First detection of Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae) as a facultative endoparasitoid of Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Abstract

Abstract Background The phorid fly Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae) is an omnivorous species, capable of exploring a large variety of environments and ecological niches. It is known as an important detritivore species with maggots feeding on a variety of food of both animal and plant origin. Results The present study reports M. scalaris as an endoparasitoid attacking colonies of the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula (L.) for the first time. This case of parasitism was observed inside rearing cages of N. viridula at the Plant Protection Research Institute, Dokki, Egypt in August 2020. We firstly identified adult individuals of M. scalaris which were found moving erratically within the cages using relevant identification keys. To verify that N. viridula individuals are parasitized by the same parasitoid and they are not infected with other parasitoids, some of the parasitized bugs were transferred to a separate cage at the same laboratory conditions and the developmental stages of the dipteran parasitoid were observed until the adult emergence. Conclusion The present investigation revealed that M. scalaris could be included to the recorded parasitoid species of N. viridula, and further studies should be carried out to assess the efficacy of this fly as a biocontrol agent.

Keywords

• Scuttle fly
• Megaselia scalaris
• Southern green stink bug
• Nezara viridula
• Biocontrol agent
• Egypt