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Megaselia scalaris reared on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus laboratory cultures
E Miranda-Miranda1, R Cossio-Bayugar, F Martinez-Ibañez
1Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Parasitología Veterinaria, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciónes Forestales y Agrícolas y Pecuarías, Jiutepec, Mexico.
Medical and Veterinary Entomology
|December 15, 2010
Summary
Small flies, Megaselia scalaris, were found to parasitize and feed on laboratory-reared Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks. This opportunistic parasitism was observed over six generations, indicating potential for M. scalaris rearing on ticks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Acarology
- Medical Entomology
Background:
- Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is a significant ectoparasite of livestock.
- Megaselia scalaris is a cosmopolitan fly species known for its opportunistic feeding habits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of Megaselia scalaris as a parasitoid of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks.
- To establish a laboratory rearing method for M. scalaris using R. microplus as a host.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory infestation of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus cultures with Megaselia scalaris flies.
- Observation of larval parasitism, feeding behavior, and development within tick hosts.
- Continuous propagation of M. scalaris on ticks over six generations.
Main Results:
- Megaselia scalaris larvae exhibited opportunistic parasitism on engorged female Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.
- Larvae damaged tick cuticle, accessed internal organs, and fed on tick tissues.
- Successful continuous rearing of M. scalaris on ticks for six generations was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Megaselia scalaris can act as an opportunistic parasitoid of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks in laboratory settings.
- The study demonstrates a method for rearing M. scalaris using ticks as a host, suggesting potential biological control applications.
