Myiopharus
Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889
Species Guides
1Myiopharus is a New World of tachinid flies containing at least 15 north of Mexico. Species in this genus are of chrysomelid beetles, with documented including the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) and the sunflower beetle (Zygogramma exclamationis). The genus belongs to the M. dorsalis species group, characterized by distinctive morphological features in females.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Myiopharus: /ˌmaɪoʊˈfɛɑːrəs/
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Identification
Females of the M. dorsalis group possess a strongly sclerotized, laterally flattened ovipositor and a dense tuft of blunt setae medially on the katepisternum. These features distinguish them from other tachinid .
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_OFColorado potato beetle; larvae parasitized by M. doryphorae
- Zygogramma exclamationis - PARASITOID_OFSunflower beetle; parasitized by M. neilli
- Solanum tuberosum - HOST_PLANT_OF_HOSTPotato, plant of Colorado potato beetle
- Solanum sarrachoides - HOST_PLANT_OF_HOSTWild plant of Colorado potato beetle
- Helianthus - HOST_PLANT_OF_HOSTSunflower, plant of sunflower beetle
Life Cycle
Development occurs within beetles; development rate is temperature-dependent, with faster development at higher temperatures.
Behavior
Seasonal patterns show year-dependent variation in timing and intensity; plant influences parasitism success in a manner that varies annually.
Ecological Role
agent of agricultural pests, particularly chrysomelid beetles that damage potato and sunflower crops.
Human Relevance
Potential biocontrol agent for managing Colorado potato beetle and sunflower beetle in agricultural systems.
Similar Taxa
- Other TachinidaeMyiopharus is distinguished by the M. dorsalis group characteristics: strongly sclerotized, laterally flattened ovipositor and dense tuft of blunt setae on the katepisternum in females.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Temperature-Dependent Development Rate of Myiopharus doryphorae (Diptera: Tachinidae) within Its Host, the Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
- SEASONAL AND HOST PLANT EFFECTS ON PARASITISM OF COLORADO POTATO BEETLE BY MYIOPHARUS DORYPHORAE (RILEY) (DIPTERA: TACHINIDAE)
- A new species of Myiopharus Brauer and Bergenstamm (Diptera: Tachinidae) parasitic on adults of the sunflower beetle, Zygogramma exclamationis (Fabricius)
- Direct Measurement of Host and Parasitoid Recruitment for Assessment of Total Losses Due to Parasitism in the Colorado Potato Beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Myiopharus doryphorae (Riley) (Diptera: Tachinidae)