Larviposition by nasopharyngeal bot fly parasites of Columbian black-tailed deer: a correction

Previous reports of Cephenemyia jellisoni Townsend (Diptera: Oestridae) larvipositing onto the lips/lower muzzle of deer, with larvae invading via the mouth, are shown to be erroneous. Additional studies with deer models baited with CO2, 1-octen-3-ol and Deer Trail Scent, and muzzle and nostrils treated with insect adhesive, revealed that only C. apicata Bennett & Sabrosky larviposited onto the lips/lower muzzle; C. jellisoni, by contrast, larviposited into the nostrils. Larval depositions were associated with females of both species observed attacking models. Females of both species also were found stuck on adhesive-treated, baited models not attended by observers. During several seasons of exposure, such models received 89 C. jellisoni larvipositions into the nostrils and 87 C. apicata larvipositions onto the lips/lower muzzle. In laboratory experiments nearly all larvae of both species remained stuck in adhesive within 1 mm or less of where they were deposited.     

The moose throat bot fly <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cephenemyia ulrichii</Emphasis> larvae (Diptera: Oestridae) found developing in roe deer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capreolus capreolus</Emphasis>) for the first time

About fifty larvae of Cephenemyia ulrichii Brauer (Diptera: Oestridae), some of them nearly full-grown third instars, were found in the throat of a roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in June 2007 near Helsinki in Finland. The parasite is considered to be host specific, occurring only in the moose (Alces alces), and this paper is apparently the first report of a successful infestation in an aberrant host.     

Risk‐spreading larviposition behaviour of female nose bot flies (Cephenemyia) attacking black‐tailed deer

While baited deer models were under observation nine Cephenemyia jellisoni Townsend (Diptera: Oestridae) females and seven C. apicata Bennett & Sabrosky engaged in a risk‐spreading larviposition behaviour by larvipositing on models only once and then flying away. Additionally, analysis of 225 unobserved larvipostions in which larvae were trapped in adhesive on the muzzles of deer models showed that 94% of C. apicata and 95% of C. jellisoni larviposited on a model only once. The number of single larvipositions was highly significant for both species. The principal adaptive significance of such risk‐spreading larviposition behaviour is that it spreads the reproductive output of a female among many hosts, and in years when adult eclosion and survival rates are low, it ensures that the larvae of the few surviving females will be distributed among a maximum number of hosts. Several other benefits of such behaviour also are discussed.     

Use of a crude extract or purified antigen from first‐instar cattle grubs,Hypoderma lineatum,for the detection of anti‐Hypoderma antibodies in free‐ranging cervids from southern Spain

During the 2003–2005 hunting seasons, a total of 120 Cervidae, including 39 red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) and 81 fallow deer (Dama dama), were examined for subcutaneous myiasis. Animals were shot from January to June in southern Spain. Specific antibodies against Hypodermatinae (Diptera: Oestridae) were detected by indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) using a crude larval extract (CLE) and a purified antigen [hypodermin C (HC)] obtained from first instars of Hypoderma lineatum (De Villers) (Diptera: Oestridae). Hypoderma actaeon Brauer was the only species detected in this study, which represents the first confirmation of this species in fallow deer from Spain. The overall prevalence of animals presenting subcutaneous larvae (14.2%) was considerably lower than the prevalences determined by iELISA with CLE (43.3%) and HC (40.0%). Red deer showed a higher prevalence of Hypoderma than fallow deer. The concordance between larval examination during the hunting season and iELISA using both antigens was low, whereas the concordance between the CLE and HC ELISAs was good. Larval antigens obtained from H. lineatum constitute a good tool for the diagnosis of H. actaeon in Cervidae, especially when the hunting season does not coincide with the maximum presence of larvae on the back.     

Use of computed tomography as a non‐invasive method for diagnosing cephenemyiosis in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

This study was conducted to assess the reliability of computed tomography (CT) for diagnosing bot fly infestations by Cephenemyia stimulator (Clark) (Diptera: Oestridae) in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) (Artiodactyla: Cervidae). For this purpose, the heads of 30 animals were analysed, firstly by CT and then by necropsy, which was used as the reference standard method. The prevalence values obtained by both methods were identical; the prevalence of infestation was 40.0% overall, and was higher in males (45.5%) than in females (25.0%). These results highlight the usefulness of CT as an alternative or non‐invasive method for diagnosing cephenemyiosis in live‐captured roe deer and in hunting trophies or museum collections that cannot be destroyed or damaged.     

Major differences in the larval anatomy of the digestive and excretory systems of three Oestridae species revealed by micro‐CT

Oestrid flies (Diptera: Oestridae) do not feed during the adult stage, so they depend on an efficient assimilation and storage of nutrients during their parasitic larval stage. We describe the general morphology and provide volumetric data for the digestive and excretory organs of the three larval instars of the nasal bot fly Oestrus ovis L., using micro‐computed tomography. The size of the digestive and excretory organs greatly increased across larval instars. In all instars, the two salivary glands were remarkably large and formed a ‘glandular band’ by coming together, but without lumina uniting, at their posterior ends. The distal region of the anterior Malpighian tubules was greatly enlarged and full of highly radio‐opaque concretions. Moreover, the anatomy of O. ovis third‐instar larva was compared to that of two species of, respectively, similar and different feeding habits: Cephenemyia stimulator (Clark) and Hypoderma actaeon Brauer. Whereas the general morphology and arrangement of the digestive and excretory systems of C. stimulator was similar to that of O. ovis, some differences were observed in H. actaeon: a swollen anterior region of the midgut, salivary glands shorter and not forming a ‘band’ and anterior Malpighian tubules narrowly uniform throughout their entire length.     

Hypoderma actaeon: an emerging myiasis in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Subcutaneous larvae of Hypoderma spp. (Diptera: Oestridae) were detected in the dorsal region in 10 roe deer, Capreolus capreolus (Artiodactyla: Cervidae), hunted in central Spain between January and March 2016. All larvae were found in the inner side of the hide during the skinning of the animals. The study of the morphological features of eight larvae of different stages collected from two animals allowed the identification of Hypoderma actaeon Brauer. The small size (4–5 mm) of some of the first instars suggests that the internal lifecycle of H. actaeon may be exclusively subcutaneous. This is the first confirmation of H. actaeon in roe deer; however, further studies to assess the spread of the parasite and to follow the evolution of this myiasis in roe deer are needed.     

Effects of Cephenemyia spp. (Diptera: Oestridae) on the nasopharynx of black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus)

A study was conducted to determine gross and microscopic tissue changes in the nasopharynx of black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) infected with nasal bot fly larvae (Cephenemyia spp.). Paired retropharyngeal recesses were the preferred sites for the growing second and third stage larvae of two species of Cephenemyia (C. apicata and C. jellisoni). Retropharyngeal recesses distended into "pouches" that harbored up to 30 larvae. Pouches were oriented caudal-laterally toward the basisphenoid bone of the cranium. Lateral support of the pouch mass was provided by the stylohyoid bone. The laryngeal orifice was never occluded by the enlarged recesses. The distal pouch wall was relatively thin and remained uniform in thickness as expansion progressed. Occasionally, aberrant larvae were found protruding through the distal wall of the pouch. Disruption of the epithelium and submucosa by larval mouth hooks and integumentary spines were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Histological examination of infected recesses revealed substantial loss of epithelium and mucous glands. Enlargement of recesses into pouches resulted from fibrosis. Healing occurred after larvae egressed from the pouches. Degenerating mucous glands, epithelial metaplasia, epithelial desquamation, and intense inflammation were found near larvae. An eosinophilic exudate with a mixture of macrophages and erythrocytes was present in the lumen of the pouch. The presence of larvae within the pouch inhibited secondary bacterial infection and suppuration. Infection by larvae caused severe local trauma and intense tissue response.     

Uptake of bovine IgG by first instars of the common cattle grub, Hypoderma lineatum

The midgut of first instar Hypoderma lineatum (De Vill.) (Diptera: Oestridae) was examined for the presence of bovine immunoglobulin using immuno-gold staining in conjunction with image analysis. Newly hatched larvae, unexposed to fluids or tissues of the host, showed little or no deposit of colloidal gold particles. Midgut lumen, microvillar border, epithelial cell bodies and basement membrane of first instars, 6-7 months of age, recovered from the host oesophagus, all showed colloidal gold staining. This indicates that immuno-reactive portions of bovine immunoglobulin survive exposure to extracorporeal larval enzymes, as well as transit of the midgut, and pass through epithelial cells to enter the larval haemocoel.     

Invasion of black-tailed deer by nose bot fly larvae (Diptera: Oestridae: Oestrinae)

Invasion of black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) by larvae of the nose bot flies (Cephenemyia apicata and C. jellisoni) was investigated by obssrving their expulsion by larviparous females and their subsequent activity on the host. The drying uterine fluid encasing larvae ( = larval packet) delays desiccation, ensures adhesion to hairs, and immediately dissolves upon contact with saliva. Contrary to the widely accepted nasal mode of invasion, larvae placed on muzzles of deer crawl ventrally toward the upper lip, enter the mouth, and then crawl caudally along the hard palate or tongue toward the throat. Hair located between the muzzle and nostril prevents larvae from entering the nostrils. A natural per os mode of invasion, heretofore unrecognized, is proposed. This is initiated by: (1) females depositing larval packets on the muzzle of deer, or (2) deer licking larval packets from contaminated areas around the muzzle. The positive thermotropism of larvae is compatible with such a per os mode of entry into the host.     

Bot fly larvae (Cephenemyia spp., Oestridae) in mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) from Utah

Ninety-nine mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) from four Utah counties (Cache, Utah, Sanpete and Sevier) were examined for larvae of Cephenemyia spp. in 1985 and 1986. Numbers of first, second and third stage bot fly instars were related to age, sex, year and geographic location of the mule deer. Fawns and adult deer greater than or equal to 5.5 yr had a significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) higher intensity (means = 37 and means = 68, respectively) of infection than the 1.5- and 2.5-yr-old age groups (means = 19 and means = 26, respectively). Infection by larvae was not significantly different between sexes. Infection was 100% in both years, but the mean intensity was significantly lower in 1986 (P less than 0.05). The decline may be related to differences in soil moisture between the 2 years. In 1985, 82% of the deer examined were infected with all three instars. Seventy-seven percent of all first instar larvae were observed in the trachea, usually in the fold immediately posterior to the epiglottis and corniculate cartilages. This new site of attachment for first instar larvae has not previously been recognized.     

Pharyngeal bot flies in Cervus elaphus in central Spain: prevalence and population dynamics

The prevalence and intensity of infestations by bot flies Pharyngomyia picta and Cephenemyia auribarbis in red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Quintos de Mora (Toledo, Spain) were determined over a 1-yr period. Bots were present all year. No clear correlations were found between age or sex of the host and parasitization levels (prevalence and intensity). Considerable variation was found in prevalence and intensity, with larger values from December to March. Cephenemyia auribarbis was restricted from November to March, with maximum numbers of L-3 in February. Pharyngomyia picta showed a more complex profile with 2 peaks (March and August), indicating 2 generations per year.     

The Reindeer Oestrids Hypoderma tarandi and Cephenemyia trompe (Diptera: Oestridae): Batesian Mimics of Bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombus spp.)?

The color pattern (two areas on each of 20 transverse bands along the dorsal surface of the body) in two reindeer oestrids, Hypoderma tarandi and Cephenemyia trompe (Diptera: Oestridae), was analyzed and compared with that of different bumblebee species found in an oestrid study area in northern Norway. A clustering analysis and multidimensional scaling analysis of the resulting matrix of pairwise similarity coefficients indicated that Bombus lapponicus, B. alpinus, and B. monticola (Hymenoptera: Bombinae) comprise a Mullerian guild whose members serve as Batesian models for H. tarandi, and that B. pratorum, B. jonellus, and B. lucorum comprise a Mullerian guild whose members may serve as Batesian models for C. trompe. The oestrid mimics also resemble their models in size.     

Infestation of roe deer by Cephenemyia stimulator (Clark) (Diptera, Oestridae) in Trent province

Cephenemya stimulator (Clark) (Diptera Oestridae) is first recorded in Italy parasiting roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Diagnosis was made by examination of II-III instar larvae (fig. 1-2) from roe deers killed in Trient province. In these last years in the Trentin region, there was an increasing of roe deers number (actually about 20.000); at the same time growed roe deers infestation by C. stimulator (Tab. 1). Females of C. stimulator probably attack young roe-deers lying down on field-pastures near forest (fig. 3). From examination of killed roe-deers (Tab. 2) there is evidence of debilitation status of infested specimens. Location and dislocations of parasitising larvae in the head cavity was that shown in fig. 4 and 5.     

Seasonal changes in prevalence and intensity of Hypoderma actaeon in Cervus elaphus from central Spain

Hypodermosis in red deer, Cervus elaphus Linnaeus (Artilodactyla: Cervidae), caused by the warble fly, Hypoderma actaeon Latreille (Diptera: Oestridae), was studied at Quintos de Mora (Toledo, Spain) over a one-year period between October 1994 and September 1995. One hundred and twenty-five red deer were examined for the presence of warble fly larvae. The prevalence of warbles was 44.8% and the intensity of infection was 38.29 (SD +/- 61.32) warbles/deer infected. Clear seasonal variations were observed in prevalence and intensity, with the highest values in the autumn and winter. Statistically significant differences were observed in prevalence and intensity among age groups. In contrast, no differences were found in prevalence and intensity between males and females.     

Weight gain of the predator Podisus distinctus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) with combinations of the preys Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)

Little is known about Podisus distinctus (Stal) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) one of the Asopinae species with good possibilities for mass rearing and releasing against defoliator caterpillars in eucalyptus reforested areas in Brazil. We evaluated the impact of prey combinations on weight of nymphs and adults of P. distinctus. The prey were Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) and Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The experiment was developed under 25 +/- 0.5 degrees C, 60 +/- 10% R.H. and photophase of 14 hr, with nymphs of P. distinctus individualized in Petri dishes and fed as: T1-larvae of M. domestica during its whole nymphal phase: T2-larvae of M. domestica during its II instar and of T. molitor during the other instars: T3-larvae of M. domestica during II and III instars and of T. molitor during the other instars: T4-larvae of M. domestica during II, III and IV instars and of T. molitor during the V instar; T5- larvae of T. molitor during all instars. P. distinctus presents lower weight when fed with larvae of M. domestica. For this reason it is recommended to feed P. distinctus with T. molitor during its whole nymphal phase or with larvae of M. domestica only during II and III instars and T. molitor during IV and V instars.     

First record of symphoresy between nymphs of the stonefly Kempnyia tijucana,and chironomid larvae,Nanocladius (Plecopteracoluthus) sp., in the Neotropics

The symphoretic relationship between a species of Nanocladius (Plecopteracoluthus) (Diptera, Chironomidae) and Kempnyia tijucana (Plecoptera, Perlidae) is recorded and described for the first time from southeastern Brazil. About 31% of the collected perlids were hosts of the chironomid larvae. The entire larval cycle of N. (Plecopteracoluthus) sp. may be completed on a single instar of K. tijucana and the larval position on the host varied according to the stage of development of the chironomid, apparently being constant for young and old instars.     

Morphology and biology of Porphyrosela minuta Clarke 1953 (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae, Lithocolletinae) in Uruguay

Porphyrosela minuta Clarke is a gracillariid that causes damage on white clover (Trifolium repens) in Uruguay. In this article, the eggs, all the larval instars, the pupa and the external morphological characteristics of the adult are described. Information about the insect's biology under laboratory and field conditions is presented. The eggs are laid singly on the upper surface of the leaflets. The larvae make extensive mines that appear as white blotches. The larvae develop through five instars and do not remain exposed during their development. At 25 degrees C the life cycle lasted 16.2 days, made up of 3.0 for eggs, 8.8 for larvae and 4.4 for pupae. Females began laying on the first night, and during an oviposition period that varied between five and 12 days deposited an average of 71.8 eggs. It is a multivoltine species and seven to nine generations occur between November and the end of March.     

Dimethyl trisulphide is a strong attractant for some calliphorids and a muscid but not for the reindeer oestrids Hypoderma tarandi and Cephenemyia trompe

A field test with synthetic dimethyl trisulphide as attractant in flight traps was carried out in Finnmark, northern Norway, in July 1992 and 1994. The reindeer oestrids Hypoderma (=Oedemagena) tarandi (L.) and Cephenemyia trompe (Modeer) (Diptera: Oestridae), previously shown to react positively to dimethyl trisulphide on the olfactory receptor level, were only caught in small numbers, with no significant differences between baited and unbaited traps. In both years, however, the baited traps caught significantly more individuals of Calliphoridae and Hydrotaea anxia (Zetterstedt) (Diptera: Muscidae) than unbaited control traps. In 1992, Protophormia terraenovae (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and H. anxia were the predominant species (78.5% and 20.5%, respectively). In 1994, H. anxia was the most prevalent species (73.6%). Seven species of Calliphoridae were caught, with P. terraenovae, Calliphora vomitoria (L.), C. uralensis (Villeneuve) and C. loewi (Enderlain) as the most numerous ones. Dimethyl trisulphide is probably a decomposition product from bacterial activity and may be one of the major cues for calliphorid host finding. The significance of the reaction for oestrids on the receptor level, but evidently not on a behavioural level, remains unclear.