First record of Compsilura concinnata (Meigen, 1824) (Diptera: Tachinidae) attacking Orgyia trigotephras (Boisduval, 1829) in Tunisia

Abstract

Background: The polyphagous tachinid Compsilura concinnata is an endoparasitoid fly recorded as attacking larvae of Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera. Larvae of Orgyia trigotephras [Lepidoptera: Erebidae] were collected from northern Tunisia and reared in the laboratory. Results: Adult flies that emerged from these larvae were identified on the basis of morphological description and DNA analysis (PCR) as Compsilura concinnata. Conclusion: Compsilura concinnata is recorded here for the first time from Orgyia trigotephras in Tunisia. This species could be of great interest as a potential biological control agent of pests in Tunisia and neighboring countries.