Masiphya
Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891
Masiphya is a of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1891. The genus contains at least ten described distributed across the Americas. One species, M. confusa, has been documented as a of the Carolina mantis (Stagmomantis carolina), with field parasitization rates exceeding 80% in some . The genus name Masiphya manteophaga refers to its association with .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Masiphya: /məˈsɪfaɪə/
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Distribution
of Masiphya are recorded from North and South America, including the United States (Florida, Mississippi), Brazil, and other Neotropical regions.
Seasonality
of M. confusa have been observed emerging in May following during the previous autumn.
Host Associations
- Stagmomantis carolina - nymphal documented for M. confusa; parasitization rates exceeded 80% in late summer in Mississippi old-field sites
Life Cycle
For M. confusa: early-stage larvae enter the at the lateral and remain free-moving in the ; late-stage larvae attach to the inner wall of the fifth abdominal segment, forming a sclerotized respiratory funnel. Mature larvae exit through the second abdominal segment. occurs in soil during September-October, with the following May.
Ecological Role
As of mantids, Masiphya may influence and maturation timing; parasitized nymphs show delayed maturation.