Investigations on Philornis downsi Dodge and Aitken (Diptera: Muscidae) in Trinidad: a Parasite of the Darwin Finches

Authors

  • Stefanie White Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies
  • Raymond Martinez Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies
  • Andrew G. Parker Entomology Unit, FAO/IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratories, Agency’s Laboratories, Seibersdorf, IAEA, A-1400 Vienna, Austria.
  • John Agard Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies
  • Dave D. Chadee Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies

Abstract

The larvae of Philornis downsi (Diptera: Muscidae) are external haematophagous parasites of nestling birds. It is an invasive fly to the Galapagos Islands that poses a threat to several endemic bird species. Preliminary investigations were conducted in Trinidad on suitable hosts from which to source Philornis for laboratory rearing and with which to conduct field studies on P. downsi within its natural range. Bird nests were collected from 13 locations around Trinidad and all examined for parasitism by Philornis species. The most abundant Philornis species by far was P. trinitensis. Several common birds from residential and agricultural areas were found to be hosts of P. downsi including the Carib Grackle, Greater Kiskadee, Tropical Mockingbird, House Wren and Palm Tanager. Of these the House Wren, Troglodytes aedon and Carib Grackle, Quiscalus lugubris appear to be most suited for field studies and collection.

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Published

2013-12-31

Issue

Living World 2013

Section

Research Papers