First Record of Larval Parasitism in Disonycha glabrata (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) by Myiopharus ancilla (Walker) (Diptera: Tachinidae)

Abstract

The amaranth flea beetle, Disonycha glabrata (F.), is a major pest of amaranth crops ( Amaranthus spp.) in the United States. Despite its economic impact, its natural enemy complex remains poorly documented. In this study, we report the first record of larval parasitism in D. glabrata by the tachinid fly Myiopharus ancilla (Walker). Field collections from infested amaranth plants in Greensboro and Goldsboro, North Carolina, revealed a parasitism rate of 45.45%. This level of incidence suggests that M. ancilla may play a significant role in the natural regulation of D. glabrata populations and should be considered a key component in the development of conservation biological control strategies for amaranth agroecosystems.