First record of Compsilura concinnata (Meigen, 1824) (Diptera: Tachinidae) attacking Orgyia trigotephras (Boisduval, 1829) in Tunisia

Abstract

Abstract Background The polyphagous tachinid Compsilura concinnata is an endoparasitoid fly recorded as attacking larvae of Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera. Larvae of Orgyia trigotephras [Lepidoptera: Erebidae] were collected from northern Tunisia and reared in the laboratory. Results Adult flies that emerged from these larvae were identified on the basis of morphological description and DNA analysis (PCR) as Compsilura concinnata. Conclusion Compsilura concinnata is recorded here for the first time from Orgyia trigotephras in Tunisia. This species could be of great interest as a potential biological control agent of pests in Tunisia and neighboring countries.

Keywords

• Endoparasitoid
• Larvae. Orgyia trigotephras
• DNA analysis
• Tunisia