) are of great forensic importance due to their wide distribution, ubiquitous and synanthropic nature. They are frequently neglected as they tend to arrive at the corpses later than the flesh flies and blow flies. Moreover, the lack of species-level identification also hinders investigation of medicolegal purposes. To overcome the difficulty of morphological identification, molecular method has gained relevance. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene has been widely utilized. Nonetheless, to achieve correct identification of an unknown sample, it is important to survey certain muscid taxa from its geographic distribution range. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to contribute more geographically specific. We sequenced the COI gene of 51 muscid specimens of 12 species, and added all correct sequences available in GenBank to yield a total data set of 125 COI sequences from 33 muscid species to evaluate the COI gene as a molecular diagnostic tool. The interspecific distances were extremely high (4.7-19.8%) in either the standard barcoding fragment (658 bp) or the long COI sequence (1,019-1,535 bp), demonstrating that these two genetic markers were nearly identical in the species identification. However, the intraspecific distances of the long COI sequences were significantly higher than the barcoding region for the conspecific species that geographical locations vary greatly. Therefore, genetic diversity presented in this study provides a reference for species identification of muscid flies. Nevertheless, further investigation and data from more muscid species are required to enhance the efficacy of species-level identification using COI gene as a genetic marker.

Insects Associated with Pig Carrion in Two Environments of the Brazilian Savanna

Studies of carrion fauna have increased in Brazil and have contributed to the knowledge of this fauna in the national territory. Brazil has continental dimensions and presents various biomes in its territorial area. Most of the carrion fauna have seldom been studied, and this is especially true for the Savanna or "Cerrado." The present research examined the fauna visiting carrion in two environments and two seasons in a rural area situated in a region of Cerrado in southeastern Brazil. The two environments studied were a pasture and a fragment of semi-deciduous forest. Samples were collected during the dry and humid seasons of the year. The study identified the diversity and relative abundance of species attracted to pig carcasses (Sus scrofa L.) exposed in each environment and season. Eight pig carcasses (10 ± 1 kg) were placed in traps, and adult insects attracted to the traps were collected during the decay of the carcasses. A total of 92,489 insects were collected during the experiments. The Diptera was the most frequent order (92.2%) represented by 27 families and at least 124 species. This was followed by Coleoptera (4.4%) represented by 14 families and at least 65 species. Sarcophagidae had the greatest diversity of species, followed by Muscidae and Calliphoridae. Several species were collected only during a specific period of the year or in a single environment. The results are important from an ecological point of view and for Medico-Legal Forensic Entomology.

Morphology successfully separates third instar larvae of Muscina

Three representatives of the muscid genus Muscina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Musicidae), Muscina levida (Harris), Muscina prolapsa (Harris) and Muscina stabulans (Fallén), are well known for their medical, veterinary and forensic importance. However, data in the literature provide contradictory information for the identification of third instar larvae of these species. This hinders easy species differentiation because it requires the rearing of material to adult stages in order to facilitate reliable identification. Third instar larvae of these three Muscina species were studied in detail using light and scanning electron microscopy to provide thorough redescriptions of their morphology. Existing information concerning third instar morphology, with particular reference to its value for taxonomy and identification, is revised and discussed. Emden's spiracular distance factor (SDF) is considered here as inappropriate for identification purposes in third instar larvae of Muscina spp. because its values are not constant ratios but increase during larval maturation and overlap in the examined species. These species were, instead, discriminated here by differences in the spinulation patterns of their abdominal segments.

Droppings from captive Coturnix coturnix (Galliformes: Phasianidae) as a fly breeding resource

The aim of this study was to describe the fauna of flies associated with captive Coturnix coturnix (L.) (Galliformes: Phasianidae) droppings. Samples of 150 g of quail droppings were exposed in the quail house for 48 h in plastic containers to promote eventual access of flies, and then placed in emergence traps. The number of adults and species emerging was recorded daily. This procedure was carried out in spring 2008 and spring and autumn 2009. In total, 2,138 adults belonging to Muscidae, Calliphoridae, Piophilidae, Phoridae, Fanniidae, and Milichiidae families were collected. The most numerous family was Muscidae (representing >82% of the total specimens), with Musca domestica L. being the most abundant species followed by Ophyra aenescens (Wiedemann) (both Diptera: Muscidae). Quail breeding should include adequate droppings management policies to avoid potential sanitary issues related to fly production.

[New records of ectoparasites of the eastern water bat Myotis petax Hollister, 1912 (Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera) and the revision of the previous material collected from Myotis daubentonii s. lato in Eastern Palaearctic]

New findings of ectoparasites from the eastern water bat Myotis petax Hollister, 1912, belonging to the Siberian-Russian Far Eastern complex and earlier attributed as a subspecies of the Daubenton's bat Myotis daubentonii s. lato, is given. Fourteen species of bloodsucking arthropods feed on M. petax; these species include 4, 3, and 7 species of gamasid mites, fleas, and bloodsucking flies, respectively.

Keys to the species of Mydaeinae (Diptera: Muscidae) from China, with the description of four new species

Four new species of Mydaeinae, Mydaea franzosternita n sp., Myospila apicaliciliola n sp., Myospila maoershanensis n sp., and Myospila subflavipennis n sp., are described and illustrated here for the first time. A key to the genus of Mydaeinae from China and keys to species of genera from Mydaeinae are provided.

Descriptions of six new species of Phaonia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Muscidae) from China

This paper provides diagnoses and keys to species in the Phaonia fuscicoxa-group and the Phaonia barkama-group from China; describes six new species, namely Phaonia subfuscicoxa Xue and Rong, sp nov: , Phaonia hypotuberosurstyla Xue and Rong, sp nov: , Phaonia caesiipollinosa Xue and Rong, sp nov: , Phaonia daliensis Xue and Du, sp nov: , Phaonia quadratilamella Xue, sp nov: , and Phaonia maoershanensis Xue, sp nov: We report the distributions and provide notes on the affinities of known species.

Spatio-temporal variation of biting flies, Stomoxys spp. (Diptera: Muscidae), along a man-made disturbance gradient, from primary forest to the city of Makokou (North-East, Gabon)

Understanding the pattern of abundance of vector populations is important to control the potential of transmission of associated pathogens. The pattern of abundance of Stomoxys Geoffroy, an ubiquitous blood-sucking fly, is poorly known in tropical Africa. In this study, we investigated the spatio-temporal pattern of abundance of the Stomoxys genus along a gradient of man-made disturbance in north-eastern Gabon. Three sites (one in primary forest, one in secondary forest and one in a man-made environment) were monitored during 13 months using Vavoua traps. Seven species and subspecies were found to live in sympatry, but with distinct patterns of abundance with respect to space and time. The most abundant species was Stomoxys transvittatus Villeneuve, whereas the rarest species was S. xanthomelas Roubaud. Stomoxys calcitrans Linné was preferentially found in man-made environments, whereas S. xanthomelas was preferentially found in primary forest. Stomoxys abundance was the greatest in secondary forest, then in man-made environments and finally in primary forest. A seasonal variation in Stomoxys abundance was also found. In conclusion, forest degradation and deforestation are likely both to favour the concentration of populations of Stomoxys, and to change the specific composition of the Stomoxys community.

A study of the Phaonia angelicae group (Diptera: Muscidae), with descriptions of six new species from China

The P. angelicae group from China was studied, and six new species are described: P. hanmiensis, n. sp., P. nanlingensis, n. sp., P. reduncicauda, n. sp., P. spargocerca, n. sp., P. subincana, n. sp., and P. varimargina, n. sp. A key to the identification of males of the 40 Chinese species is given.

A peculiar new Helina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Muscidae) from Mexico and Panama

Helina sinaloensis n. sp. (Diptera: Muscidae) is described and illustrated from Mexico and Panama. The new species shows a unique combination of characters and can be distinguished from the other species of the genus by the prosternum with lateral cilia, pre-alar seta absent, anepimeron bare, katepimeron setulose, postalar wall setulose and scutellum with setulae on lateroventral margin.

DNA barcoding of Northern Nearctic Muscidae (Diptera) reveals high correspondence between morphological and molecular species limits

BACKGROUND

Various methods have been proposed to assign unknown specimens to known species using their DNA barcodes, while others have focused on using genetic divergence thresholds to estimate "species" diversity for a taxon, without a well-developed taxonomy and/or an extensive reference library of DNA barcodes. The major goals of the present work were to: a) conduct the largest species-level barcoding study of the Muscidae to date and characterize the range of genetic divergence values in the northern Nearctic fauna; b) evaluate the correspondence between morphospecies and barcode groupings defined using both clustering-based and threshold-based approaches; and c) use the reference library produced to address taxonomic issues.

RESULTS

Our data set included 1114 individuals and their COI sequences (951 from Churchill, Manitoba), representing 160 morphologically-determined species from 25 genera, covering 89% of the known fauna of Churchill and 23% of the Nearctic fauna. Following an iterative process through which all specimens belonging to taxa with anomalous divergence values and/or monophyly issues were re-examined, identity was modified for 9 taxa, including the reinstatement of Phaonia luteva (Walker) stat. nov. as a species distinct from Phaonia errans (Meigen). In the post-reassessment data set, no distinct gap was found between maximum pairwise intraspecific distances (range 0.00-3.01%) and minimum interspecific distances (range: 0.77-11.33%). Nevertheless, using a clustering-based approach, all individuals within 98% of species grouped with their conspecifics with high (>95%) bootstrap support; in contrast, a maximum species discrimination rate of 90% was obtained at the optimal threshold of 1.2%. DNA barcoding enabled the determination of females from 5 ambiguous species pairs and confirmed that 16 morphospecies were genetically distinct from named taxa. There were morphological differences among all distinct genetic clusters; thus, no cases of cryptic species were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal the great utility of building a well-populated, species-level reference barcode database against which to compare unknowns. When such a library is unavailable, it is still possible to obtain a fairly accurate (within ~10%) rapid assessment of species richness based upon a barcode divergence threshold alone, but this approach is most accurate when the threshold is tuned to a particular taxon.

Distribution and abundance of Stomoxyini flies (Diptera: Muscidae) in Thailand

Stomoxyini flies (Diptera: Muscidae) include species of parasitic flies of medical and veterinary importance. The adult flies feed on the blood of mammals and may transmit several parasites and pathogens. We conducted an entomological survey of Stomoxyini flies from different sites in Thailand. Stomoxyini flies were collected at four major types of sites: zoos, livestock farms, wildlife conservation areas and a national park using vavoua traps between November 2010 and April 2011. A total of 3,314 Stomoxyini flies belonging to the genera Stomoxys, Haematobosca, Haematostoma and Haematobia were collected. Eight species were identified: S. calcitrans (46.6%), S. uruma (26.8%), S. pulla (4.3%), S. indicus (0.7%), S. sitiens (0.1%), H. sanguinolenta (11.2 %), H. austeni (0.5%) and H. irritans exigua (9.8%). The diversity of Stomoxyini flies in the livestock farms was higher than the other sites. Altitude correlated with the number of flies. This study provides information that may be useful for Stomoxyini flies control.

A new record for Lispe orientalis Wiedemann, 1824 (Diptera: Muscidae) from peninsular Malaysia

Lispe orientalis Wiedemann, 1824 is recorded for the first time in peninsular Malaysia. Specimens were collected from a mushroom cultivation farm in Genting Highlands, Pahang (3°25'18"N 101°47'48"E). Previously, this species had been recorded from Azerbaijin, India, Russia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey and South Korea. The male of Lispe orientalis can be determined by the following characteristics: body non-metallic, ashy gray, third antennal segment black, R5 cell not narrow apically, hind metatarsus normal, legs entirely black, femora with long bristle-like hairs on av and pv surfaces, hind tibia without av and pv seta and the palpi orangish in colour.

Efficacy of cyromazine to control immature stable flies (Diptera: Muscidae) developing in winter hay feeding sites

Hay mixed with manure and urine residues at sites where hay has been provided as supplemental winter feed for cattle provide an excellent substrate for the development of immature stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). Such sites are primary sources of early summer stable flies in the central United States and no effective measures are currently available to control fly development in them. A single application of granular cyromazine in May provided 97% reduction in the number of adult stable flies emerging from hay feeding sites. Stable fly control did not decline during the 12 wk season. A small decline in control was observed relative to anthomyiid, sarcophagid, and syrphid flies developing in the hay feeding sites. However, none of those flies are considered to be pests and > or = 50% control of those flies was maintained for 65 d after application. Cyromazine offers a safe and affordable option for the control of immature stable flies developing in winter hay feeding sites. Controlling those flies should reduce the estimated $2 billion per year of lost production in U.S. cattle industries attributable to stable flies.

An occurrence of Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Wulp) (Diptera: Muscidae) from a human corpse in a high-rise building in Malaysia: a case report

This is the first report of Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Wulp) (Diptera: Muscidae) on a human corpse discovered in a high-rise building in Malaysia. On 5 March 2008, a decomposing body of an adult female was found on the top floor of a thirteen-story building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Her body was colonized by S. nudiseta larvae, which were normally associated with corpses found indoors at ground level. The post-mortem interval (PMI) was estimated at approximately 5 to 9 days. This case is significant as it demonstrates that this species can locate a dead body even in a high-rise building. Further findings of fly distribution especially in high-rise buildings should be reported to assist entomologists in PMI analysis.

A study of the genus Limnophora Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Muscidae), with descriptions of six new species from China

This paper provides the characters of genus Limnophora (Diptera: Muscidae) and a key to the Chinese species of Limnophora, six new species collected from Hainan Island of China, namely, L. brevispatula, n. sp., L. cothurnosurstyla, n. sp., L. dyadocerca, n. sp., L. longitarsis, n. sp., L. nuditibia, n. sp. and L. ypocerca, n. sp. are diagnosed, described and illustrated, a new record species in China, namely, L. argentifrons ( Shinonaga et Kano, 1977 ), is also included.

Spatio-temporal distribution of tsetse and other biting flies in the Mouhoun River basin, Burkina Faso

In the Mouhoun River basin, Burkina Faso, the main vectors of African animal trypanosomoses are Glossina palpalis gambiensis Vanderplank and Glossina tachinoides Westwood (Diptera: Glossinidae), both of which are riverine tsetse species. The aim of our study was to understand the impact of landscape anthropogenic changes on the seasonal dynamics of vectors and associated trypanosomosis risk. Three sites were selected on the basis of the level of disturbance of tsetse habitats and predominant tsetse species: disturbed (Boromo, for G. tachinoides) and half-disturbed (Douroula for G. tachinoides and Kadomba for G. p. gambiensis). At each of these sites, seasonal variations in the apparent densities of tsetse and mechanical vectors and tsetse infection rates were monitored over 17 months. Tsetse densities differed significantly between sites and seasons. Of 5613 captured tsetse, 1897 were dissected; 34 of these were found to be infected with trypanosomes. The most frequent infection was Trypanosoma vivax (1.4%), followed by Trypanosoma congolense (0.3%) and Trypanosoma brucei (0.05%). The mean physiological age of 703 tsetse females was investigated to better characterize the transmission risk. Despite the environmental changes, it appeared that tsetse lived long enough to transmit trypanosomes, especially in half-disturbed landscapes. A total of 3021 other biting flies from 15 species (mainly Tabanidae and Stomoxyinae) were also caught: their densities also differed significantly among sites and seasons. Their relative importance regarding trypanosome transmission is discussed; the trypanosomosis risk in cattle was similar at all sites despite very low tsetse densities (but high mechanical vector densities) in one of them.

Three new species of shoot fly, Atherigona spp., from northern Thailand

Three new species of shoot fly, Atherigona Rondani (subgenus Acritochaeta Grimshaw) (Diptera: Muscidae), are described from northern Thailand, based on morphological characteristics of males. Unique features of A. komi sp. n. include a distinct spiral groove on the dorsal aspect of the fore femur and two dark apical wing spots, whereas A. chiangmaiensis sp. n. is recognized by the presence of one large patch on the apical wing spot, appearing as a large and smaller wave-shaped patch, and no distinct pattern on tergites. A. thailandica sp. n. displays a remarkable dark boomerang-shaped patch along the wing margin and fore femur, with two rows of long hairs on the dorsal surface. Male terminalia are also different in the new species, showing distinctive characteristics. This paper also presents five newly recorded species in Thailand; Atherigona maculigera Stein, Atherigona ovatipennis vietnamensis Shinonaga et Thinh, Atherigona pallidipalpis Malloch, Atherigona seticauda Malloch, and Atherigona setitarsus Shinonaga et Thinh. A key is provided for the adult males of Atherigona recorded in Thailand, all belonging to the subgenus Acritochaeta, except for A. soccata Rondani.

The availability of 16S rRNA for the identification of forensically important flies (Diptera: Muscidae) in China

Many species of Muscidae are cosmopolitan synanthropic insects. It is frequently found on dead bodies after death, so an accurate identification of each species is necessary for the correct estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI). Identification species of Muscidae is traditionally performed through their morphological features. However, the morphological similarity of Muscidae in the level of species usually poses a challenge for forensic entomologists. Therefore a molecular method used 16S rRNA sequence on mitochondrial DNA was established for species identification. In this study, a 289 base pair region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) coding for 16S rRNA was investigated for identification of the following forensically important species of Muscidae. The specimens were from four genera, including 18 Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758), 2 Ophyra spinigera (Stein, 1910), 2 Ophyra chalcogaster (Wiedemann, 1824), 1 Morellia hortorum (Fallén, 1817), and 1 Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus, 1761). 16S rDNA region allowed the identification of these species of Muscidae, indicating the possibility of separation congeneric species with molecular method.

Myospila pudica pudica (Stein, 1915) (Diptera: Muscidae) in peninsular Malaysia and its occurrence on a monkey carrion

Myospila pudica pudica (Stein, 1915) (Diptera: Muscidae) was recorded for the first time in Malaysia during a forensic entomological study conducted at a forested area of Forensic Science Simulation Site, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor. This species can be differentiated from other species of its genus by having R1 setulose on dorsal surface and R4+5 more or less setulose dorsally and ventrally. The legs, including tarsi, are testaceous yellow and palpi blackish. Lateral and ventral surface of scutellum bare below the level of bristles and the third antennal segment is brownish yellow. Other features including the diverging of inner margin of lower squama from scutellum margin. This is also the first report on the occurence of M. pudica pudica (Stein, 1915) on animal carcass.

[Identification of necrophagous fly species from 12 different cities and regions in China using inter-simple sequence repeat melocular markers]

OBJECTIVE

To identify necrophagous fly species from different regions in China using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) melocular markers and analyze their genetic difference and relationship.

METHODS

Five carrion fly species were collected from 12 cities and regions in China, including M.domestica, Lucilia sericata, Chrysomyia megacephala, Helicophagella melanura, and Boetthcherisca peregrina. Twenty-two ISSR primers were designed and synthesized, from which 8 were selected to identify the necrophagous fly species. Cluster analysis was conducted based on distance matrices using unweighted pair group method.

RESULTS

Totally 121 amplification samples were obtained using the 8 primers, and 679 clear and stable bands were visualized including 516 bands with polymorphisms. M.domestica, Lucilia sericata, Chrysomyia megacephala, Helicophagella melanura, and Boethcherisca peregrina from different regions in China produced their specific PCR band spectra. M. domestica from 10 different regions in China showed different inheritance patterns of the markers. Species-specific ISSR fragment was found among the necrophagous flys pecies. Cluster analysis among the most abundant carrion fly species demonstrated that M.domestica from 10 different regions could be divided into 4 groups at different levels. Most of the Chrysomyia megacephala and Lucilia sericata could be clustered in one tree.

CONCLUSION

This study represents the first identification of the common necrophagous fly species in China. ISSR-PCR-based identification of the species reveals the genetic diversity and genotypic difference among M.domestica from 10 cities and regions in China.

[Short-horned flies (Diptera: Brachycera) are ectoparasites of warm-blooded animals]

In the Orenburg Region, the fauna of blood-sucking short-horned flies comprises 23 species, including 12 obligate hematophagi and 11 facultative ones. The collected flies belong to the families Tabanidae and Muscidae. Dominant species, their spread, environmental characteristics, and phenological features have been established. The ratio of various types of blood-sucking flies has been analyzed.

New species of Brachygasterina Macquart (Diptera: Muscidae) from high altitudes of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela

The genus Brachygasterina Macquart (Muscidae), comprising seven species, is endemic in South America. Three new species are herein described from the highlands of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. A key to the species of this genus is provided.

A new species of Brachygasterina Macquart from Chile (Diptera: Muscidae)

The genus Brachygasterina Macquart is Neotropical, with six species recorded from Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Colombia. A new species was found among an extensive unidentified muscid material from South America in the collection of the California Academy of Sciences collection (San Francisco, California, U.S.A.). Brachygasterina maculata, new species, from Santiago, Chile, is here described and illustrated, and its position in the genus Brachygasterina is discussed.

[Relationship between CO II gene of mtDNA of Lucilia sericata and latitude interval]

OBJECTIVE

To deduce the region that the geographical species of Lucilia sericata come from and determine the scene of crime (SOC) based on the gene analysis of mtDNA CO II.

METHODS

A 635 bp region for CO II of 4 Lucilia sericata (belong to 2 geographical species) were collected and sequenced, compared with the data of GenBank. A neighbour-joining tree with the Tamura and Nei model was constructed by MEGA2.1 package. The number of inherit intervals of inner-species were analyzes by Kimura's two-parameter model and used for construction the relationships between hereditary and latitude interval by SPSS10.5 soft.

RESULTS

It showed that they had the relationships between inherit and latitude interval for the 8 geographical species of Lucilia sericata for CO II.

CONCLUSION

This method can be the evidence deducing the region that the geographical species of Lucilia sericata come from and further to determine the scene of crime (SOC).

Life history and seasonal abundance of Fannia benjamini complex (Diptera: Muscidae) in southern California

Seasonal abundance and life history of Fannia benjamini complex (Diptera: Muscidae) was studied in the coastal mountain community ofLa Habra Heights in Los Angeles County, California, with additional observations in drier, inland mountains in the Woodcrest area, Riverside County. The dominant species (>95% of fly collections) was Fannia conspicua Malloch, whereas Fannia benjamini Malloch also was present. Both species could be collected nearly year-round by netting adults (almost exclusively females) attracted to people, although F. benjamini was relatively more common in cooler weather (November-April). In La Habra Heights, adult activity peaked in June and July (both species), whereas peak activity in Woodcrest was late April through June for F. conspicua and February through April for F. benjamini. Field-collected adult females provided only water died within 2-4 d, whereas females provided with water plus a dry milk and sugar mixture survived up to 128-130 d in the laboratory. Males of F. conspicua (1-40 individuals) swarmed at heights of 0.5-4.0 m near Aptenia cordifolia (L.f.) Schwantes, an exotic, succulent, low-growing ground cover plant. Eggs of F. conspicua were deposited singly on older, decaying leaves of this plant, and adult F. conspicua emerged from Aptenia-covered areas in the field. In the laboratory, larvae of F. conspicua grazed on microbial surface films associated with Aptenia. Emergence of F. conspicua from field-collected soil-Aptenia mixtures (held in the laboratory) occurred from 1.5 to 5 mo after collection. Widespread Aptenia planting since the 1980s has probably resulted in F. conspicua becoming a severe human nuisance in some areas.

An illustrated key to adult males of neotropical Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy belonging to pusio sub-group (Diptera, Fanniidae)

The 11 neotropical species of Fannia belonging to the pusio sub-group (canicularis group), are keyed -F. dodgei Seago; F. femoralis (Stein); F. pamplonae Couri & Araújo; F. parafemoralis Araújo & Couri;F. paraisensis Araújo & Couri; F. punctivervis Malloch; F. pusio (Wiedemann); F. sabroskyi Seago;F. snyderi Seago; F. trimaculata (Stein); F. trimaculatoides Couri & Pamplona. The key is addressed only to the males and the illustrations help in the visualization of the characters.

New data on Philornis seguyi Garcia (1952)(Diptera, Muscidae)

Philornis Meinert is a very interesting Muscidae (Diptera) genus whose larvae are associated with a wide range of bird species. The existing description of Philornis seguyi Garcia (1952), which was reported in Argentina, so far involves only the female. During the 2000-2002 breeding seasons, we collected Philornis flies from six bird species in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. All the flies were identified as P. seguyi. Based on this material, we describe the larva, puparium, adult male, and male and female terminalia. All the host associations presented here - Mimus saturninus (Mimidae), Troglodytes aedon (Troglodytidae), Pitangus sulfuratus (Tyrannidae), Pyrocephalus rubinus (Tyrannidae), Satrapa icterophrys (Tyrannidae) and Molothrus bonariensis (Icteridae) in nests of M. saturninus and Troglodytes aedon - are new for P. seguyi. We also present some data on the biology of the species.

Cuticular hydrocarbons of buffalo fly, Haematobia exigua, and chemotaxonomic differentiation from horn fly, H. irritans

We determined the quantity and chemical composition of cuticular hydrocarbons of different strains, sexes, and ages of buffalo flies, Haematobia exigua. The quantity of cuticular hydrocarbons increased from less than 1 microg/fly for newly emerged flies to over 11 microg/fly in 13-d-old flies. The hydrocarbon chain length varied from C(21) to C(29), with unbranched alkanes and monounsaturated alkenes the major components. Newly emerged flies contained almost exclusively C(27) hydrocarbons. Increasing age was accompanied by the appearance of hydrocarbons with shorter carbon chains and an increase in the proportion of alkenes. 11-Tricosene and 7-tricosene were the most abundant hydrocarbons in mature H. exigua. Cuticular hydrocarbons of H. exigua are distinctly different from those of horn flies, Haematobia irritans. The most noticeable differences were in the C(23) alkenes, with the major isomers 11- and 7-tricosene in H. exigua and (Z)-9- and (Z)-5-tricosene in H. irritans, respectively. Cuticular hydrocarbon analysis provides a reliable method to differentiate the two species, which are morphologically difficult to separate. The differences in cuticular hydrocarbons also support their recognition as separate species, H. exigua and H. irritans, rather than as subspecies.

Association of the kdr and superkdr sodium channel mutations with resistance to pyrethroids in Louisiana populations of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans irritans (L.)

Pyrethroid resistance in three horn fly populations in Louisiana was monitored by weekly fly counts, filter paper bioassays, and diagnostic PCR assays for the presence of pyrethroid resistance-associated mutations in the sodium channel gene coding region. The PCR assay for the knockdown resistance (kdr) and superkdr sodium channel mutations was used to determine the frequency of the target site insensitivity mechanism in the populations of horn flies, which possessed varying degrees of insecticide resistance. The bioassays and frequency of homozygous-resistant (RR) kdr genotypes were relative predictors of the fly control subsequently observed. Flies exposed to filter paper impregnated with a discriminating concentration of one of four different insecticides were collected when 50% mortality was estimated. Genotypes for the dead flies and the survivors were determined by the PCR assay. The results of the PCR assays indicated that the genotype at the kdr locus of the flies exposed to the two pyrethroids had an effect upon whether the flies were considered to be alive or dead at the time of collection. The kdr genotype of flies exposed to either diazinon or doramectin was unrelated to whether the flies were considered to be alive or dead, except for a single comparison of flies exposed to diazinon. When possible interactions of the kdr and superkdr mutations were compared, we found that there were no associations with the response to diazinon and doramectin. For one location, there were no survivors of the 75 flies with the SS-SS (superkdr-kdr) homozygous susceptible wild type genotype exposed to pyrethroids, while there were survivors in all of the other five genotypes. The SS-RR genotype flies were more susceptible to the pyrethroids than the SR-RR flies, but that was not the case for exposure to diazinon or doramectin. In the St. Joseph population, there were an adequate number of flies to demonstrate that the SS-SR genotype was more susceptible to pyrethroids than the SS-RR and that flies with the SR-SR genotype were more susceptible to pyrethroids than the flies with the SR-RR genotype.

A new Notoschoenomyza Malloch and a key to the species (Diptera, Muscidae, Coenosiinae)

A new species of Notoschoenomyza Malloch, N. diminuta sp. nov. from Chile, is described and the male and female terminalia are illustrated. A key to the identification of all Notoschoenomyza species is presented.

Two new species of Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera, Fanniidae)

Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy is known from 63 neotropical species, 24 of them with occurence in Rio de Janeiro State. Two new species from Rio de Janeiro State are added to the genus: F. tibialis, sp. n and F. unica, sp. n. Male specimens of both are described. Morphological characters and terminalia are illustrated. Each species is briefly discussed.

[A new morphological character for the identification of Stomoxys calcitrans and S. niger (Diptera: Muscidae). Comparison of La Réunion island populations]

On La Reunion Island (France), two morphological closely related species of stable flies (Diptera: Muscidae), living in the same environment, Stomoxys calcitrans and S. niger, are involved in the transmission of blood parasites to the livestock. To facilitate a rapid identification of both species in the field conditions, we highlighted a diagnostic morphological character not yet described: the length of the maxillary palpus. The study of three populations of S. calcitrans and two populations of S. niger, collected at various elevations, showed that the maxillary palpi of S. niger were significantly longer than in S. calcitrans, independent of sex. This character, easily visible in the field with a simple magnifying glass, has been confirmed on individuals of both species from West Africa.

Systematic relations among Philornis Meinert, Passeromyia Rodhain & Villeneuve and allied genera (Diptera, Muscidae)

Passeromyia Rodhain & Villeneuve and Philornis Meinert are the only known Muscidae whose larvae are parasites of birds. Passeromyia is known from the Old World and Philornis from the New World. Opinions on the relations between these two genera and their systematic positions among the Muscidae have varied. This survey aims to clear the discussion on the relations of Passeromyia, Philornis, and of some allied genera and give an overview of the classification of the Muscidae based on cladistic methodology. Thirty-two terminal taxa (2 of them outgroups) were analysed based on 54 characters. The cladistic analysis, carried out using Hennig86, resulted in 1 minimal tree (length 373), with a consistency index of 71 and a retention index of 85. Philornis and Passeromyia belong to a monophyletic group, supported by a synapomorphy, the presence of a cocoon, enclosing the pupa. The phylogenetic relationships found in this group are: (Muscina (Philornis (Phaonina ((Fraserella, Passeromyia) (Synthesiomyia (Calliphoroides, Reinwardtia)))))). Other probable monophyletic muscid groups, like Muscinae (with Stomoxyini and Muscini) and Coenosiinae (with Limnophorini and Coenosiini) are also discussed. Phylogenetic patterns within Reinwardtinae and Dichaetomyiinae could be explained by a Gondwana distribution.

Burrowing fly larvae (Philornis porteri) associated with mortality of eastern bluebirds in Florida

We investigated mortality among nestling eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) in Polk and Highlands counties, Florida (USA) in 1999-2001. At least six species of maggots from three families of muscoid flies, Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, and Muscidae were found associated with the nestlings. Philornis porteri, the only species of obligate bird parasite collected, was found in the contents of two nests, in the ear canal and the musculature of the jaw of one nestling, and in the abdominal subcutis of another. This is the first record of bluebird parasitism by P. porteri. Although some nestlings were infested by tissue-invading fly larvae antemortem, the role of these maggots in the overall mortality was not clear.

Use of the polymerase chain reaction to investigate the dynamics of pyrethroid resistance in Haematobia irritans irritans (Diptera: Muscidae)

A field study was conducted from 1991 through 1997 to evaluate the use of pyrethroid and organophosphate (OP) ear tags, alternated yearly, for the control of a pyrethroid resistant horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L.), population in Louisiana. Fly resistance was monitored by weekly fly counts, filter paper bioassays and diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for the presence of pyrethroid resistance-associated mutations in the sodium channel gene coding region. Fly control in the first study year was poor, as pyrethroid ear tags were effective for only 7 wk. The following year, OP ear tags provided 15 wk of fly control. However, in all subsequent years, fly control was poor with both types of ear tags. The PCR assays showed that there were very few female flies homozygous for the pyrethroid susceptible sodium channel allele, never rising above 10% of the total females in the population. A fitness cost appeared to be associated with the pyrethroid resistant allele, as the resistant form was selected against in the absence of the pyrethroid ear tags. Despite this selection in favor of the susceptible allele and the annual alternation of pyrethroid and OP ear tags, the percentage of homozygous susceptible flies never reached over 19% of the population, resistant alleles of the sodium channel remained at high levels in the population, and horn fly control on cattle with either type of tag quickly became minimal.

Geographical and altitudinal population genetic structure of two dung fly species with contrasting mobility and temperature preference

Local adaptation of populations requires some degree of spatio-temporal isolation. Previous studies of the two dung fly species Scathophaga stercoraria and Sepsis cynipsea have revealed low levels of geographic and altitudinal genetic differentiation in quantitative life history and morphological traits, but instead high degrees of phenotypic plasticity. These patterns suggest that gene flow is extensive despite considerable geographic barriers and large spatio-temporal variation in selection on body size and related traits. In this study we addressed this hypothesis by investigating genetic differentiation of dung fly populations throughout Switzerland based on the same 10 electrophoretic loci in each species. Overall, we found no significant geographic differentiation of populations for either species. This is inconsistent with the higher rates of gene flow expected due to better flying capacity of the larger S. stercoraria. However, heterozygote deficiencies within populations indicated structuring on a finer scale, seen for several loci in S. cynipsea, and for the locus PGM (Phosphoglucomutase) in S. stercoraria. Additionally, S. cynipsea showed a tendency towards a greater gene diversity at higher altitudes, mediated primarily by the locus MDH (malate dehydrogenase), at which a second allele was only present in populations above 1000 m. This may be caused by increased environmental stress at higher altitudes in this warm-adapted species. MDH might thus be a candidate locus subject to thermal selection in this species, but this remains to be corroborated by direct evidence. In S. stercoraria, no altitudinal variation was found.

Population dynamics of calyptrate Diptera (Muscidae and Sarcophagidae) at the Rio-Zoo Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Twenty-seven species of calyptrate muscoids (Muscidae and Sarcophagidae) were collected from December 1993 to November 1994 with wind oriented traps (W.O.T.) baited with decomposing beef liver at the Rio de Janeiro Zoo. The most abundant species found were Musca domestica (57.84%), Peckia chrysostoma (28.16%), Ophyra aenescens (17.11%), Oxysarcodexia thornax (17.82%), Synthesiomyia nudiseta (13.05%), and Oxysarcodexia diana (14.52%).

Flies (Calliphoridae, Muscidae) and beetles (Silphidae) from human cadavers in Cali, Colombia

Adult specimens of Cochliomyia macellaria, Chrysomya megacephala, Ch. rufifacies, Lucilia sp. (Calliphoridae), Musca domestica (Muscidae), Oxelytrum discicolle (Silphidae) and Sarcophagidae were recovered from 12 human cadavers in Cali, Valle, Colombia. Information regarding these findings is presented.

Distinctive hydrocarbons of the black dump fly, Hydrotaea aenescens (Diptera: Muscidae)

Hydrotaea aenescens (Wiedemann), the black dump fly, is a potential biological control agent originally from the western hemisphere, now found in many parts of the Palearctic region except for the United Kingdom, where it cannot be imported for any reason. A complication of classical biological control is the problem of strain identification, as one must be able to somehow mark or follow a particular strain that has been introduced into the field or is contemplated for release. Gas chromatographic analysis of the surface hydrocarbons of pooled and individual dump fly adults resulted in reproducible hydrocarbon patterns that differentiated widely distributed strains of H. aenescens and showed similarities between strains that were related. Sexual dimorphism was observed in the surface hydrocarbons. Conspecific similarities included identities of the hydrocarbons found in colony material collected worldwide, with differences being found in the quantities of compounds present.

The first documented forensic entomology case in Thailand

The forensic entomology case described herein is the first such case documented in Thailand. A mummified corpse of a 32-yr-old man was discovered in a forested habitat, with the larvae of six species of flies (Diptera) found in association with the corpse at the time of its discovery, i.e., those of Hydrotaea (=Ophyra) spinigera Stein (family Muscidae), Piophila casei (L.) (family Piophilidae), Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (family Phoridae), Sagus sp. (family Stratiomyidae), and larvae of two unidenitified flesh fly species (family Sarcophagidae). The presence and age of the larval specimens of P. casei, M. scalaris, and H. spinigera gave entomological evidence that the postmortem interval for the corpse was 3-6 mo. This report also documets some of the forensically important fly species that occur in Thailand.

Studies on myiasis producing flies collected by bait traps at Al Marg (Qalyobia Governorate), Egypt

Myiasis is a real welfare problem. As a disease, it affects man and animals. In a study of myiasis producing flies in Al Marg District, sixteen species of dipterous flies were trapped. The predominant species was Musca domestica followed by Lueilia sericata and the least abundance was Wohlfahrtia magnifica. The overall abundance was in Summer followed by Spring and the least was in Winter. The most attractive bait was liver for members of family Calliphoridae and meat for members of family Muscidae and Family Sarcophagidae.

Studies of wound myiasis among sheep and goats in North Sinai Governorate, Egypt

Myiasis of man and animals is a real welfare problem of world wide distribution particularly in animal raising countries. Studies of myiasis of sheep and goats in North Sinai resulted in the identification of 21 species of myiasis producing flies. The predominant species was Musca domestica followed by Lucilia sericata and the least abundant was M. albina. In general, sheep were more infested with wound myiasis than goats. The overall infestation rate was high in summer, followed by spring then autumn. The least rate of infestation was winter. As to the different areas examined, the high rate of infestation was in Bir Al-Abd, followed by Al Hasanah, Al Arish, Al Sheikh-Zowaid and lastly Rafah. The factors predisposing to wound myiasis in a descending order of importance in goats were open wound, shearing wound, caseous lymphadenitis, foot rot, faecal staining, ophthalmo or facial eczema, horn fracture, rumen fistula and lastly posterior paralysis. In sheep, the most important cause was caseous lymphadenitis followed by foot rot, then open wound and faecal staining, shearing wound, and ophthalmo or facial eczema otherwise more or less the same as in goats. It is concluded that myiasis among edible animals is a problem of veterinary and economic importance. The clinical features range between mild annoyance to severely disfiguring or fatal. No doubt, poor hygiene, presence of draining wounds, depressed level of farmers' consciousness and immobility presidose to different anatomic types of myiasis which may extend to man.

Blowfly species composition in sheep myiasis in Scotland

Samples of dipteran larvae were collected from live sheep throughout Scotland, reared in the laboratory, and identified once adult flies emerged. Lucilia sericata was found in 77% of samples, and other species in 49%. The most common alternative species were L.caesar, which occurred in 31% of samples, and Protophormia terraenovae, which occurred in 18%. Three other calliphorid species, Calliphora vomitoria, C.vicina and L.illustris, and the muscid Muscina pabulorum were also found. The proportion of samples containing alternative species was significantly lower in eastern Scotland than in western Scotland. Significantly higher proportions of samples containing alternative species were collected at altitudes of 200m and above; from sheep of hill breeds; from rough grazing conditions and moorland; in the absence of trees; and in the presence of bracken.

Bionomics of the face fly, Musca autumnalis

The face fly was introduced from the Palearctic region and spread across North America in 20 years after World War II. Adults feed on cattle and horses, and larvae develop in fresh cattle dung. Little genetic differentiation appears between European and North American populations and among regions within North America. After an autumnally initiated diapause, overwintered flies emerge in spring and reproduce through late spring and summer. Generations after the first overlap, and age structure develops toward a stable age distribution. After three to ten generations, depending on weather, facultative diapause interrupts host feeding and oogenesis, and flies with hypertrophied fat body enter overwintering hibernaculae. Life table statistics and factors affecting population growth and diapause are reviewed. Early views on the fly's effects on animal productivity may have been exaggerated. On-farm control by conventional means has not been effective because of the fly's population dynamics and mobility. We suggest that the alternatives of classical biological control and area-wide control with the sterile insect technique should be considered.

Phenology of Stomoxyinae in a Kenyan forest

The biology of nineteen taxa of African Stomoxyinae was studied during experiments with odour-baited Vavoua traps in Nairobi National Park, Kenya. Both male and female Stomoxys were captured in similar numbers with CO2 released at 2 l/min or octenol released at 2 mg/h. Some species of Haematobosca reacted synergistically to a combination of these attractants, producing large increases in catch. Stygeromyia and Rhinomusca responded only to CO2 and Prostomoxys did not respond to either bait. Many different activity patterns were documented in these genera, but most activity was concentrated just prior to sunset. For example, at peak densities nearly 1500 Stomoxyinae representing fourteen taxa were caught in a single trap between 18.00 and 19.00 hours. The Stomoxyinae community was exceptionally diverse when compared with other biting fly communities. Using data from traps set with different odour baits in the park forest, Shannon-Wiener diversity indices (H') varied from 2.5 to 2.8, and evenness (J') varied between 0.61 and 0.68. The Stomoxys population was extremely female-biased at the start of the rainy season, with species such as S. inornatus and S. boueti consisting of nearly 100% females. Sex ratios equalized when the first rainy-season generation emerged. population doubling times estimated from trap indices were approximately 12-16 days in two habitats (forest and riverine woodland).