Author
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Woodley, Norman |
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Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 7/13/2008 Publication Date: 5/15/2009 Citation: Woodley, N.E. 2009. Microchrysa flaviventris (Wiedemann), a new immigrant soldier fly in the United States (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 111:527-529. Interpretive Summary: Many species of soldier flies are beneficial to agriculture because larvae help decompose plant material, although a few species are known to attack living plants, such as grass roots. This publication records a new species that is invasive to the United States, possibly from China or Japan, which is now known to occur in Virginia. It is unlikely to have significant economic impact as they are scavengers feeding on decaying organic matter. This research will enable scientists, quarantine personnel, and others concerned with flies to identify this species if discovered in other areas of the United States. Technical Abstract: Microchrysa flaviventris (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae: Sarginae), a species widespread in the Old World, has been introduced and is apparently established in the eastern United States. Specimens were taken in Alexandria, Virginia in August of 2007. |
