Phoretic fauna and flora of domestic non-biting flies in Ile-Ife, South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Living organisms have evolved several means of migration, dispersal and locomotory supports. This usually takes subtlety in way of ectosymbiosis among several groups of insects including non-biting flies. It is informative to identify the spectrum of phoretic fauna and flora associated with non-biting flies. Non-biting flies were caught from various filthy sites using fine insect sweep nets. Externally attached organisms were isolated. Identified organisms include larvae of Cyathostoma sp, Dictyocaulus sp, Dicrocoelium lanceatum, hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis. Phragmospore of Conidia, mould spore of Drechslera sp and Epicocum sp spores were isolated from the flies. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, was found attached to Calliphorid and Muscid flies. Musca domestica had the highest phoront load. Dicrocoelium lancentum and prolottides of Taeniarhynchus sp were found attached to M. domestica. More fungal spores were found on flies followed by nematode larvae. More complex relationships are likely to be present and far-reaching than mere phoresy.