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