Mystery mushroom malingerers: Megaselia marquezi Hartop et al. 2015 (Diptera: Phoridae)

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Mycology
• Insect-Fungal Interactions

Background:

• Phorid flies (Diptera: Phoridae) are known for their diverse ecological roles, including associations with fungi.
• The specific identity and life cycle of many fungus-associated phorid flies remain poorly understood.
• Fungal sporophores (mushrooms) provide unique microhabitats that can support various invertebrate communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify a mysterious female phorid fly species long associated with fungal sporophores.
• To document the association between the identified phorid fly and a specific mushroom species.
• To provide a formal description and taxonomic placement for the newly identified fly.

Main Methods:

• Specimen collection of adult phorid flies emerging from fungal sporophores.
• Observation of fly behavior, including swarming and oviposition, on mushroom surfaces.
• Morphological analysis and taxonomic identification of the collected phorid flies.

Main Results:

• The mysterious female phorid fly was identified as Megaselia marquezi Hartop et al. 2015.
• Both male and female Megaselia marquezi were collected emerging from the fungus Psathyrella candolleana.
• Female Megaselia marquezi were observed actively swarming over the sporophores of Psathyrella candolleana.

Conclusions:

• Megaselia marquezi is confirmed to be associated with the fungus Psathyrella candolleana.
• This study clarifies the identity of a previously enigmatic phorid fly species.
• The findings contribute to understanding insect-fungus relationships and phorid fly ecology.