Dipteran predators of Simuliid blackflies: a worldwide review

Abstract

Abstract. Haematophagous female blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) are serious biting pests and obligate vectors of vertebrate pathogens, namely filarial Dirofilaria, Mansonella, Onchocerca and protozoal Leucocytozoon. Immature stages of Simuliidae inhabit lotic waterways, the sessile larvae filter-feeding and often forming a large proportion of the benthic biomass, usually aggregated in welloxygenated sections of streams, rivers, waterfalls and spillways. Simuliid control practices depend on larvicidal chemicals, biological products (bacteria, nematodes) and environmental modification. The potential use of predators for biological control of Simuliidae has not been exploited. Predators of Simuliidae include examples of at least 12 families of Diptera and other predaceous arthropods (Crustacea and insects: Coleoptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Trichoptera), invertebrates (notably Turbellaria), as well as browsing fish. Diptera impacting upon simuliid populations comprise mainly Chironomidae, Empididae and Muscidae, although several other families (Asilidae, Dolichopodidae, Phoridae, Drosophilidae, Scathophagidae) play a significant role as predators. Details of predator and prey species and life stages are presented, by zoogeographical region, including the prevalence of cannibalism among Simuliidae.

Velocidade da água e a distribuição de larvas e pupas de Chirostilbia pertinax (Kollar) (Diptera, Simuliidae) e macroinvertebrados associados

“…Crisp 1956. Crisp 1956Crosskey 1990;Jenkins 1964;Laird 1981;Lindegaard 1997;Peterson & Davies 1960;Werner & Pont 2003. Crisp 1956Service 1974;Crosskey 1990.…”

Implications of Three Biofuel Crops for Beneficial Arthropods in Agricultural Landscapes

“…While Dolichopodidae are generally considered minor predators in annual crops, they are known to be attracted to resource strips in agricultural habitats [14] and are commonly collected in surveys of insect fauna in crop fields. In noncrop habitats, they feed on black flies, mosquitoes, and several bark beetle species [2,7,9,49]; however, their function within croplands is currently not well understood. Syrphidae and Nabidae were not strikingly more abundant in one crop over another, although there were significant differences among crops on a few specific sampling days.…”

Does Habitat Structure Affect Body Condition of Nestlings? A Case Study with Woodland Great TitsParus major

“…Contrary to our expectations, a higher prevalence of parasites was found in nestlings reared in mature forest. Leucocytozoon sp., the only parasite detected, is transmitted by haematophagous flies that require a water stream for reproduction and atmospheric humidity (Werner & Pont 2003). It is possible that young forests present higher solar radiation and become drier environments than mature forests.…”