The effect of the dung pad fauna on the emergence of Musca tempestiva (Dipt.: Muscidae) from dung pads in southern France

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1992
Authors:A. A. Kirk
Journal:Entomophaga
Volume:37
Pagination:507-514
Date Published:1992
Accession Number:199395037390
Keywords:Acarina-: Chelicerata-, Animalia-, Arthropoda-, Coleoptera-: Insecta-, Development-, Diptera-: Insecta-, Ecology- (Environmental-Sciences), Economic-Entomology, Invertebrata-, Parasitology-, Physiology-
Abstract:

The emergence of Musca tempestiva Fallen, from cow pads in southern France was reduced by a mean of 98% and 96% respectively in nine experiments concluded in 1979 and 1981, by the action of the complete dung fauna. Fauna emerging from dung pads and captured in simultaneous trapping using dung baited pitfall traps consisted of 13 Dipterous species (9 Muscidae, 2-Sepsidae and 2 Sphaeroceridae), 25-Coleopterous species (7 Scarabaeidae, 1 Geotrupidae, 2 Aphodiidae, 3 Hydrophilidae, 12 Staphylinidae), 3 Hymenopterous parasites and 1 species of macrochelid and 2 species of parasitoid mites carried phoretically by the dung beetles. The total number of insects and mites per trap was usually small. The Staphylinidae which included 4 Aleochara species of which Aleochara tristits Gravenhorst and A. bipustulata (L.) are known parasitoids of Diptera pupae, and 6 predatory species, were the most abundant insects present. Whilst the overall abundance of insects and mites trapped was relatively low it is probable that the most important factor in the control of M. tempestiva was the combined influence of the different elements making up the dung pad fauna.

Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith