Phortica variegata

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Phortica variegata
Scientific classification
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P. variegata
Binomial name
Phortica variegata
Fallen, 1823

Phortica variegata (also known as the "variegated fruit fly") is a species of vinegar fly in the family Drosophilidae. Phortica and related fly species are perhaps best known for their behaviour of feeding on the lacrimal secretions of mammals (mammalian tear duct secretions). [1] As a consequence of this behaviour, P. variegata can serve as a vector of Thelazia callipaeda roundworms. [2] [3]

The species was first described as Amiota variegata (Fallén, 1823), but has since been clarified as a member of the Phortica genus.

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References

  1. Máca, Jan; Otranto, Domenico (2014-11-18). "Drosophilidae feeding on animals and the inherent mystery of their parasitism". Parasites & Vectors. 7: 516. doi:10.1186/s13071-014-0516-4. ISSN   1756-3305. PMC   4243723 . PMID   25404259.
  2. Otranto, D.; Cantacessi, C.; Testini, G.; Lia, R. P. (2006). "Phortica variegata as an intermediate host of Thelazia callipaeda under natural conditions: evidence for pathogen transmission by a male arthropod vector". International Journal for Parasitology. 36 (10–11): 1167–1173. doi:10.1016/j.ijpara.2006.06.006. ISSN   0020-7519. PMID   16842795.
  3. Palfreyman, Jennifer; Graham-Brown, John; Caminade, Cyril; Gilmore, Paul; Otranto, Domenico; Williams, Diana J. L. (2018-04-27). "Predicting the distribution of Phortica variegata and potential for Thelazia callipaeda transmission in Europe and the United Kingdom". Parasites & Vectors. 11 (1): 272. doi:10.1186/s13071-018-2842-4. ISSN   1756-3305. PMC   5924467 . PMID   29703231.