First host record of Myopa pellucida Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Conopidae) identified using DNA barcoding

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Parasitology
• Hymenoptera research

Background:

• Thick-headed flies (Myopidae) are common but their host-parasitoid associations are poorly understood.
• Existing literature records are often unreliable due to species misidentification and lack of rigorous verification.
• Only three confirmed host associations exist for the genus Myopa.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and confirm a novel host-parasitoid association for a Myopa species.
• To contribute to the accurate cataloging of Myopa life histories and ecological interactions.
• To utilize DNA barcoding for precise species identification in host-parasitoid studies.

Main Methods:

• Field observation of Myopa and Andrena flies in their natural European habitats.
• Collection of a Myopa larva from an Andrena female specimen.
• DNA barcoding for accurate identification of both the Myopa larva and the Andrena host.

Main Results:

• A second instar larva of Myopa pellucida was discovered within the abdomen of an Andrena nitida female.
• DNA barcoding confirmed the identities of both the fly and bee species.
• This represents the fourth confirmed host association for the genus Myopa.

Conclusions:

• The study establishes Myopa pellucida as a parasitoid of Andrena nitida, a previously unknown association.
• This finding highlights the importance of rigorous methods, including DNA barcoding, for confirming host-parasitoid relationships.
• Accurate data on Myopa-Andrena interactions are crucial for understanding European insect ecology and conservation efforts.