First Report of "hunter-Fly" Coenosia attenuata (Diptera: Muscidae) in Mexico

Abstract

Coenosia attenuata Stein (Diptera: Muscidae) is a predatory fly that feeds on other insects and can be used as a potential biological control agent. This insect is native to southern Europe; however, it has been distributed naturally to various continents, including North and South America, and is reported herein for the first time in Mexico. The flies were found preying on whiteflies, psyllids, fungus gnats, leaf miners, and vinegar flies in greenhouses with organic vegetable production.