A Calliphorid Host of Thyridanthrax abruptus (Lw.) in Nigeria (Diptera, Bombyliidae)

Abstract

The range of Thyridanthrax abruptus (Lw.), a widespread puparial parasite of Glossina morsitans Westw. in East Africa, is now extended to British West Africa where this species has been found parasitising a Calliphorid fly, Rhyncomyìa pìctìfacìes Big. Puparia of R. pictifacies were collected in the stream-bed sand of dry-season breeding sites of Glossina palpalis (R.-D.) and G. morsitans submorsitans Newst. at the following localities in Northern Nigeria: Gamagira, Zaria Province; Mando Road (25 miles NNW. of Kaduna), Zaria Province; Rahama, Bauchi Province. All were collected during January and February 1957. During February, eight adults of Thyridanthrax emerged from a total of 33 puparia of R. pictifacies found at Rahama.