A new host of philornis sp. (Diptera, Muscidae) in butorides striata (Ardeidae, Aves)

Abstract

Species of Philornis (Diptera, Muscidae) are Neotropical dipterans that include parasitic larvae which feed on nestling birds. No information exists about the Striated Heron Butorides striata (Aves, Ardeidae) as a potential host for Philornis. Here, we present the first report of the occurrence of Philornis sp. in B. striata. Young specimens of the Striated Heron had about 17 larvae of this parasite. Larvae were observed from the 4th - 5th day after the hatching of the herons. Further investigation is needed to determine the impacts of this parasite on this new host, which occurrence may be related to environmental factors.