Dual identity: the ecology and behaviour of the robber fly Mallophora ruficauda, a pest of honeybees and parasitoid of Scarab beetles

Abstract

Mallophora ruficauda is a dipteran ectoparasitoid and insect predator native to South America, that as an adult feeds mainly on foraging honeybees. Under suitable conditions, population outbreaks can detrimentally impact apiculture and plant pollination. In turn during its larval stages, it serves as a parasitoid of scarab beetle larvae that can affect a variety of crops. This review offers an updated insight into the ecology and behaviour of M. ruficauda, presenting new information on how it selects its prey and hosts, a process distinctively carried out by both adults and larvae. By studying this species as a predator and parasitoid, our work sheds light on intricate ecological interactions, paving the way for strategies centered on early detection, containment, and management. The implications of these findings are crucial for developing effective and eco-friendly approaches to mitigate the impact of M. ruficauda on apiculture while balancing its ecological importance.