The taxonomy of the Pollenia rudis species‐group in the Holarctic Region (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Abstract

Abstract. A rudis species‐group is defined within Pollenia Robineau‐Desvoidy, and new characters found useful in the taxonomy of this genus are presented. P.rudis (Fabricius), P.angustigena Wainwright, stat.rev. and P.pseudorudis Rognes are redescribed. P.hungarica sp.n., P.longitheca sp.n. and P.luteovillosa sp.n. are described as new to science. A key is provided, and the terminalia of both sexes are illustrated for all the species. Some features of the puparia are figured for the species where these are known. A neotype is designated for Musca rudis, and a lectotype for P.angustigena. P.angustigena, P.pseudorudis and P.rudis are Holarctic species, and the latter two have also been found in New Zealand. The remaining species are confined to the western Palaearctic. P.hungarica is known from central Europe, including southern parts of Scandinavia, P.longitheca from the eastern Mediterranean, and P.luteovillosa from Algeria and Morocco in North Africa. In the larval stages P. rudis group members are parasites of or predators on earthworms. The species have several generations each year, and normally overwinter as adults. Eisenia rosea (Savigny) serves as a host for P.hungarica, P.pseudorudis and P.rudis according to the reared material available. A previous detailed account of the immature stages and life‐cycle of lsquo;rudis’ from North America is tentatively assigned topseudorudis. Keilin's (1909,1915) often cited accounts of the immature stages and life‐cycle of a species called ‘rudis’ are rejected as a source of information for any member of the rudis group.

The distribution of adult blow-flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) along an altitudinal gradient in Central Spain

“…At the end, 53 samples had been obtained (9 traps x 6 times, although a sample got lost in the site 8 because the trap was removed, probably for a wild animal) and transferred to the laboratory where they were sorted and examined for Calliphoridae. Species of Calliphora, Lucilia and Chrysomya were identifi ed using the papers of Gonzalez-Mora & Peris (1988); Gonzalez-Mora (1989); Peris & Gonzalez-Mora (1991) while for the species of Pollenia we used the papers of Rognes (1987aRognes ( , 1987bRognes ( , 1991aRognes ( , 1991bRognes ( , 1992aRognes ( , 1992b. A list of the species can be found in the Table 1.…”

A cluster fly,Pollenia pseudorudisRognes, 1985 (Diptera: Calliphoridae): Its history and pest status in New Zealand

“…There are also small differences in feeding behaviour between the European strains of P. rudis and the North American strain (Yahnke & George 1972). These observations may not be the last word because Rognes (1987) noted that since "rudis" in North America in fact consists of three different species, it follows that nothing is known for certain about the life cycle of any cluster flies yet. Dear (1986) reported 32 endemic species of Pollenia from New Zealand, comprising 76% of the described world fauna in that genus (Kurahashi 1989).…”

“…Yahnke & George (1972) reported that larvae of P. rudis entered the earthworm through almost any point in the body wall, and that their posterior spiracles remained exposed during the whole feeding period, because the larvae did not move from the original point of penetration. However, Rognes (1987) found that larvae may leave the host and commence feeding either on healthier parts of the same worm or on a fresh worm. In addition, larvae penetrated the body of the worm, either singly or in groups of up to seven individuals, mostly from the dorsal side (Rognes 1987).…”

“…However, Rognes (1987) found that larvae may leave the host and commence feeding either on healthier parts of the same worm or on a fresh worm. In addition, larvae penetrated the body of the worm, either singly or in groups of up to seven individuals, mostly from the dorsal side (Rognes 1987). The larvae can eventually eat the entire body of the worm and pupate in the soil nearby.…”

“…The larvae can eventually eat the entire body of the worm and pupate in the soil nearby. In North America, Yahnke & George (1972) and Rognes (1987) concluded that there are about four generations each year. Yahnke & George (1972) also noted that in Europe the first instar larva is the overwintering stage of the fly, rather than the adult as in North America, and there is only one generation per year.…”