Distribution and Abundance of fire ant decapitating flies (Diptera: Phoridae: Pseudacteon spp.), in three regions of southern South America.

CALCATERRA, L. A., S. D. PORTER, AND J. A. BRIANO

ANNALS OF THE ENTOMOLOGYCAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOC AMER

Año: 2005 vol. 98 p. 85 - 95

0013-8746

The distribution and abundance of Þre ant decapitating ßies (Diptera: Phoridae: Pseudacteon Coquillett) were studied in three regions of southern South America, primarily from September 2002 to September 2004. A total of 2,421 ßies belonging to 14 Pseudacteon species were found at 51% of the 662 Þre ant mounds examined at 125 collecting sites. Flies occurred in a variety of habitats at altitudes from sea level to 2,280 m. Pseudacteon obtusus Borgmeier (large form) was found at the highest altitude and at the most western longitude. Flies were active between 16 and 37
C, 20 and 90% RH, and 0 and 11.6 km/h wind speed. Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier showed the highest abundance and one of the broadest geographical distributions. Pseudacteon tricuspis Borgmeier,Coquillett) were studied in three regions of southern South America, primarily from September 2002 to September 2004. A total of 2,421 ßies belonging to 14 Pseudacteon species were found at 51% of the 662 Þre ant mounds examined at 125 collecting sites. Flies occurred in a variety of habitats at altitudes from sea level to 2,280 m. Pseudacteon obtusus Borgmeier (large form) was found at the highest altitude and at the most western longitude. Flies were active between 16 and 37
C, 20 and 90% RH, and 0 and 11.6 km/h wind speed. Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier showed the highest abundance and one of the broadest geographical distributions. Pseudacteon tricuspis Borgmeier,Pseudacteon species were found at 51% of the 662 Þre ant mounds examined at 125 collecting sites. Flies occurred in a variety of habitats at altitudes from sea level to 2,280 m. Pseudacteon obtusus Borgmeier (large form) was found at the highest altitude and at the most western longitude. Flies were active between 16 and 37
C, 20 and 90% RH, and 0 and 11.6 km/h wind speed. Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier showed the highest abundance and one of the broadest geographical distributions. Pseudacteon tricuspis Borgmeier,Pseudacteon obtusus Borgmeier (large form) was found at the highest altitude and at the most western longitude. Flies were active between 16 and 37
C, 20 and 90% RH, and 0 and 11.6 km/h wind speed. Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier showed the highest abundance and one of the broadest geographical distributions. Pseudacteon tricuspis Borgmeier,
C, 20 and 90% RH, and 0 and 11.6 km/h wind speed. Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier showed the highest abundance and one of the broadest geographical distributions. Pseudacteon tricuspis Borgmeier,Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier showed the highest abundance and one of the broadest geographical distributions. Pseudacteon tricuspis Borgmeier,Pseudacteon tricuspis Borgmeier, P. litoralis Borgmeier, the large form of P. obtusus, P. nudicornis Borgmeier, and P. nocens Borgmeier also were widely distributed. These species seem to be the most generalized within saevissima-group.Borgmeier, the large form of P. obtusus, P. nudicornis Borgmeier, and P. nocens Borgmeier also were widely distributed. These species seem to be the most generalized within saevissima-group.saevissima-group. Pseudacteon solenopsidis Schmitz was only collected attacking isolated workers. A new PseudacteonSchmitz was only collected attacking isolated workers. A new Pseudacteon species was discovered in northwestern Argentina. Seven ßy species were reported for the Þrst time on a new Þre ant host in this region. Pseudacteon cultellatus Borgmeier was found for the Þrst time onPseudacteon cultellatus Borgmeier was found for the Þrst time on Solenopsis invicta Buren in Corrientes province in northeastern Argentina, where up to nine ßy species have been found to cooccur. Males of P. tricuspis and P. obtusus were the only males normally attracted to disturbed Þre ant colonies.Buren in Corrientes province in northeastern Argentina, where up to nine ßy species have been found to cooccur. Males of P. tricuspis and P. obtusus were the only males normally attracted to disturbed Þre ant colonies.P. tricuspis and P. obtusus were the only males normally attracted to disturbed Þre ant colonies.