Larvae of Philornis deceptiva Dodge & Aitken (Diptera, Muscidae) on the Sayaca Tanager Thraupis sayaca (Linnaeus 1766) (Thraupidae) in the municipality of Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Six nestlings of the Sayaca Tanager, Thraupis sayaca sustained 42 larvae of Philornis deceptiva during its breeding period from August to October, 2006 in the municipality of Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro. Larvae were observed since the 3rd day after hatching. They were taken off and put in an artificial nest into plastic box and their life cycle observed until emergence. Thirty-two larvae reached adult stage and were preserved in alcohol 70% for further identification. Four nestlings died before reaching adult stage. Four nestlings died before reaching adult stage. They were hard infesting by Philornis larvae. In this study we presented Thraupis sayaca as a new host for Philornis deceptiva.