Myiopharus

Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889

Myiopharus is a New World of containing at least 15 north of Mexico. Species in this genus are of , with documented including the () and the sunflower beetle (Zygogramma exclamationis). The genus belongs to the M. dorsalis species group, characterized by distinctive morphological features in females.

Myiopharus doryphorae02 by Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes. Used under a Copyrighted free use license.Myiopharus doryphorae03 by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.Myiopharus doryphorae01 by Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes. Used under a Copyrighted free use license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Myiopharus: /ˌmaɪoʊˈfɛɑːrəs/

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Identification

Females of the M. dorsalis group possess a strongly sclerotized, laterally flattened and a dense tuft of blunt medially on the katepisternum. These features distinguish them from other .

Images

Habitat

Agricultural fields and areas with plants; specifically associated with potato fields and sunflower , as well as wild Solanum .

Distribution

Great Plains and regions north of Mexico; 15 known from America north of Mexico.

Seasonality

activity peaks in early summer (June) and declines through August in most years, though patterns vary annually.

Host Associations

  • Leptinotarsa decemlineata - PARASITOID_OF; parasitized by M. doryphorae
  • Zygogramma exclamationis - PARASITOID_OFSunflower ; parasitized by M. neilli
  • Solanum tuberosum - HOST_PLANT_OF_HOSTPotato, of
  • Solanum sarrachoides - HOST_PLANT_OF_HOSTWild of
  • Helianthus - HOST_PLANT_OF_HOSTSunflower, of sunflower

Life Cycle

Development occurs within ; development rate is temperature-dependent, with faster development at higher temperatures.

Behavior

Seasonal patterns show year-dependent variation in timing and intensity; influences parasitism success in a manner that varies annually.

Ecological Role

agent of agricultural pests, particularly that damage potato and sunflower .

Human Relevance

Potential agent for managing and sunflower in agricultural systems.

Similar Taxa

  • Other TachinidaeMyiopharus is distinguished by the M. dorsalis group characteristics: strongly sclerotized, laterally flattened and dense tuft of blunt on the katepisternum in females.

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