Senotainia vigilans

Allen, 1924

satellite fly

Senotainia vigilans is a satellite fly in the Sarcophagidae, Miltogramminae. The is a known of solitary nests, particularly those of the thread-waisted wasp Ammophila procera. Female flies follow prey-laden female wasps back to their burrows and deposit live larvae at the nest entrance. These larvae then enter the burrow and parasitize the developing wasp larvae. The species was described by Allen in 1924.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Senotainia vigilans: /sɛ.nɔˈtaɪ.ni.ə vɪˈdʒɪ.lænz/

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Host Associations

  • Ammophila procera - Female flies follow prey-laden female to nest burrows and deposit larvae at the entrance to parasitize developing wasp larvae

Behavior

Female Senotainia vigilans engage in kleptoparasitic by following female thread-waisted wasps that are transporting paralyzed caterpillar prey back to their nest burrows. The flies deposit live larvae (larviposit) at the mouth of the nest burrow. These larvae then crawl down the tunnel and become of the larval , feeding on the provisions intended for the wasp offspring.

Ecological Role

As a of solitary , Senotainia vigilans functions as a control agent for thread-waisted wasps. The represents one of several satellite fly species that exert evolutionary pressure on their wasp , potentially driving the development of more secure nest closure and other defensive adaptations.

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