The Calliphoridae of Namibia (Diptera: Oestroidea) Kurahashi, Hiromu Kirk-Spriggs, Ashley H. Zootaxa 2006 2006-09-28 1322 1 1 131 8VTHX 7374 Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830: 452 Robineau-Desvoidy 452 1830 [352,782,635,660] Insecta Calliphoridae Lucilia Animalia Diptera 54 55 Arthropoda genus   TYPE SPECIES:  Musca caesarLinnaeus, 1758, by designation of Macquart (1834: 162).  NOTES: The genus is distributed throughout the world, but is poorly represented in the Afrotropical Region, with only four species; not all of which are endemic to the Region (Zumpt 1956: 69). The taxonomy of the world species is revised by Aubertin (1933), who figures the terminalia of all known species. The detailed taxonomy of  L. cuprinaand  L. sericata, the two species known to occur in Namibiaand the most significant species from an economic perspective, is revised by Waterhouse and Paramonov (1950), and Rognes (1994) provides some useful characters for the separation of the two species. Most species of the genus are saprophagous in vertebrate carrion, although some species have evolved towards primary attack of live sheep, other mammals and Amphibia (Ferrar 1987: 86). Some species are, therefore, major veterinary pests in certain parts of the world. Diagnostic features and key characters to separate the 3 rdinstar larvae of the two species occurring in Namibiaare provided by Erzinçlioğlu (1987).    Lucilia cuprina(Wiedemann, 1830: 654) ( Musca). ‘Sheep green bottle’, ‘Green bottle’.  Fig. 47.    TYPE LOCALITY: South Africa.  DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in the Afrotropical Region, Mediterranean subregion to Oriental Region, Australia, New Zealand; Nearctic and Neotropical Regions. Afrotropical: Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, RéunionIs., Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa( Cape, Natal, Transvaal), Tanzania, Togo, Ugandaand Zimbabwe. PUBLISHED RECORDS: Krumhuk [ 22°44'S, 17°04'E], 28.i.1970(Lindner 1976: 77); Anabib (Orupembe), 100 milesW Opopoho [ 19°08'S, 13°44'E], 7–9.vi.1951(Zumpt 1959b: 428).    KNOWN RECORD: Windhoek [ 22°57'S, 17°08'E],  31.viii.1970(NMSA).   MATERIAL:  2♀, Barby26,  2–7.x.1972, [SMStaff], H9202;  1♀, Otjikoko­Süd61,  10–13.ii.1972, [SMStaff], H6453;  1♂, Otjikoko­Süd61,  18.xi.1971, [SMStaff], H5395;  1♀, Arnhem222(1),  23–28.x.1972, [SMStaff], H9671; 2♀, same except: 23–27.x.1972;  1♂, 2♀, Sossusvlei,  12–13.ix.1971/  17–19.ix.1971, [SMStaff], H4052;  1♂, 2♀, Avis Dam,  27–28.ii.1974, [SMStaff], H17712;  2♂, 1♀, Windhoek(2),  1–4.xi.1973, [SMStaff], H14942;  1♂, Hoffnung66,  3.ii.1971, [SMStaff], H1643;  1♀, Agate Beach,  21.x.1970, [SMStaff], H2771;  1♂, Sylvia Hill,  15–16.ix.1971, [SMStaff], H4128;  1♀, Takuasa,  14–19.viii.1971, [SMStaff], H3021;  1♂, Otjiseva45,  12.iii.1971, [SMStaff], H1904;  1♂, Poacher’s Point,  21.v–20.vi.1986, Griffin(1) ( PT);  1♂, Oranjemund,  20.iv.1984, Irish(1), H61072;  1♂, Gamsbergfoot E,  14.x.1984, Irish(1), H61933;  1♀, Leeupan,  12–14.i.1991, Marais;  1♀, Okakarara area,  1.xii.1988–  31.i.1989, Paxton( PT);  1♂, Rosh Pinah, 2 kmESE,  13.viii.1990, Marais& Roberts;  1♂, 1♀, Aukam104,  7–19.viii.1990, Roberts& Marais( PT);  1♂, 1♀, Sesfontein Fort,  1–3.i.2000, Marais, Mann& Newman, MMN38 (S);  1♀, Tsaobismund85 at:  13–15.iv.2001, Kirk­Spriggs(1) & Marais( MT);  1♂, Kwando River: Susuwe,  28.ix–2.x.1998, Kirk­Spriggs(1) ( MT) dry woodland.  NOTES:  Lucilia cuprinais endemic to the Afrotropical Region and probably spread from Africa to other tropical and subtropical regions viathe sheep­farming industry (Zumpt 1956: 69). It is often confused with  L. sericata, and earlier records from southern Africa of  L. sericataprobably refer to this species. It usually breeds in the carcasses of cattle, sheep and other large and small mammals (Cuthbertson 1937: 27), and is also the most significant sheep ‘strike’ fly in South Africa(90% of recorded cases) and Australia, where the myiasis that larvae cause is similar to that described for  L. sericata( vide infra). Humans, dogs, camels, goats and cattle are also affected (Zumpt 1965: 52). As an example of myiasis in humans, Cuthbertson (1937: 27) refers to small larvae from the ear and umbilical cord of a three­day old infant in Zimbabwe. Cuthbertson (1933: 102) also notes that in Zimbabwethey are a nuisance in butcher’s shops and abattoirs. Adult flies also feed on fallen fruit, in the nectaries of flowers, and at the honeydew of aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae). Due to their economic significance, literature on the species is extensive and the reader is referred to Zumpt (1965: 51–53) for a literature review and Ferrar (1987: 86) for subsequent references. In Namibiathe species has been collected by hand, by sweeping and in pitfall and Malaise traps. Occurring in all Namibian biomes and probably widely distributed over the country ( Fig. 47). Probably occurs throughout the year ( vide Table 2). Zumpt (1965) describes all three larval instars and illustrates features of the 3 rdinstar larva and additional notes are provided by Erzinçlioğlu (1987).  FORENSIC SIGNIFICANCE:  Lucilia cuprinais usually the first species to arrive at a body on a crime scene, and is strongly attracted to the scent of blood. It oviposits in the natural orifices (mouth, eyes and nostrils) of the body or in bleeding lesions caused by gunshots or stabbing, or in blood­soaked hair. Although the adults are active in sunlight, eggs are always laid in shaded areas of the corpse. Maggots develop quickly under warm conditions and will leave the body to pupate within 3–4 days of hatching. Early invasion of the body ensures a sustainable resource for the maggots before competition from other species. This is one of the three most important species encountered during forensic investigations (M. Mansell pers. comm.). For further information videGreenberg and Kunich (2002).   Lucilia sericata(Meigen, 1826: 53) ( Musca). ‘Common green bottle’, ‘Green bottle fly’, ‘English sheep fly’.  Fig. 48.    TYPE LOCALITY: Austria.  DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in the Palaearctic and Oriental Regions, Australia, New Zealand, Nearctic and Neotropical Regions. Azores Is., Gough Is., Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Nightingale Is., South Africa( Cape, Natal, Transvaal), St. HelenaIs., Tristan da CunhaIs. and Zimbabwe. PUBLISHED RECORDS: Swakopmund [22°68'S, 14°53'E], 18.i.1970; Gobabeb [ 23°55'S, 15°03'E], 9.ii.1970; Krumhuk [ 22°44'S, 17°04'E], 28.i.1970(Lindner 1976: 77).  KNOWN RECORDS: Agate Beach, 10 kmN, SE2615Ca, 18.ii.1974, M.E. & B.J. Irwin; Hentiesbaai, SE2214Ab, 18.ii.1974, M.E. & B.J. Irwin; Walvis Bay[22°95'S, 14°51'E], i.1956, F. Zumpt (NMSA).   MATERIAL:  1♂, Griffith Beach,  21.x.1970, [SMStaff], H10510;  6♂, 1♀, Swakopmund,  21.vii.1971, [SMStaff], H4175;  1♀, Messum Craterat:  8.iv.1987, Marais& Irish(1);  6♂, 3♀, Windhoek(2),  18.iv.1994, Pusch;  3♀, Rotkop,  12–26.xi.1993, Marais( PT);  1♂, 1♀, Kunene Mouth,  20–22.iv.1994, Marais( PT);  2♂, 2♀, Kunene River Mouth,  10.ii.1999, Marais( MT);  2♂, 2♀, Kowisberg,  15–25.vi.1995, Griffin(1) ( PT)rocky area on gravel plain;  3♂, 2♀, Diamond Area1 at(1):  16–29.ix.1994, Marais( PT);  1♀, Atlas Bay,  13–26.xi.1993, Marais( PT)rocky substrate;  1♂, Oranjemund, Long Island,  17.ix.1994, Marais;  1♂, Messum Valley,  5–17.iv.1999, van Noort& Compton( YP),  Bushy Karoo­Namibshrubland, NA99–Y107;  2♀, Rundu( Kavango Lodge),  27–29.iii.2003, Kirk­Spriggs(1) & Mey(LT); 1♀, same except: 28.iii.2003, decomposing fungi;  1♂, Halifax Island,  20.i.2003, Kirk­Spriggs(1) & Marais, coastal rocks and kelp, National Museumof Namibia Guano IslandSurvey 2003;  4♂, 4♀, Possession Island,  28.i.2003, Kirk­Spriggs(1), on domestic rubbish, National Museumof Namibia Guano IslandSurvey 2003;  3♀, Bird Rockguano platform,  22.i.2003, Marais& Kirk­Spriggs(1), beneath Cape Cormorantcarcasses, National Museumof Namibia Guano IslandSurvey 2003 [all with associated puparia].  NOTES:  Lucilia sericatais indigenous to the Holartic Region and has been transported by man, probably recently, to almost all parts of the world (Zumpt 1956: 73). Adults are attracted to carrion, open wounds, the soiled or wet fleece of sheep and to a lesser extent, faeces, in which larvae are also able to complete their development (Zumpt 1965: 48). Prins (1982) records the species as breeding in kelp in South Africa, and Coffey (1966, as  Phaenicia) reared large numbers from mink dung in the United States. They are further attracted to sweet or fermenting liquids and are frequently encountered on flowering plants (Zumpt 1965: 48). The species has great practical significance as a primary causal agent of myiasis in sheep, either alone, or in combination with other species, principally in Great Britainand the Netherlands, but is less significant in South Africa, Australiaand New Zealand, where  L. cuprinais the main culprit ( ibid). The species is also a wound parasite of cattle, horses and humans; although in these last mentioned cases they may be beneficial and stimulate the healing process. This is the main species for which larvae are used in human surgery to clean infected wounds, videBrumpt (1933) for review. Due to their economic significance, literature on the species is extensive, and the reader is referred to Zumpt (1965: 48–49) for a literature review and Ferrar (1987: 86) for subsequent references. There are a few inland records from Namibia( vide supra), but the species is most commonly recorded on the Namibian coastline and off­shore guano islands (Halifax, Possession Islands). Given the natural barrier to dispersal from coastal sources formed by the Namib Desert, there is a distinct possibility that the species may have been introduced viathe trade in guano from Europe and North America in the 1840s. The introduction of the related species  Chrysomya megacephala(Fabricius)into South Africahas been discussed by Braack (1991). In Namibiathe species is commonly collected in pitfall traps, in Malaise and yellow pan traps, at UV­light, and has been swept from coastal rocks and kelp (Halifax Island), from domestic rubbish (Possession Island) and has been reared from puparia collected from the carcasses of Cape cormorant  Phalacrocorax capensis(Sparrman) (Phalacrocoracidae)(Bird Rock guano platform). Recorded as occurring at low elevations on the Brandberg ( 700 m). Primarily coastal; in the desert and succulent karoo biomes, with a few inland records ( Fig. 48). Occurs throughout the year, but appears to be most common in January and April ( vide Table 2). Zumpt (1965: 48–49) describes the three larval stages, including figures of the cephaloskeleton, anterior and posterior spiracles of the three larval instars, plus the posterior end of the larva of  L. sericataand  L. cuprina. Additional notes on the 3 rdinstar larva are provided by Erzinçlioğlu (1987).  FORENSIC SIGNIFICANCE: Uncertain. This species is usually confused with  L. cuprinaat crime scenes, and its role is probably the same as that species’. There is still confusion regarding the identity of the two species as the characters provided in keys to separate them are inconsistent. Some in­depth molecular studies are required to resolve the issue. The specimens reared from crime scenes are generally separated on the basis of larval morphology, in particular the spiracular structure (M. Mansell pers. comm.). For further information videGreenberg and Kunich (2002). [264,585,1182,1205] LOCALITY South Africa South Africa 54 55 1 holotype [264,911,1438,1461] 1970-08-31 KNOWN, RECORD -22.95 1258 17.133333 54 55 1 [393,902,1470,1493] 1972-10-02 1972-10-07 1972-10-02 Barby 54 55 2 2 1972-02-10 1972-02-13 1972-02-10 Otjikoko-Sud 54 55 1 1 [523,1091,1502,1525] 1971-11-18 Otjikoko-Sud 54 55 1 1 1972-10-23 1972-10-28 1972-10-23 Arnhem 54 55 1 1 1971-09-12 1971-09-19 1971-09-12 Sossusvlei 54 55 3 2 1 H17712 1974-02-27 1974-02-28 1974-02-27 Avis Dam 54 55 3 2 1 H14942 [532,1124,1598,1621] 1973-11-01 1973-11-04 1973-11-01 Windhoek 54 55 3 1 2 1971-02-03 Hoffnung 54 55 1 1 [629,1142,1630,1653] 1970-10-21 Agate Beach 54 55 1 1 1971-09-15 1971-09-16 1971-09-15 Sylvia Hill 54 55 1 1 [710,1265,1662,1685] 1971-08-14 1971-08-19 1971-08-14 Takuasa 54 55 1 1 1971-03-12 Otjiseva 54 55 1 1 1986-05-21 1986-06-20 1986-05-21 PT Griffin Poacher's Point 54 55 1 1 H61072 [372,870,1726,1749] 1984-04-20 Irish Oranjemund 54 55 1 1 H61933 1984-10-14 Irish Gamsberg 54 55 1 1 [413,799,1758,1781] 1991-01-12 1991-01-14 1991-01-12 Marais Leeupan 54 55 1 1 1988-12-01 1989-01-31 1988-12-01 PT Paxton Okakarara area 54 55 1 1 [419,1081,1790,1813] 1990-08-13 Marais & Roberts Rosh Pinah 54 55 1 1 1990-08-07 1990-08-19 1990-08-07 PT Roberts & Marais Aukam 54 55 2 1 1 2000-01-01 2000-01-03 2000-01-01 Marais & Mann & Newman Sesfontein Fort 54 55 2 1 1 2001-04-13 2001-04-15 2001-04-13 MT Kirk-Spriggs & Marais 55 56 Tsaobismund 54 55 1 1 [384,1262,283,307] 1998-09-28 1998-10-02 1998-09-28 MT Kirk-Spriggs Susuwe Kwando 55 56 1 1 Rivers [264,527,1310,1333] LOCALITY Austria Austria 55 56 1 holotype H10510 [389,933,1630,1653] 1970-10-21 Griffith Beach 55 56 1 1 1971-07-21 Swakopmund 55 56 7 1 6 [520,1073,1662,1685] 1987-04-08 Marais & Irish Messum Crater 55 56 1 1 1994-04-18 Pusch Windhoek 55 56 9 3 6 [536,1014,1694,1717] 1993-11-12 1993-11-26 1993-11-12 PT Marais Rotkop 55 56 3 3 1994-04-20 1994-04-22 1994-04-20 PT Marais Mouth 55 56 2 1 1 Kunene [624,1227,1726,1749] 1999-02-10 MT Marais River Mouth 55 56 4 2 2 Kunene 1995-06-15 1995-06-25 1995-06-15 PT Griffin Kowisberg 55 56 4 2 2 Kunene 1994-09-16 1994-09-29 1994-09-16 PT Marais Diamond Area 55 56 5 2 3 Kunene [722,1196,1790,1813] 1993-11-13 1993-11-26 1993-11-13 PT Marais Atlas Bay 55 56 1 1 Kunene [386,935,1822,1845] 1994-09-17 Marais Long Island Oranjemund 55 56 1 1 Kunene 1999-04-05 1999-04-17 1999-04-05 YP van Noort & Compton Messum Valley 55 56 1 1 Kunene [665,1180,1854,1877] Bushy Karoo-Namib 55 56 1 Kunene 2003-03-27 2003-03-29 2003-03-27 Kirk-Spriggs & Mey 56 57 Lodge Rundu 55 56 2 2 Kavango West 2003-01-20 Kirk-Spriggs & Marais & National Museum Namibia Guano Island Halifax Island 56 57 1 1 2003-01-28 Kirk-Spriggs & National Museum Namibia Guano Island Possession Island 56 57 8 4 4 2003-01-22 Marais & Kirk-Spriggs & Cape Cormorant & National Museum Namibia Guano Island Bird Rock 56 57 3 3