Distribution, identification and ecology of <i>Phortica</i> genus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Spain.

ABSTRACT: The genus Phortica (Diptera: Drosophilidae) includes five species of small flies in Europe. Phortica variegata, the zoophilic fruit fly, is the main vector of Thelazia callipaeda, a zoonotic parasite that is rapidly spreading througout Europe. Despite extensive studies on thelaziosis in animals and humans, there is limited knowledge about the geographical distribution and hovering activity of these vector flies. In 2023, 1,462 Phortica flies were sampled across 12 Spanish provinces, providing new records of Phortica variegata and Phortica oldenbergi. Surprisingly, P. oldenbergi, previously considered a rare Afrotropical species, was prevalent in most regions sampled in Spain. However, Phortica semivirgo was not collected. The abundanc

SUBMITTER: Gonzalez MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11841169 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature