Observations on Hilltopping in Thick-Headed Flies (Diptera: Conopidae)

Abstract

Direct observations of hilltopping behaviour in the thick-headed flies (Diptera: Conopidae) have only been mentioned once in the literature. Hilltop collecting, however, may be an effective way to survey these endparasitoids. The first evidence of hilltopping in species belonging to the subfamilies Myopinae and Dalmanniinae is presented and discussed. Field observations were conducted on Colle Vescovo, Italy and Mount Rigaud, Canada, and museum specimens were examined. Observations and records indicate that four species in the genera Dalmannia, Myopa, and Zodion are hilltoppers on Colle Vescovo, while three species in the genera Myopa and Physocephala are hilltoppers on three hilltops near Ottawa, Canada. Fifteen additional species of conopids have been collected on hilltops and could possibly utilize hilltops in some years as a part of their mating strategy. Detailed phenologies and observations of mating and perching behaviours are given for species in the genera Dalmannia, Myopa, Physocephala, and Zodion. The importance of hilltop habitat preservation is stressed.

A phylogenetic analysis of relationships among genera of Conopidae (Diptera) based on molecular and morphological data

“…While species of Diptera, including Muscidae, Calliphoridae, and even other Conopidae, have been suggested as hosts to species of Stylogaster , this has not been confirmed by rearing experiments. A recent review of hilltopping mating behaviour in Conopidae (Mei et al., 2010) found that select species of all subfamilies, except Stylogastrinae, have been observed hilltopping.…”

“…Species of Conopidae have been the subject of much biological research with regards to host–parasite relationships (Schmid‐Hempel, 2001; Otterstatter, 2004), mimicry (Waldbauer, 1988) and hilltopping mating behaviour (Mei et al., 2010). There have also been a great number of taxonomic revisions of various groups of Conopidae (Kröber, 1939; Camras, 1996).…”

Phylogeny and taxonomic revision of all genera of Conopidae (Diptera) based on morphological data

“…Waldbauer, ), and hilltopping mating behaviour (e.g. Mei, Gibson & Skevington, ). Little research has been conducted on the phylogenetic relationships between members of Conopidae.…”