Myiopharus doryphorae

(Riley, 1869)

Myiopharus doryphorae is a tachinid fly native to North America and a specialized of the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). It develops internally within larvae, 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 tachinid fly, likely exhibit typical characteristics including a single pair of functional wings, reduced hindwings (), and bristly body. Specific diagnostic features distinguishing M. doryphorae from such as M. aberrans require examination of adult ; both share the Colorado potato beetle 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 plant Solanum sarrachoides occurs. Distribution closely tracks that of its host , Leptinotarsa decemlineata.

Distribution

Native 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 )Colorado potato beetle; occurs in successive larval stages of
Solanum tuberosum - plant of hostcultivated potato
Solanum sarrachoides - plant of hostwild plant; rates on beetles from this plant vary annually relative to potato

Life Cycle

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

Behavior

Females parasitize Colorado potato beetle larvae in successive instars. rates show seasonal and -plant dependent variation. Recruitment patterns can be used to estimate total parasitism losses in host .

Ecological Role

Major native agent of Colorado potato beetle 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 Colorado potato beetle, a severe pest of potato crops. High rates and specificity make it a candidate for and augmentative release programs.

Similar Taxa

Myiopharus aberrans sharing same (Colorado potato beetle) 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 tachinid .

Parasitism Variability

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