Tachinaephagus

Ashmead, 1904

Species Guides

1

A of gregarious larval–pupal in the Encyrtidae. in this genus, particularly T. zealandicus, are known to attack Diptera including muscoid flies and calliphorid carrion flies. They have been studied for applications and due to their predictable development on decomposing remains.

Tachinaephagus fuscipennis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Tachinaephagus fuscipennis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Tachinaephagus fuscipennis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tachinaephagus: /tɑːˈkɪn.eɪˌfæɡəs/

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Habitat

environments associated with human habitation and decomposing organic matter, including carrion and burnt remains.

Distribution

Recorded from Hawaii, Australia, Congo, the United States, Denmark, and Britain.

Host Associations

  • Musca domestica - larval–pupal laboratory
  • Calliphora albifrontalis - larval–pupal forensically important carrion fly
  • Calliphora dubia - larval–pupal forensically important carrion fly
  • Lucilia sericata - larval–pupal forensically important carrion fly
  • Chrysomya rufifacies - larval–pupal forensically important carrion fly
  • Chrysomya megacephala - larval–pupal forensically important carrion fly
  • synanthropic Diptera - larval–pupal general group

Life Cycle

For T. zealandicus: 23–27 days at 25°C under laboratory conditions; development accelerates with higher densities per ; single hosts produce 3–18 parasitoids; upper developmental threshold approximately 29.9–31.7°C, lower threshold approximately 9.7–10.1°C, optimum temperature 25.8–27.1°C.

Behavior

Females demonstrate innate response to - odours, particularly liver substrates following host contact; attraction depends on stage of meat decay. displays circadian rhythmicity independent of over 3+ days. In trials, females show heightened investigation response when presented with two odour options, moving across all regions of the apparatus.

Ecological Role

of Diptera; potential agent for muscoid fly .

Human Relevance

Significant for : presence on decomposing remains can be used to estimate time since death. Studied for of muscoid flies in environments.

Similar Taxa

  • Muscidifurax raptorellusAlso a gregarious of muscoid flies; distinguished by -level placement (Pteromalidae vs. Encyrtidae) and morphological characters of the and wing venation.
  • Trichopria nigraAnother gregarious muscoid fly ; belongs to Diapriidae and differs in body form and antennal structure.

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