First report of Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) for northwestern Argentina

OLEA, MS; VEGGIANI AYBAR, CA; CUELLAR, AC; GALANTE, GB; TORRES CARRO, V; VARELA, M; CENTENO, N; MJ, DANTUR JURI

Jornada; XXVIII Jornadas Científicas. Asociación de Biología de Tucumán; 2011

Asociación de Biología de Tucumán

Chrysomya (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is considered one of the most important medical veterinary genus of calliphorids, since some species are involved in disease transmission to humans. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) is involved in the transport of important human pathogens such as poliovirus types 1, Coxsackie virus, Salmonella sp., Entamoeba histolytica, Escherichia coli and cestode eggs. This species was previously cited for the provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Misiones. In the survey of Calliphoridae species in the province of Tucumán, monthly captures from October 2009 to April 2010 were carried out in three locations: Nueva Esperanza and Taficillo, Tafi Viejo Dept., and Jardín Botánico of the Fundación Miguel Lillo, Capital Dept. These places belong to semi-rural, rural and urban areas, respectively. Ferreira traps baited with cow liver, which remained active for five consecutive days, were used for capture. As a result of this work, C. Megacephala was identified, which was registered only for November in Taficillo. This report not only allows us to extend the geographical range of this species in the country, but it is also of great importance due to its implication in the transmission of diseases to humans.