Trophic interactions between parasitoids and necrophagous flies in Central Argentina

Abstract

The main exploiters of decay organic matter are larvae of necrophagous flies in the families Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae and Muscidae. The knowledge of insect species associated with each stage of decay can be used to estimate the time since death in the crime scene. Dipteran larvae are attacked by a rich community of parasitoids, including species of Braconidae, Ichneumonidae and Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera: Parasitica). This study examined the parasitic complex associated with flies of forensic and sanitary importance, in the city of Córdoba (Argentina). During December to March (2012-2013) parasitoids were collected through traps with beef liver as bait for flies, in two sites with different urbanization levels. Rates of parasitism and parasitized pupae were estimated and species composition analyzed for both communities. Sarcophagidae was the most abundant family, represented by two species, followed by Calliphoridae. Nasonia vitripennis Ashmead (Hymenoptera) was the most abundant species and was collected in a wider variety of hosts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study providing accurate information about trophic interactions between calyptrate dipteran species and their hymenopterans parasitoids in the central region of Argentina.