A first detection of Exorista segregata (Rondani, 1859) (Diptera: Tachinidae) as a larval parasitoid of Orgyia trigotephras Boisduval, 1829 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) from Tunisia

Abstract

Abstract Background The tachinid parasitoid, Exorista segregata (Rondani, 1859) (Diptera: Tachinidae) is a polyphagous fly recorded on larvae of lepidopterans. Larvae of the Erebidae, Orgyia trigotephras Boisduval were collected from Northern Tunisia and reared in the laboratory at INRGREF. Larvae were kept individually until emergence of parasitoid’s adults. Results Morphological data including dissected genitalia was used to identify E. segregate as a parasitoid of O. trigotephras larvae. Conclusion The larval parasitoid, E. segregata is recorded from a new host O. trigotephras for the first time in Tunisia. This species could be considered in the programs of biological control of different lepidopterans’ pests in Tunisia and neighboring countries.