The Calliphoridae the blow flies (Diptera: Oestroidea) of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The identification of adults of the Calliphoridae (Diptera: Oestroidea) or blowflies is important in regard to sanitary biology, medical, veterinary, and forensic entomology. No comprehensive study of the Calliphoridae for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently available. An examination of 2,211 specimens collected from June 2010-June 2012 and literature records indicated at least 34 species of Calliphoridae are known from Saudi Arabia. Four species represent new country records, Pericallimyia greatheadi, Pollenia hungarica, Rhyncomya sinaiensis and Rhyncomya zumpti. Keys and illustrations are presented to allow determination of the adults of the 34 species. Additionally, distribution maps for these species for Saudi Arabia are provided.