The first wasp-deceiving Calyptratae fly: Brevialata deceptrix Dios & Gudin, gen. et sp. nov. (Diptera: Tachinidae), a new parasitoid of Agelaia vicina (de Saussure, 1854) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and the first record of reduced wings in the family

Author(s)

Dios, Rodrigo de Vilhena Perez ; Gudin, Filipe Macedo ; Lamas, Carlos Jose Einicker

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: AUSTRAL ENTOMOLOGY; v. 64, n. 2, p. 10-pg., 2025-05-01.

Abstract

Flies of the family Tachinidae are parasitoids of a wide range of arthropods, and some tachinid lineages specialised and coevolved with distinct hosts. A few of these tachinids use social Hymenoptera as hosts. However, they are usually attacked by their hosts and present different strategies to avoid their aggressiveness. Here, we describe the first parasitoid fly that enters a wasp nest without being attacked, Brevialata deceptrix Dios & Gudin, gen.et sp. nov., reared from nests of Agelaia vicina (de Saussure, 1854) in Cajuru, S & atilde;o Paulo, Brazil. Additionally, it is the first tachinid fly with reduced wings, presenting a peculiar morphology, with reduced chaetotaxy, stout legs, and tarsi with digitiform extensions. Males of B. deceptrix Dios & Gudin, gen. et sp. nov. are fully described and illustrated, including detailed images of tarsal structures. We present a discussion on B. deceptrix Dios & Gudin, gen. et sp. nov. remarkable morphology, systematic positioning and curious life habits. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/12640-3 - Systematics, taxonomy and curation of Asiloidea (Insecta: Diptera): discovering and safeguarding the material evidence of the biodiversity, with emphasis on the families Asilidae, Bombyliidae and Mythicomyiidae
• Grantee: Carlos José Einicker Lamas
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/08741-6 - Unveiling the real diversity of Diptera (Insecta) in Brazil: human resources training and development of new tools for the taxonomy of little known lineages
• Grantee: Carlos José Einicker Lamas
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/14482-6 - Bug-killing flies (Diptera, Tachinidae, Phasiinae) in soy, corn and cotton fields of the São Paulo State: integrative taxonomy and host relationship, aiming future applications for pest biological control
• Grantee: Rodrigo de Vilhena Perez Dios
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral