Myiopharus doryphorae

(Riley, 1869)

Myiopharus doryphorae is a to North America and a specialized of the (). It develops internally within , with rates reaching 45–67% during peak season. The has been extensively studied for applications against this major agricultural pest.

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 doryphorae: /ˌmaɪ.oʊˈfɛərəs ˌdɔːrɪˈfɒriː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

As a , likely exhibit typical characteristics including a single pair of functional , reduced (), and bristly body. Specific diagnostic features distinguishing M. doryphorae from such as M. aberrans require examination of adult ; both share the as . Accurate identification typically requires rearing from confirmed host specimens or taxonomic analysis.

Images

Habitat

Agricultural potato fields and areas supporting wild Solanaceae, particularly where the Solanum sarrachoides occurs. Distribution closely tracks that of its host , .

Distribution

to North America. Range extends from British Columbia and Nova Scotia in the north to Arizona, Mexico, and South Carolina in the south.

Seasonality

Active during the growing season of its . rates peak in June (67% average), decline through July (58%) and August (45%) based on four-year study data. Pattern varies annually; 1986 showed atypical low June rates with slight August increase.

Host Associations

Leptinotarsa decemlineata - primary (larval ); occurs in successive larval stages of
Solanum tuberosum - of hostcultivated potato
Solanum sarrachoides - of hostwild ; rates on from this plant vary annually relative to potato

Life Cycle

Development occurs entirely within . Temperature-dependent development rate documented at constant 15–30°C, with faster development at higher temperatures. Final larval stage occurs underground inside host or . Overwinters as larva within host remains.

Behavior

Females parasitize in successive . rates show seasonal and - dependent variation. Recruitment patterns can be used to estimate total parasitism losses in host .

Ecological Role

Major agent of in North America. Contributes significantly to mortality, with documented rates of 45–67% seasonally. Functions as a relatively host-specific within agroecosystems.

Human Relevance

Studied extensively for of , a severe pest of potato . High rates and make it a candidate for and augmentative release programs.

Similar Taxa

Myiopharus aberrans sharing same () and similar ; both co-occur and have been studied together. Accurate separation requires morphological examination.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Formerly classified as Doryphorophaga doryphorae; transferred to Myiopharus based on revised .

Parasitism Variability

effects on rates vary annually. During 1983–1984, rates were higher on from potato than from Solanum sarrachoides; this pattern reversed in 1985, indicating complex interactions between , host, and host plant quality.