Published October 14, 2025 | Version v1
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First report of scuttle fly, Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) (Diptera: Phoridae) as a facultative endoparasitoid of Bombay locust (Orthoptera)

Authors/Creators

  • 1. Zoological Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, Vidya Nagar, Sector-29, P.C.N.T (PO), Rawet Road, Akurdi, Pune, Maharashtra 411044, India.
  • 2. PhD Scholar, Shivaji University, Vidyanagar, Kolhapur - 416 004. Maharashtra, India
  • 3. Zoological Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, Vidya Nagar, Sector-29, P.C.N.T (PO), Rawet Road, Akurdi, Pune, Maharashtra 411044, India

Description

The present study reports Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) as a facultative endoparasitoid of the Bombay
locust, Patanga cf. succincta (Johannson, 1763) for the first time. This case of parasitism was observed inside the
insect box where the recently collected locust was stored. The life cycle of the scuttle fly, which was studied till
the adult emergence, is described. The results of this study may help us to understand M. scalaris as the natural
enemy of the Bombay locust. It may also generate fresh concepts for integrated pest management strategies.

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