First detection of Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae) as a facultative endoparasitoid of Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

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Abstract Background The phorid flyMegaselia scalaris(Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae) is an omnivorous species, capable of exploring a large variety of environments and ecological niches. It is known as an important detritivore species with maggots feeding on a variety of food of both animal and plant origin. Results The present study reportsM. scalarisas an endoparasitoid attacking colonies of the southern green stink bugNezara viridula(L.) for the first time. This case of parasitism was observed inside rearing cages ofN. viridulaat the Plant Protection Research Institute, Dokki, Egypt in August 2020. We firstly identified adult individuals ofM. scalariswhich were found moving erratically within the cages using relevant identification keys. To verify thatN. viridulaindividuals are parasitized by the same parasitoid and they are not infected with other parasitoids, some of the parasitized bugs were transferred to a separate cage at the same laboratory conditions and the developmental stages of the dipteran parasitoid were observed until the adult emergence. Conclusion The present investigation revealed thatM. scalariscould be included to the recorded parasitoid species ofN. viridula, and further studies should be carried out to assess the efficacy of this fly as a biocontrol agent.

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