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Several stink bugs species constitute an important pest complex in soybean worldwide. Tachinidae parasitoids are an important tool to be exploited in conservation biological control programs. We evaluated parasitism of pentatomids in different periods of their life-history: diapause (late autumn and winter), start of activity (spring) and full activity (late summer and early autumn). During the growing seasons 2017–2018 and 2019–2020, we collected stink bugs from soybean, alfalfa and wheat crops and natural vegetation, of three species (Nezara viridula, Edessa meditabunda and Diceraeus furcatus) and reared them in laboratory until pupal formation and adult emergence of tachinid. We examined the relationship among pentatomid abundance and multiple measures of parasitism: through observation of tachinid eggs externally attached to stink bugs body upon field collection and through further verification of parasitism in the laboratory. We also examined the preference of tachinids regarding host sex. Seven tachinid species were detected. Neobrachelia cf. edessae parasitizing E. meditabunda was recorded for the first time in Argentina. Only in two periods of N. viridula life history (diapause and start of activity period) the presence of tachinid eggs externally attached to the stink bugs cuticle was a reliable estimation of successful parasitism. Parasitism was highest on N. viridula, followed by E. meditabunda and lower on D. furcatus. Parasitism of stink bugs was highest during the start of activity and during diapause. During the full activity period in 2017–2018 male hosts were more parasitized than females. This work provides field results valuable for designing tools for pentatomid conservation biological control programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tachinid flies (Diptera) and their host species have been studied in the corn and sugar beet fields of Kermanshah and Hamedan provinces from 2022 to 2023. The infested plants by caterpillars were collected in order to rear the larvae at the laboratory. In this study, six species of parasitoids were identified of which Drino imberbis (Wiedemann, 1830), Linnaemya neavei Curran, 1934 and Pseudogonia rufifrons (Wiedemann, 1830) parasitize the larval stages of Leucania loreyi (Duponchel, 1827) in corn fields. The species D. imberbis is newly reported here as a parasitoid of L. loreyi in Iran. The tachinid Voria ruralis (Fallén, 1810) is the first world recorded parasitoid of larval stages of Sesamia cretica Lederer, 1857. Furthermore, Periscepsia carbonaria (Panzer, 1797) and an undetermined Tachina sp. were discovered to parasitize the larvae of Agrotis segetum (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) and Spodoptera exigua (Hübner, [1808]), respectively, in sugar beet fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tachinidae is a large family of flies, but studies on its antennal morphology and ultrastructure are still scarce. Thus, the male and female antennae of Neoeuantha aucta (Wiedmann) were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The three antennal segments are densely covered with microtrichia, with postpedicel being the one that carries the greatest diversity of sensilla. In total, eight types of sensillar structures were observed: trichoid, basiconic (three subtypes), coeloconic, chaetic, setiferous plaques, and pedicellar button. The s. trichoid and s. basiconic have a porous wall, indicating a chemoreceptor function. A central pore was found in the pedicellar button, possibly with mechanoreceptor and chemoreceptor function. Another highlight is the numerous sensory pits covered by microtrichia in the postpedicel, housing only one type of sensilla each. Our results were compared with those available for Tachinidae and other families of dipterans, mainly those of Calyptratae, and provide the basis for future investigations in sensory functions related to the behavior of parasitoid flies, as well as for studies of comparative morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atractothrombium joharchii sp. nov. ectoparasitic on an unknown Tachinidae (Insecta: Diptera) is described from Alborz province, Iran. A re-definition of the genus Atractothrombium is presented. A key to the larval genera of Microtrombidiinae of the world with two median scuta and anterior scutum with longitudinal striations is given. Leg setal formula of two species of Fissitrombium described by Southcott (1994) are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the mitogenome of Vibrissina turrita (Meigen, 1824) (Diptera, Tachinidae) was sequenced based on the next-generation sequencing approach and analyzed here for the first time. The 17,387 bp genome has a high A + T content and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and one noncoding control region. The phylogenetic analysis results support that Exoristinae is monophyletic and V. turrita belongs to the subfamily. This study reveals the systematic classification status of V. turrita and will enrich the genetic data on Tachinidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An annotated checklist for the dipteran family Tachinidae of the Republic of Mordovia (Russia) is presented. This checklist is based on the material collected in 2016–2021. In total 228 species are recorded, two of which for the first time for both Europe and Russia, two for Europe, eleven for Russia and another eight for the European part of Russia. Special reference is made to the occurrence of Tachinidae in the two largest state protected areas of Mordovia. The tachinid fauna of the Republic of Mordovia refects its zoogeographical position on the crossroads of Europe and Siberia, as well as on the crossroads of taiga and steppe.

Minthodes oramanatae Gilasian & Ziegler sp. nov. is described as new to science from western province of Kermanshah, Iran. This species is separated from other Minthodes species by its shiny black abdomen, narrow frons, long postpedicel, presence of basal scutellar marginal setae, short petiole of wing cell r4+5 and absence of marginal setae on abdominal tergite 2. Photographs of the male habitus and terminalia are given. The comparison of the morphological characters of M. oramanatae Gilasian & Ziegler sp. nov. with its closely related species M. atra (Kugler, 1971) and M. rossica (Mesnil, 1963) is provided. Photographs of the habitus and male terminalia of M. atra are presented for the first time. The identification key to the Iranian Minthodes species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microchaetogyne Townsend, 1931, a monotypic Dexiini genus restricted to the Neotropical Region, is revised with the proposal of the following new synonymy: Gigamyiopsis Reinhard, 1964 = Microchaetogyne, syn. nov. As a result, the following new combination is proposed: Microchaetogyne funebris (1964) comb. nov. In addition, a redescription, photographs, and lectotype fixation are provided for the type species Microchaetogyne melaena, and a diagnosis is provided for M. funebris. Finally, an updated diagnosis for the genus Microchaetogyne and a key to the two known species are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neotropical species of the genus Phyllomya Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 are revised. Photographs and diagnosis of the male holotype of P. pictipennis (van der Wulp, 1891), until now the only recorded species of this genus in the Neotropics, are provided. The monotypic genus Itamintho Townsend, 1931 from Brazil is considered as a new junior synonym of Phyllomya, resulting in the following new combination: P. erro (Townsend, 1931) comb. n.Phyllomya erro is the second species of this genus reported from the Neotropical Region and the first from South America. A new identification key is given for the six recognised New World species of Phyllomya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyadesimyia clausa Bigot is a morphologically striking tachinid that inhabits the Sub‐Antarctic Ecoregion of the Magallanes Region in Chile and Tierra del Fuego province in Argentina. Much of the distributional information about this species is restricted to the Cape Horn islands, which have extreme environmental conditions, but the species' natural history, range limits, and habitat use have never been described or confirmed. Our goals were to describe the distributional limits of this sub‐Antarctic fly with the help of citizen science and use this information type to describe this tachinid's habitat use and potential biological interactions with nonvascular and vascular flora. We found that citizen science significantly increased our understanding of the extent of occurrence, expanding the known distributional range by 195 km to the north and 153 km to the west. On the contrary, the values for the area of occupancy were not significant, but the occupancy overlap between different records was very low. We confirmed that H. clausa's habitat uses peatlands and although we have not provided evidence of pollination or movement of spores, we hypothesized, that the walking activity of H. clausa could help move sperm from mosses and pollen from the flowers of vascular plants, so they could act as potential pollinators. Citizen science can reduce and eliminate some scientific knowledge shortfalls and propose new ecological questions that could increase our knowledge of extreme ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 432 species of the family Tachinidae has been established in Bulgaria so far. The most speciesrich are the zones between 200 and 800 m a.s.l. [291-298 species (67.5-69.1%)]. The greatest number of species has been found in the zone of the xerothermic oak forests (333 species or 77.3%). The tachinid fauna can be divided into two main groups: 1) species with Mediterranean type of distribution (63 species - 14.6%), more thermophilic and distributed mainly in the southern parts of the Palaearctic and the lower parts of the mountains; 2) species with Palaearctic and Eurosiberian type of distribution (369 species - 85.4%), more eurybiontic and widely distributed. The distribution of the zoogeographical categories in the different vegetation belts of Bulgaria is scrutinised. The tachinid fauna is compared with the neighbouring countries and Mediterranean Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tachinidae is the second most species‐rich family of Diptera. It comprises four subfamilies, and all of its members have parasitoid habits. We present the first phylogenomic analysis of Tachinidae using transcriptomic data, based on 30 species. We constructed four datasets: three using translated data at the amino acid level (100% coverage, with 106 single‐copy protein‐coding genes; 75% coverage, with 1359 genes; and 50% coverage, with 1942 genes). The trees were estimated by analysing four matrices using maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony inferences, and only minor differences were found among them. Overall, our topologies are well resolved, with high node support. Polleniidae is corroborated as a sister group to Tachinidae. Within Tachinidae, our results confirm the hypothesis (Phasiinae + Dexiinae) + (Tachininae + Exoristinae). Phasiinae, Dexiinae and Exoristinae are recovered as monophyletic, and Tachininae as polyphyletic. Once again, the tribe Myiophasiini (Tachininae) composes a fifth lineage, clade sister to all the remaining Tachinidae. The Neotropical tribe Iceliini, formerly in Tachininae, is recovered within Exoristinae, sister to Winthemiini. In general, our results are congruent with recent phylogenetic studies that include tachinids, with the important confirmation of the subfamilial relationships and the existence of a fifth lineage of Tachinidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During our studying of the fauna of Tibet, China, many specimens of the subfamily Tachininae (Diptera, Tachinidae) were collected and examined. Three species are described here as new to science, Leskia latisurstyla sp. nov., Trichoformosomyia cuonaensis sp. nov., and Tachina jilongensis sp. nov., and two species, Nemoraea javana (Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1894) and N. echinata Mesnil, 1953, are newly recorded from Tibet. In addition to their descriptions, illustrations, and diagnoses, three identification keys are provided. The specimens in this study are kept in the Insect Collection of Shenyang Normal University, China (SYNU). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Range expansions of host species are likely to modify host–parasitoid interactions. Observational studies have indicated that host species in recently colonized areas are less frequently attacked by parasitoids; however, these studies did not determine whether traditional parasitoids can still use host populations in these areas. Thus, it is unclear why the host has escaped from their traditional parasitoids in their recently colonized areas. In this study, we examined the interaction between myrmecophilous lycaenid butterfly, Arhopala japonica , and its larval parasitoids in northern Japan, a recently colonised area. This region corresponds to a distribution of A. japonica , a myrmecophilous lycaenid butterfly. No parasitoids emerged from A. japonica larvae collected in the north, whereas six parasitoid species attacked the host larvae in native areas. Attacks from the braconid wasp Cotesia sp. near inducta were the most common; however, parasitism tests revealed that Cotesia sp. near inducta and other parasitoid species completed their development successfully regardless of origin of their butterfly hosts. Population genetic analyses supported the recent range expansion of both A. japonica and Cotesia sp. near inducta. These results suggest that both hosts and parasitoids have experienced recent population expansion; however, the more rapid range expansion of A. japonica has caused escape from the enemy in newly colonized areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euepalpus Townsend, 1908 is a small Neotropical genus of bristle flies (Diptera: Tachinidae: Tachinini), which includes two valid species whose taxonomy is unclear, mainly because males and females are sexually dimorphic. Males exhibit a pair of sexual patches on the dorsal surface of abdominal tergite 5, an unusual feature in Tachinidae. Here, the genus is revised, including a key to species and detailed descriptions and illustrations of the type material and males and females of each species. The male and female terminalia of Euepalpus species are described for the first time. Finally, I discuss the occurrence and distribution of sexual patches in Tachinini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

True crickets (Orthoptera, Grylloidea) are often parasitized by tachinid flies (Diptera, Tachinidae). However, the diversity of these parasitoids and their oviposition strategies remain unclear. Although some flies are specialized in locating crickets by their calling songs, such as the phonotactic fly Ormia ochracea (Bigot, 1889), a large portion of the tachinids that attack true crickets show different host search strategies and are adapted to parasitize other orthopteroid insects as well. However, these parasitoids have a complex and challenging taxonomy that precludes further improvement in the understanding of Tachinidae-Orthoptera interactions. Here, we described and illustrated seven new host records in Gryllidae and Phalangopsidae species from Brazil, including notes on the diagnostic characters of each parasitoid and host. An illustrated identification key to Tachinidae genera recorded in Grylloidea is also provided. Finally, all published records of Tachinidae parasitism in true crickets were revised and are presented in an annotated catalog in order to understand the host range and different oviposition strategies of each parasitoid lineage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this application, under Article 75.6 of the Code, is to conserve the current usage of the combination Gymnocheta viridis (Fallén, 1810) for a species of Palaearctic tachinid fly by setting aside the existing holotype of Tachina viridisFallén, 1810 and designating a neotype in its place. The holotype is not in taxonomic accord with the current usage of the name Gymnocheta viridis and is instead conspecific with the lectotype of Gymnocheta magnaZimin, 1958. Stability and universality will be threatened if the existing holotype of Gymnocheta viridis is not replaced by a neotype, because Gymnocheta viridis will become the valid name for Gymnocheta magna and a replacement name will be needed for the current Gymnocheta viridis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mimallonid moths, also known as sack-bearer moths, are a small family of Lepidoptera restricted to the New World. Although there have been recent improvements and clarifications in the taxonomy of Mimallonidae species, little is known about their life history and the parasitoids associated with them. Here, we record for the first time the mimallonid species Psychocampa concolor Grote and Robinson as the host of the tachinid Archytas araujoi Guimarães, in the Amazon rainforest of Macapá, state of Amapá, Brazil. The taxonomy of A. araujoi is discussed and notes and illustrations of the immature stages and adults of P. concolor are provided. Additionally, we present a revision of mimallonid hosts of Tachinidae in an annotated host catalog, including an overview of the host use and oviposition strategies of their respective parasitoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egg-laying decisions by female insects should balance aspects related to immature survival and foraging profitability of emerging larvae. Using field-captured individuals, we characterized the egg distribution of Istocheta aldrichi (Diptera: Tachinidae) on the body of its adult host, the Japanese beetle Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). We determined whether the pattern varies as a function of host sex and the number of eggs laid on a given host. Out of the 5667 eggs observed, 95.9% were located on the host pronotum. Furthermore, eggs on the pronotum were mostly positioned in the center of this sclerite and oriented perpendicular to the host body axis. The proportion of eggs placed on other parts of the host body increased with the number of eggs per host (superparasitism). Successful development of I. aldrichi into pupae was maximum for eggs laid on the host pronotum than for eggs laid on other parts of the host. Oviposition decisions in I. aldrichi are likely shaped by trade-offs between vulnerability to grooming by the host and foraging profitability of neonate larvae (i.e., their capacity to penetrate the host cuticle), but also by the mating and defensive behaviors of the Japanese beetle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hyadesimyia clausa Bigot is a morphologically striking tachinid that inhabits the Sub‐Antarctic Ecoregion of the Magallanes Region in Chile and Tierra del Fuego province in Argentina. Much of the distributional information about this species is restricted to the Cape Horn islands, which have extreme environmental conditions, but the species' natural history, range limits, and habitat use have never been described or confirmed. Our goals were to describe the distributional limits of this sub‐Antarctic fly with the help of citizen science and use this information type to describe this tachinid's habitat use and potential biological interactions with nonvascular and vascular flora. We found that citizen science significantly increased our understanding of the extent of occurrence, expanding the known distributional range by 195 km to the north and 153 km to the west. On the contrary, the values for the area of occupancy were not significant, but the occupancy overlap between different records was very low. We confirmed that H. clausa's habitat uses peatlands and although we have not provided evidence of pollination or movement of spores, we hypothesized, that the walking activity of H. clausa could help move sperm from mosses and pollen from the flowers of vascular plants, so they could act as potential pollinators. Citizen science can reduce and eliminate some scientific knowledge shortfalls and propose new ecological questions that could increase our knowledge of extreme ecosystems.

Ceanothus perplexans (Rhamnaceae) is a chaparral and montane shrub found mostly in southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico, and infrequently in western Arizona. The plant produces inflorescences of small, perfect, white or cream flowers during winter to early spring. I examined the pollination of C. perplexans in the Cerbat Mountains in western Arizona during March and April 2022 by collecting flies and native bees on flowers and estimating floral constancies from the proportions of conspecific pollen in pollen loads. Flowers are protandrous with the pistil elongating and the stigmas separating after the anthers lose pollen. Pollen from C. perplexans flowers is tricolporate and inter-hexagonal in polar view and suboblate in shape with a polar axis length of 17 μm and an equatorial diameter of 19 μm. Flowers were visited by 2 genera of bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) in Andrenidae and 9 genera of flies (Diptera) in Syrphidae, Calliphoridae, Anthomyiidae, Muscidae, Tachinidae, and Bombyliidae. Bees were most abundant on flowers, and bee visitors were composed primarily of a Panurginus species followed in abundance by Andrena mackieae. Mean proportions of conspecific pollen in pollen loads were high (>0.80) in all of the species examined, slightly higher in bees (0.99) compared with flies (0.95), and lowest in Syrphidae (0.92). Ceanothus perplexans in western Arizona appears to be pollinated primarily by bees in Panurginus and Andrena and less frequently by various flies. Early flowering by C. perplexans likely reduces competition with other species of plants for pollinators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The genus Macquartia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera, Tachinidae) with 29 known species is a large group of Macquartiini of Tachininae and widely distributed in the Old World and the Nearctic Region. New information In this study, Chinese specimens of Macquartia were collected and examined, sixteen species are recognised: thirteen previously described, M. brunneisqua Zhang et Li, M. chinensis Zhang et Li, M. flavifemorata Zhang et Li, M. flavipedicel Zhang et Li, M. chalconota (Meigen), M. dispar (Fallén), M. grisea (Fallén), M. macularis Villeneuve, M. nudigena Mesnil, M. picta (Meigen), M. pubiceps (Zetterstedt), M. tenebricosa (Meigen) and M. viridana Robineau-Desvoidy and three species new to science, M. barkamensis sp. n. (Sichuan), M. setifacies sp. n. (Qinghai) and M. sichuanensis sp. n. (Sichuan). An identification key to the sixteen species of Macquartia known from China is included, along with 80 anatomical figures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogenetic relationships within the oestroid subclades Rhinophorinae (Calliphoridae) and Polleniidae were reconstructed for the first time, applying a Sanger sequencing approach using the two protein-coding nuclear markers CAD (carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 2, aspartate transcarbamylase, and dihydroorotase; 1794 bp) and MCS (molybdenum cofactor sulfurase; 2078 bp). Three genera of Polleniidae and nineteen genera of Rhinophorinae were analyzed together with a selection of taxa representing the major lineages of Oestroidea (non-rhinophorine Calliphoridae, Oestridae, Sarcophagidae, Tachinidae). The selected markers provide good resolution and moderate to strong support of the distal branches, but weak support for several deeper nodes. Polleniidae (cluster flies) emerge as monophyletic and their sister-group relationship to Tachinidae is confirmed. Morinia Robineau-Desvoidy as currently circumscribed emerges as paraphyletic with regard to Melanodexia Williston, and Pollenia Robineau-Desvoidy is the sister taxon of the Morinia–Melanodexia clade. We propose a classification with two subfamilies, Moriniinae Townsend (including Morinia, Melanodexia, and Alvamaja Rognes), and Polleniinae Brauer & Bergenstamm (including Pollenia, Dexopollenia Townsend, and Xanthotryxus Aldrich). Anthracomyza Malloch and Nesodexia Villeneuve are considered as Oestroidea incertae sedis pending further study. Rhinophorinae (woodlouse flies) emerge as monophyletic and sister to a clade composed of (Ameniinae + (Ameniinae + Phumosiinae)), and a tribal classification is proposed with the subfamily divided into Rhinophorini Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863 and Phytonini Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863 (the Stevenia-group and the Phyto-group of authors, respectively). Oxytachina Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891, stat. rev. is resurrected to contain nine Afrotropical rhinophorine species currently assigned to genus Rhinomorinia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891: Oxytachina approximata (Crosskey, 1977) comb. nov., O. atra (Bischof, 1904) comb. nov., O. bisetosa (Crosskey, 1977) comb. nov., O. capensis (Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1893) comb. nov., O. scutellata (Crosskey, 1977) comb. nov., O. setitibia (Crosskey, 1977) comb. nov., O. verticalis (Crosskey, 1977) comb. nov., O. vittata Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891, and O. xanthocephala (Bezzi, 1908) comb. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] The natural enemies of Gynaephora qinghaiensis should be fully exploited for biological control of G. qinghaiensis. [Methods] A parasitic fly was collected from the pupal stage of G. qinghaiensis. The species was identified by morphological method combined with molecular markers of CO I gene, and its phylogenetic relationship was studied. [Results] The length of the amplified CO I gene was 571 bp, and the contents of A, T, C and G bases were 40.63%, 31.00%, 14.54% and 13.84%, respectively. The contents of AT and GC were 71.63% and 28.37%, respectively, showing obvious AT bias. The parasitic fly in G. qinghaiensis was unanimously identified as Chaetogena gynaephorae of the Tachinidae family based on morphology and molecular data. The species of Tachinidae, such as Exorista larvarum, Tachinomyia nigricans, Parasetigena silvestris, Phorocera obscura, Gueriniopsis setipes, Chetogena gelida, Chetogena tessellata, and Carcelia sp., were clustered and then grouped with Chaetogena gynaephorae, indicating that the Chaetogena gynaephorae collected in this study is not closely related to other Tachinidae species. In addition, the branch of Chaetogena gynaephorae was closer to the root of the phylogenetic tree than the other branches, indicating that this species diverged earlier. [Conclusion] This study provides a standardized identification process for the molecular classification of parasitic flies in G. qinghaiensis and lays a foundation for their identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Species interact with each other in many ways, such as predation, mutualism, or competition, ultimately affecting each other's evolution, reducing the negative effects of these interactions and/or increasing the positive ones. We studied a parasitic fly that uses different katydid species as hosts for its larvae sequentially at different times during its breeding season. The fly larvae kill the host when they emerge, setting up multiple arms races between the fly and each of the hosts. The hosts are selected to ameliorate the negative impact of parasitism, whereas the parasitoid is selected to use all host species well for the population to persist. We compared host use and the ability of fly pupae to develop into adults across four katydid hosts. The parasitism rate varied between ~14% and 73%, yet host use was similar for many larval measurements across hosts. However, one species was a particularly poor host for the fly based on fly pupa development. We suggest that currently, this poor host strongly influences the evolution of the fly in this arms race to improve its utilization of this host. Understanding how species interact and affect each other is important to predict their evolution and manage species of human relevance, such as parasites, plant pests, or vectors of disease. Antagonistic species relationships such as parasitoid/host interactions lead to evolutionary arms races between species. Many parasitoids use more than one host species, requiring the parasitoid to adapt to multiple hosts, sometimes being the leader or the follower in the evolutionary back-and-forth between species. Thus, multi-species interactions are dynamic and show temporary evolutionary outcomes at a given point in time. We investigated the interactions of the multivoltine parasitoid fly Ormia lineifrons that uses different katydid hosts for each of its fly generations sequentially over time. We hypothesized that this fly is adapted to utilizing all hosts equally well for the population to persist. We quantified and compared the fly's development in each of the four Neoconocephalus hosts. Cumulative parasitism rates ranged between ~14% and 73%, but parasitoid load and development time did not differ across host species. Yet, pupal size was lowest for flies using N. velox as a host compared to N. triops and other host species. Successful development from pupa to adult fly differed across host species, with flies emerging from N. triops displaying a significantly lower development success rate than those emerging from N. velox and the other two hosts. Interestingly, N. triops and N. velox did not differ in size and were smaller than N. robustus and N. nebrascensis hosts. Thus, O. lineifrons utilized all hosts but displayed especially low ability to develop in N. triops, potentially due to differences in the nutritional status of the host. In the multi-species interactions between the fly and its hosts, the poor use of N. triops may currently affect the fly's evolution the most. Similarities and differences across host utilization and their evolutionary background are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitochondrial genome of the tachinid fly Peleteria iavana (Wiedemann, 1819), which belongs to the family Tachinidae, was obtained for the first time using high-throughput sequencing techniques. The complete mitochondrial genome is 15,697 bp in size and consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNAs and a non-coding control region. The nucleotide composition biases A and T, the overall A + T percentage is up to 78.9% of the entire mitogenome. A phylogenetic analysis of 30 species within the family Tachinidae suggested that P. iavana is most closely related to (Janthinomyia sp.+Lydina aenea). The P. iavana mitochondrial genome will be a fundamental resource for understanding the molecular phylogenetic relationships of the species-rich subfamily Tachininae of Tachinidae.

The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury, 1773) (Lepidoptera, Erebidae), is one of the most important pests of forest trees in northern Iran. In order to identify the native parasitoids of this pest a survey was conducted in Guilan province, in 2019. The larvae and pupae of the fall webworm suspected being parasitized, were collected from different host trees and wood piles, and reared under laboratory conditions until the parasitoids emerged. This pest was found parasitized with five species of Hymenoptera, Brachymeria lasus (Walker, 1841) (Chalcididae), Chouioia cunea Yang, 1989 (Eulophidae), Psychophagus omnivorus (Walker, 1835) (Pteromalidae), Pimpla rufipes Brulle, 1846, Virgichneumon dumeticola (Gravenhorst, 1829) (Ichneumonidae), and four species of Diptera, Compsilura concinnata (Meigen, 1824), Exorista larvarum (Linnaeus, 1758), Pales sp. (Tachinidae), and Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) (Phoridae). Among them six species (e.g., P. rufipes, V. dumeticola, B. lasus, E. larvarum, C. concinnata and Pales sp.) are newly reported as the parasitoids of H. cunea from Iran.

Simple Summary: The tachinid fly Drino inconspicuoides parasitizes various lepidopteran larvae, including Noctuidae and Nymphalidae. The adult female oviposits the eggs on the surface of the host, and the hatched larvae immediately penetrate into the host hemocoel and develop there during the larval stage. The caterpillar possesses immune defense mechanisms to eliminate such invaders, but the tachinid larva can avoid these defenses. Within 24 h, the parasitizing larva is surrounded by a black pigmented structure called the "funnel", and the larva and the funnel are wrapped with a cottony structure called the "cloak". The funnel is a physically rigid structure that penetrates the epidermis of the host, allowing the larva to breathe through contact with the outside air. This study aimed to clarify the function of the cloak, which has not previously been elucidated. Our findings suggest that formation of the funnel generates ROS, but that these are detoxified in the cloak to enhance the survival of the tachinid larva. The funnel and cloak are composed of host cells. Our study provides insight into the parasitic strategy of a tachinid fly by through which it ingeniously diverts host cells. Drino inconspicuoides (Diptera: Tachinidae) is an endoparasitoid that develops inside the lepidopteran host. When the larva of D. inconspicuoides penetrates into the host, Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the larva creates a cap-like structure, called the funnel, by using host hemocytes, forming a respiratory attachment to permit efficient respiration. A newly described cloudy and cottony structure, called the "cloak", is formed outside the funnel within 24 h of parasitism. The cloak contains the host fat body and hemocytes. In this study, we aimed to clarify the function of the cloak, which has to date remained unknown. We hypothesized that the funnel generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) through melanization, and that the cloak detoxifies them. We confirmed that the black pigments of the funnel were caused by melanization, which inevitably generates ROS that are potentially harmful to the D. inconspicuoides larva inside the funnel. The cloak showed high activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. These results suggest that the cloak scavenged the ROS from the melanized funnel through the diversion of antioxidant enzymes in the fat body, thereby protecting the D. inconspicuoides larva from oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly destructive Asian brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys, BMSB) invaded Europe, Caucasus region, and North and South America. Efforts to control it are ongoing in the Palearctic European-Mediterranean Basin and North America by introducing and redistributing two Asian stenophagous scelionid egg parasitoids (Trissolcus japonicus and T. mitsukurii) that are attacked by an adventive oligophagous pteromalid Asian hyperparasitoid (Acroclisoides sinicus). Large BMSB nymphs and adults may be parasitized by new associations of oligophagous tachinid flies and immature stages by egg parasitoids and predators. The terms stenophagous and oligophagous are commonly used to define narrow and wider ranges, respectively, of food eaten, but here they refer to the range of hosts attacked by adult female parasitoids. A holistic weather-driven physiologically based demographic model (PBDM) of the tritrophic interactions was developed to evaluate prospectively the impact of natural enemies on the biological control of BMSB under current and climate change weather. Our study focuses on the European-Mediterranean region, with the results for the USA, Mexico, and Central America reported as supplementary information. The PBDM analysis suggests that biotypes of the egg parasitoids T. japonicus and T. mitsukurii with high search capacity could suppress BMSB regionally, but the requisite levels of parasitism by these parasitoids for economic control are not observed in their native range nor in invaded areas. The model suggests that the action of T. japonicus is greater than that of T. mitsukurii, but that joint interactions of the two egg parasitoids would provide higher mortality of BMSB. Field data and model results suggest that the egg hyperparasitoid A. sinicus has a modest negative impact on the suppression of BMSB. Moreover, tachinid parasitoids of adults could have an important supplemental role in suppressing BMSB densities. Analysis suggests that new biotypes of egg parasitoids and species of tachinid parasitoids of large nymphs and adults be sought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This revision is part of a continuing series of taxonomic work aimed at the description of new taxa and the redescription of known taxa of the Tachinidae of Area de Conservación Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica. Here we describe 33 new species in the genus Belvosia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Tachinidae). All species described here were reared from this ongoing inventory of wild-caught caterpillars spanning a variety of families (Lepidoptera: Erebidae, Eupterotidae, Noctuidae, Notodontidae, Saturniidae, and Sphingidae). We provide a morphological description of each species with limited information on life history, molecular data, and photographic documentation. In addition to the new species, the authors provide a redescription of the genus Belvosia, as well as provide a key to the identification of the species present in the Meso- and North-American fauna. New information: The following 33 new species of Belvosia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, all authored by Fleming & Woodley, are described: Belvosia adrianguadamuzi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia anacarballoae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia angelhernandezi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia brigittevilchezae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia alixtomoragai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia carolinacanoae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia ciriloumanai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia diniamartinezae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia duniagarciae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia duvalierbricenoi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia eldaarayae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia eliethcantillanoae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia freddyquesadai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia gloriasihezarae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia guillermopereirai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia harryramirezi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia hazelcambroneroae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia jorgehernandezi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia josecortezi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia joseperezi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia keinoraragoni Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia luciariosae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia manuelpereirai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia manuelriosi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia minorcarmonai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia osvaldoespinozai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia pabloumanai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia petronariosae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia ricardocaleroi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia robertoespinozai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia rostermoragai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia ruthfrancoae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia sergioriosi Fleming & Woodley sp. n. Belvosia canalis Aldrich, 1928 is reared and recorded from the inventory; new information relative to host is provided and the species is rediscribed. The following are proposed by Fleming & Woodley as new synonyms of Belvosia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830: Brachybelvosia Townsend, 1927 syn. n., Belvosiomimops Townsend, 1935 syn. n. The following three new combinations are proposed as a result of the new synonymies: Belvosia brasilensis (Townsend, 1927), comb. n.; and Belvosia barbiellinii (Townsend, 1935), comb. n. The authors also propose the following new synonymies: Belvosia brasilensis (Townsend, 1927) = Belvosia aurulenta (Bigot, 1888), syn. n.; Belvosia pollinosa Rowe, 1933 = Belvosia borealis Aldrich, 1928 syn. n.; Belvosia weyenberghiana (Wulp, 1883) = Belvosia fuliginosa (Walker, 1853) syn. n.; Belvosia brasiliensis Townsend, 1927 = Belvosia fuliginosa (Walker, 1853) syn. n.; Belvosia luteola Coquillett, 1900 = Belvosia ochriventris (Wulp, 1890) syn. n.; Belvosia socia (Walker, 1853) = Belvosia proxima (Walker, 1853) syn. n.; Belvosia chrysopyga (Bigot, 1887) = Belvosia unifasciata (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) syn. n.; Belvosia chrysopygata (Bigot, 1888) = Belvosia unifasciata (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) syn. n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among terrestrial orchids, and particularly among the subtribe Orchidinae, flies are underrepresented as pollinators. The European Neotinea ustulata, which developed specialized pollination by tachinid flies, is known to produce high relative concentrations of the floral cuticular alkenes (Z)‐11‐tricosene and (Z)‐11‐pentacosene (referred to as (Z)‐11‐C23/C25enes), which seem to be uncommon among orchid flowers. If the evolution of tachinid pollination is related to that of (Z)‐11‐C23/C25enes, we can expect that closely related species have a different floral chemical pattern and significantly small or no production of (Z)‐11‐C23/C25enes, independently of their pollinator guild identity (e.g., bees, flies, moths). We chemically compared the floral cuticular composition among Neotinea species, performed electrophysiological analyses, reconstructed the phylogenetic Orchidinae tree, and identified the evolutionary history of pollinator guild and (Z)‐11‐C23/C25enes production within the Orchidinae. Neotinea ustulata has evolved a markedly different floral cuticular composition compared to other Neotinea and produces both compounds ((Z)‐11‐C23/C25enes) in high relative quantities (i.e., above 8% in combination), which are detectable by tachinid antennae. Moreover, most Orchidinae taxa have minimal or no production of these alkenes, independently of the identity of their pollinator guild. Our ancestral reconstruction suggested that (Z)‐11‐C23/C25enes production was an evolutionary exaptation in Neotinea, whereas tachinid pollination was a unique evolutionary innovation for N. ustulata. Floral cuticular composition and, in particular, the combined production of (Z)‐11‐C23/C25enes at relatively high concentrations is intimately linked to the evolution of tachinid pollination within the Orchidinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field, insecticides were applied to observe the pod borer infestation rate and the infested pods with pod borer larvae were incubated in the laboratory to investigate the emergence of parasitoid, Tachinid fly. Emamectin benzoate 5 SG, Fenitrothion 50 EC and Neemoil (Fresh) found effective to control pod borer infestation. Emamectin benzoate 5 SG and Esfenvalerate 5 EC found safe after control for parasitoids while Curtap 50 SP and Fenvalerate 20 EC found toxic. However, maximum parasitism was recorded from control (89.78%) followed by Esfenvalerate 5 EC (88.00%), Cypermethrin 10 EC (85.72%), Emamectin benzoate 5 SG (84.56%), Fenitrothion 50 EC (81.75%) and Fresh Neemoil (79.26%). So, Emamectin benzoate 5 SG, Fenitrothion 50 EC and Fresh Neemoil can be considered for successful country bean cultivation that provide least infestation by bean pod borer and reasonable parasitism of Tachinid fly parasitoid after untreated control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Polleniidae (Diptera) are a family of flies best known for species of the genus Pollenia, which overwinter inside human dwellings. Previously divided across the Calliphoridae, Tachinidae and Rhinophoridae, the polleniid genera have only recently been united. Several studies have utilized molecular data to analyse polleniid phylogenetic relationships, although all have suffered from low taxon sampling or insufficient phylogenetic signal in molecular markers. To alleviate these problems, we utilized two automated organellar genome extraction software, GetOrganelle and MitoFinder, to assemble mitogenomes from genome skimming data from 22 representatives of the polleniid genera: Dexopollenia, Melanodexia, Morinia, Pollenia and Xanthotryxus. From these analyses, we provide 14 new mitogenomes for the Polleniidae and perform phylogenetic analyses of 13 protein‐coding mitochondrial genes using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Subfamilial phylogenetic relationships within the Polleniidae are interrogated and Pollenia is found to form a monophyletic clade sister to Melanodexia, Morinia and Dexopollenia, providing no evidence for the synonymisation of any of these genera. Our topology conflicts with previous morphology‐based cladistic interpretations, with the amentaria, griseotomentosa, semicinerea and viatica species‐groups resolving as non‐monophyletic. We provide support for our topology through analysis of adult morphology and male and female terminalia, while identifying new diagnostic characters for some of the clades of the Pollenia. To test the validity of the current diagnostic morphology in the Polleniidae, newly assembled cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (COI) data are combined with a polleniid COI barcode reference library and analysed using the species delimitation software ASAP. COI barcodes support the current morphologically defined species within the Pollenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fauna of the subfamily Exoristinae (Diptera, Tachinidae) was studied in northern Iran. A total of 29 species within 26 genera and 6 tribes have been collected and identified. Among them 11 genera and 15 species are newly recorded for Tachinidae fauna of Iran: Admontia blanda (Fallén, 1820), Bessa parallela (Meigen, 1824), Blepharipa pratensis (Meigen, 1824), Ceracia mucronifera Rondani, 1865, Exorista rustica (Fallen, 1810), Gonia ornata Meigen, 1826, Gonia vacua Meigen, 1826, Medina collaris (Fallén, 1820), Paratryphera barbatula (Rondani, 1859), Neophryxe vallina (Rondani, 1861), Ocytata pallipes (Fallén, 1820), Pachystylum bremii Macquart, 1848, Pales pavida (Meigen, 1824), Phorinia aurifrons Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, Platymyia fimbriata Meigen, 1824. The collected and distribution data, diagnoses, illustrations of the new records, and host information are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abdominal and pregenital segments and genitalia were studied in males of Tachina nupta Rondani, 1859. The examined species is very similar in the structure of the sclerites and muscles of their terminal segments to Calliphoraerythrocephala Meigen, 1826 previously studied by R. Salzer. Despite the same set of pregenital muscles, a completely membranous tergite VI was found in Tachina in contrast to Calliphora. The discovery of membranous tergite VI in Tachina nupta indicates that it was not included in the syntergosternite VII +VIII. The membranous tergite VI, as well as the reduced set of muscles of the phallapodeme (absence of muscles of postgonites) in Tachina compared with Calliphora, indicates the result of apomorphic reduction in Tachina. Descriptions and figures of the genital sclerites and muscles of Tachina nupta are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Totally, 190 species of the family Tachinidae belonging to 96 genera and 4 subfamilies have been recorded from the Korean Peninsula. Their distribution is analysed and an areographical characteristics of the species are presented. Four species are endemics. The tachinids belong to 52 zoogeographical categories, divided into 2 main groups: (1) species with Manchurian type of distribution (82 species – 43.2 %) – more thermophilic and distributed mainly in the southern parts of the Palaearctic. The species of the southern type, distributed in the Palaearctic and beyond it, can be formally associated to this group as well; (2) species with Holarctic and Palaearctic type of distribution (108 species – 56.8 %) – more cold-resistant and widely distributed in the Palaearctic. The species of the northern type, distributed in the Palaearctic and beyond it, can be formally related to this group as well. The lack of geographical barriers allows mixing of the Palaearctic and Oriental fauna and determines the high percentage of the oriental taxa (47.4 %) in Korea. More than half of the species (106 species – 55.8 %) are distributed in the Oriental Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitochondrial genome of the tachinid fly Peleteria iavana (Wiedemann, 1819), which belongs to the family Tachinidae, was obtained for the first time using high-throughput sequencing techniques. The complete mitochondrial genome is 15,697 bp in size and consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNAs and a non-coding control region. The nucleotide composition biases A and T, the overall A + T percentage is up to 78.9% of the entire mitogenome. A phylogenetic analysis of 30 species within the family Tachinidae suggested that P. iavana is most closely related to (Janthinomyia sp.+Lydina aenea). The P. iavana mitochondrial genome will be a fundamental resource for understanding the molecular phylogenetic relationships of the species-rich subfamily Tachininae of Tachinidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monotypic genus Chaetotheresia Townsend 1931, known from a single species, C. crassa (Wiedemann, 1830), is a poorly studied Neotropical taxon. The taxonomic study conducted herein resulted in the redescription of the genus and an update of its distribution. A new combination is assigned for this genus: Chaetotheresia insolita Walker, 1853 comb nov., formerly in Hystrichodexia Williston. With these changes the genus Chaetotheresia now has two species. Additionally, lectotype fixations are made for both species. Finally, keys for these species as well as their redescriptions are given. . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

John Dugdale, who died on 4th September 2020 aged 86, was a towering figure in New Zealand entomology for the last 60 years. He was a well-known and very frequently consulted expert on Lepidoptera, tachinid flies and cicadas, but his interests and knowledge extended far beyond these groups. He will always hold a unique place in the entomological history of this country and he also made significant contributions on the world stage; the breadth and depth of his expertise and the advances he made in our understanding of the New Zealand Lepidoptera fauna are unlikely to be equalled by any one person in future.

Abstract Background Dipteran parasitoids of Embioptera (webspinners) are few and extremely rare but known from all biogeographical regions except Australasia/Oceania. All belong to the fly family Tachinidae, a hyperdiverse and widespread clade of parasitoids attacking a variety of arthropod orders. Results The webspinner-parasitizing Diptera are reviewed based mostly on records from the collecting and rearing by Edward S. Ross. A new genus is erected to accommodate a new Afrotropical species, Embiophoneus rossi gen. et sp. nov. The genus Perumyia Arnaud is reviewed and a new species, Perumyia arnaudi sp. nov., is described from Central America while P. embiaphaga Arnaud is redescribed and new host records are given. A new species of Phytomyptera Rondani, P. woodi sp. nov., is described from Myanmar, representing the first report of a member of this genus obtained from webspinners. The genus Rossimyiops Mesnil is reviewed, R. longicornis (Kugler) is redescribed and R. aeratus sp. nov., R. fuscus sp. nov. and R. rutilans sp. nov. are newly described from the Oriental Region, and an updated key to species is given. Conclusions Webspinners were probably colonized independently at least four times by tachinids shifting from other hosts, most likely Lepidoptera.

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The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury, 1773) (Lepidoptera, Erebidae), is one of the most important pests of forest trees in northern Iran. In order to identify the native parasitoids of this pest a survey was conducted in Guilan province, in 2019. The larvae and pupae of the fall webworm suspected being parasitized, were collected from different host trees and wood piles, and reared under laboratory conditions until the parasitoids emerged. This pest was found parasitized with five species of Hymenoptera, Brachymeria lasus (Walker, 1841) (Chalcididae), Chouioia cunea Yang, 1989 (Eulophidae), Psychophagus omnivorus (Walker, 1835) (Pteromalidae), Pimpla rufipes Brulle, 1846, Virgichneumon dumeticola (Gravenhorst, 1829) (Ichneumonidae), and four species of Diptera, Compsilura concinnata (Meigen, 1824), Exorista larvarum (Linnaeus, 1758), Pales sp. (Tachinidae), and Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) (Phoridae). Among them six species (e.g., P. rufipes, V. dumeticola, B. lasus, E. larvarum, C. concinnata and Pales sp.) are newly reported as the parasitoids of H. cunea from Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of larval and pupal parasitoids of Thaumetopoea pityocampa was studied in laboratory conditions, during the period February-October 2021. The material, 138 hibernating caterpillars of summer form and 415 larvae of winter form intercepted during processions, was collected from two localities -- Dobrostan Vill. and Gotse Delchev, respectively. In the land of Kovil Vill., which is occupied by the winter form, the winter nests of T. pityocampa were checked for infection by parasitoids. In this study, all isolated parasitoids belong to the family Tachinidae. As a result, 3 species -- Phryxe vulgaris (Fallén, 1810), Compsilura concinnata (Meigen, 1824) and Bothria frontosa (Meigen, 1824) were found to parasitized T. pityocampa. A relatively high parasitism rate of T. pityocampa winter form by tachinids was observed -- 21%, of which P. vulgaris parasitized 15.2% of the sample. Conversely, the parasitism rate of T. pityocampa summer form is low -- 5%, in which C. concinnata parasitized 1.4% from the sample. Two puparia of B. frontosa were collected from larval winter nests of T. pityocampa in the region of Kovil Vill. This is the first record of the Notodontidae family as a host of Bothria frontosa. A complete up-to-date list of trophic connections of T. pityocampa with tachinid parasitoids, reported in Bulgarian and international publications is provided, as well as their impact on pest populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, 260 species of the family Tachinidae, belonging to 122 genera and four subfamilies, have been recorded from the Mediterranean Africa. Their distribution is analysed and an areographical characteristic of the species is presented. A total of 31 species is known only from the Mediterranean Africa, while 229 species have been found also beyond it. The tachinids belong to 61 zoogeographical categories, divided into two main groups: 1) species with Mediterranean type of distribution (140 species - 53.8%) - more thermophilic and distributed mainly in the southern parts of the Palaearctic. The species of the southern type, distributed in the Palaearctic and beyond it, can be formally related to this group as well; 2) species with Holarctic and Palaearctic type of distribution (120 species - 46.2%) - more cold-resistant and widely distributed in the Palaearctic. The species of the northern type, distributed in the Palaearctic and beyond it, can be formally related to this group as well. The zoogeographical character of the fauna of Tachinidae is determined by the first group (inversely to the European). The limiting role of the deserts in the migration of tropical forms to the north is conspicuous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The subfamily Tachininae comprises over 2700 species on Earth, making it the second largest group of Tachinidae, some of which have the potential to be used in the biocontrol of agricultural and forest pests. This subfamily shows the largest morphological variance, which is reflected by their great diversity in terms of ecology and host preferences. Macquartia belongs to Diptera, Tachinidae, and Tachininae, among which there are 12 recorded species. Whilst previous research on Macquartia has focused on the description of species morphology, a few studies have explored the phylogenetic relationships, but with a restricted number of species and several DNA fragments, which are insufficient to study the phylogeny of a genus, especially in order to understand the evolution of ecological traits in Tachinidae. To provide further insight into the relationships of Macquartia, the complete mitochondrial genomes of M. brunneisquama sp. nov., M. chinensis sp. nov., M. flavifemorata sp. nov., and M. flavipedicel sp. nov. were sequenced and compared in this study. The mitogenomes of these four Macquartia species were discovered to be highly conserved. Phylogenetic analyses, based on the mitogenome data of 19 species of Tachinidae and outgroups, supported the monophyly of Macquartia and generated basic data for the phylogenetic study of the Tachinidae. Macquartia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Tachinidae, Tachininae) represents one of the most ancient evolutionary lineages of tachinids, parasitizing Chrysomelidae larvae. We found four new Macquartia species collected by malaise traps, namely M. brunneisquama sp. nov., M. chinensis sp. nov., M. flavifemorata sp. nov., and M. flavipedicel sp. nov. These new species are described and illustrated, and their comparison with congeners as well as an identification key to the 12 species of Macquartia from China known to date are included. To determine the significance of the mitogenome architecture and evolution across different tachinid lineages of this primitive taxonomic group, four complete mitochondrial genomes were sequenced, annotated, and analyzed. The gene arrangements are consistent with the ancestral insect mitogenomes. The full-length sequences and protein-coding genes (PCGs) of the mitogenomes of the four species are all AT-biased. Analyses of Ka/Ks and overall p-genetic distance demonstrated that nad5 showed the highest evolutionary rate and nad1/nad4L were the most conserved genes among the four species. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on 13 PCGs strongly supported the monophyly of Macquartia, and the relationships of the four species are (M. flavifemorata + (M. flavipedicel + (M. brunneisquama + M. chinensis))). This study will help enhance our understanding of the taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships in Tachinidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first comprehensive catalogue of true flies from the northernmost territories of Pakistan, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. In the current inventory, 64 genera and 153 species in 16 families are being documented. The total number of known species has been updated based on the availability of taxonomic literatures from Pakistan. In 2007, Insect Fauna of Azad Jammu & Kashmir was updated and it lists only 16 known species in order Diptera where as there is no such documented information so far available on the dipterous fauna of Gilgit-Baltistan. However, during the last few decades, relatively a few studies have been conducted on some major group of flies, i.e., Syrphidae, Sepsidae, Calliphoridae, and Tephritidae from Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Among these, Syrphidae represents 53 species which is the highest number of species recorded, followed by Sepsidae and Calliphoridae with 20 and 18 species, respectively. The present diversity does not reflect the true species account in the northern areas; the important biogeographic area that exhibits a very heterogeneous fauna, not only because of the high mountains with valleys (the Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges of the Western Himalayas) but also the junction points of the world's two largest zoogeographical regions (the Oriental and Palaearctic). Some common families, i.e., Stratiomyidae, Asilidae, Bombyliidae, Muscidae, Conopidae, Pipinculidae, Tachinidae, and some other families which are common in high mountainous regions of northern Pakistan still need to be explored in the future studies. The complete locality data for each valid species are presented as the baseline for future studies from northern areas of Pakistan, i.e., Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uziflies (Family: Tachinidae) are dipteran endoparasites of sericigenous insects which cause major economic loss in the silk industry globally. Here, we are presenting the first full mitogenome of Blepharipa sp. (Acc: KY644698, 15,080 bp, A + T = 78.41%), a dipteran parasitoid of Muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis) found in the Indian states of Assam and Meghalaya. This study has confirmed that Blepharipa sp. mitogenome gene content and arrangement is similar to other Tachinidae and Sarcophagidae flies of Oestroidea superfamily, typical of ancestral Diptera. Although, Calliphoridae and Oestridae flies have undergone tRNA translocation and insertion, forming unique intergenic spacers (IGS) and overlapping regions (OL) and a few of them (IGS, OL) have been conserved across Oestroidea flies. The Tachinidae mitogenomes exhibit more AT content and AT biased codons in their protein-coding genes (PCGs) than the Oestroidea counterpart. About 92.07% of all (3722) codons in PCGs of this new species have A/T in their 3rd codon position. The high proportion of AT and repeats in the control region (CR) affects sequence coverage, resulting in a short CR (Blepharipa sp.: 168 bp) and a smaller tachinid mitogenome. Our research unveils those genes with a high AT content had a reduced effective number of codons, leading to high codon usage bias. The neutrality test shows that natural selection has a stronger influence on codon usage bias than directed mutational pressure. This study also reveals that longer PCGs (e.g., nad5, cox1) have a higher codon usage bias than shorter PCGs (e.g., atp8, nad4l). The divergence rates increase nonlinearly as AT content at the 3rd codon position increases and higher rate of synonymous divergence than nonsynonymous divergence causes strong purifying selection. The phylogenetic analysis explains that Blepharipa sp. is well suited in the family of insectivorous tachinid maggots. It's possible that biased codon usage in the Tachinidae family reduces the effective number of codons, and purifying selection retains the core functions in their mitogenome, which could help with efficient metabolism in their endo-parasitic life style and survival strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]