Variation in the community composition of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in neighboring deserts within Joshua Tree National Park

Abstract

Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR) in southern California offers a unique opportunity to explore insect biodiversity across 2 distinct desert ecosystems: the lower-elevation Sonoran Desert and the higher-elevation Mojave Desert. In these harsh environments, many blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) serve as important decomposers, feeding on animal waste and decomposing tissue. Some blow fly species, notably non-native species, are associated with human activity, which underscores the need to study their communities in JOTR, where annual visitation has reached 3 million. This study investigated the community composition of blow flies across the park and assessed the impact of visitor activity on blow fly communities in JOTR. Sampling from 2021 to 2023 using traps baited with squid carcasses revealed higher blow fly diversity in the Mojave Desert relative to the Sonoran Desert, in contrast to previous insect and vegetation surveys within the park. Across the park, blow fly community composition (i.e., β-diversity) differed by season. Blow fly abundance, richness, and diversity were similar between low- and high-visitor activity sites. However, more non-native species were collected in areas of low visitor activity, suggesting regular waste removal practices in high-visitation sites might limit their ability to complete development as secondary colonizers. This study is the first to characterize blow fly communities in Joshua Tree National Park. These findings demonstrate that blow fly communities reflect previously established park boundaries and underscore the importance of waste management practices in reducing the spread of non-native species throughout the park.