Notes on Saprophages and Faunal Succession

 

Stripped to the bone, the skull remains of an animal carcass 

After its ordeal from a marauding predator, the remains of the animal carcass was "processed" by a succession of saprophages

The beautiful but hostile desert environment of the Maleha Mountain Trail

In search for insects and birds at the Maleha Mountain trail in Sharjah, as I was walking on the desert plain, I stumbled upon the remains of an animal (most probably a goat). Amazingly, only a portion of the neck and skull of the animal was left. The skull was stripped-off white! After its ordeal from predators or succumbing to the intense desert heat it was processed by a succession of saprophages!

ANIMAL CARCASSES and SAPROPHAGES

The carcass of dead animals is a rich source of nutrients and organic matter for insects and mites called saprophages (derived from the Greek word sapros = rotten and phagein  = to devour, to eat). These insects and other related organisms are an essential part of the ecosystem which aids in the recycling of dead organic matter. 

There are mainly 3 types of Saprophages: 

1. Those that feed on dead animals (carrion)

2. Those that feed on animal feces or excrement

3. Those that feed on dead or dying tissues

CARRION FEEDERS and FAUNAL SUCCESSION

The carrion feeders includes numerous types of fly larvae (maggots), beetles, mites, moths and others. Each species colonizes the dead body for a limited period of time and as a group, they each contribute to the consumption and rapid decay of the animal flesh. This change in species composition between saprophages is called faunal succession. 

WARNING: The sequence of events is not for the faint of heart and stomach!  

The first to arrive (pioneer species) are the Blow flies (Calliphoridae) and House flies (Muscidae). These flies lay their eggs directly on the carcass and upon hatching the maggots readily devour the decomposing flesh. Next to arrive are the Flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) which compensates for the time by laying live maggots straight into the corpse!

Upon undertaking further degrees of decomposition that results to butyric fermentation, the small flies called Cheese skippers, Piophila casei  (Piophilidae) is attracted to the rotting flesh and joins the feeding frenzy. 

Once the animal body putrefies, numerous species of beetles begin to arrive and forage on the carcass surface. The Rove beetles (Staphylinidae) and the Clown Beetles (Histeridae) comes in and feeds on the numerous fly maggots. Beetles which have stronger chewing mouthparts than the semi-liquid feeding flies are the ones which focus on the animal skin and tendons. These tough scavenger beetles next in line include the Hide beetles (Dermestidae) and the Ham Beetles (Cleridae). Carrion beetles (Silphidae) and Carcass beetles (Trogidae) also feed on carrion but they are considered minor contributors to decomposition. 

Present also on the early stage of decomposition of carrion are the Gamasid Mites, Macrocheles spp  which is followed by Tyroglyphid mites which feeds on the dry skin during the later stages. 

The last to arrive are the clothes moths (Tineidae), wherein the females lay their eggs on the animal carcass after the flies feeding frenzy and development. The clothes moth larvae feeds on any remaining hair and therefore are the last animals involved in the decomposition of the carcass.  

Hopefully, I will be able to physically encounter, document my findings and prepare detailed features on each of these saprophages in our future articles. 

 

The somewhat macabre undertaking of the decomposition of dead animals is TRULY not for the faint of heart and stomach. We have to take note that this is a fundamental process in the recycling of nutrients back into the ecosystem. 

The amazing realization is that "FAUNAL SUCCESSION: reveals to us the awesome chain of organisms involved in the life and death of every creature.

Awesome creatures! Awesome CREATOR!  

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com

A Flesh Fly (Sarcophaga spp.) Encounter at the Industrial Area in Sharjah

 

The Flesh Fly, Sarcophaga spp. 

They have a pair characteristically smooth, red compound eyes

Flesh flies are generally larger than the housefly and blowflies 

The three darkened longitudinal stripes on the thorax

It was another hot, summer afternoon, I have just concluded a site visit and client meeting at the Industrial Area of Sharjah. As I was on my way back to the car, a large fly darted as it passed my right side, I heard its distinct buzz sound as it landed on the pavement, up again and unto the potted plants nearby. The large fly foraging by the road side is the Flesh Fly, Sarcophaga spp. 

Flesh Flies, Sarcophaga spp. (DIPTERA: SARCOPHAGIDAE)

The common name "flesh fly" was derived from the habit of the larvae (maggots) of most species to feed and develop in spoiled meat and decaying flesh. 

Flesh flies are relatively large, robust flies. The adults are 6-11mm long, with a pair of smooth red compound eyes, blackish gray body with a checkered pattern abdomen. There are 3 distinct dark longitudinal stripes on the thorax. The mouthparts are of the sponging type designed for lapping liquids from sugars and decomposing organic matter. 

Flesh fly larvae are white to pale yellowish, 9.5-20mm long, eyeless, legless and tapered towards the head from its large rounded rear segment. These maggots have hook-like mouthparts that tease apart the tissues of their host. (THAT IS WHAT YOU CALL INTENSE)!

Distribution of Flesh Flies, Sarcophaga spp.

Flesh flesh are widely distributed world wide. There are 2500 reported species of Sarcophagidae.

Biodynamics Notes

Female flesh flies are ovoviparous - opportunistically depositing hatched or hatching maggots instead of eggs on dead animals, feces and decomposing organic materials and even on the open wound of a mammal. Around 20-40 live maggots can be deposited on the carcass. For a single season a female can produce >300 eggs.

Preferred flesh flies larval breeding and feeding sites include decomposing meat, garbage, animal carcass and manure. 

In residential and commercial premises, its is important to check and properly deal with these filth flies pest prevalence factors: 1) crags on walls where dead birds got stuck, 2) animal droppings that are hidden or left unclean underneath furniture and appliances, 3) open pits in the gardens where there is accumulation of pet droppings, 4) open and uncollected garbage bins with animal waste and used diapers.  

Total developmental period varies from 15-26 days influenced by food and environmental conditions. Adult lifespan of flesh flies 15-21 days.

Because of their association with dead animals and well studied life development periods (especially the maggots), these large flies are utilized for FORENSIC INVESTIGATION purposes.

Due to the association with animal carcass and other filthy conditions, flesh flies are considered MEDICALLY IMPORTANT filth flies as they can carry and transmit leprosy bacilli and the pathogens that cause diarrhea and dysentery and also MYIASIS (= infection of a fly maggot on a human tissue). 

Some species of flesh flies are known as parasites of snails, wasps, grasshoppers, beetles and acting as biological control agents. 

IPM RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Inspection. Inspection. Inspection. Conduct detailed inspection of the area to determine filth flies entry points, breeding, feeding areas and other structural factors favoring their presence. 

2. Larval breeding sites removal. Keep area clean and dispose garbage properly (especially animal waste and decaying organic materials). 

3. Exclusion procedures. Proper door management, repair and secure all window and door screens. 

4. Insect Light Traps. Strategic installation of insect light traps indoors to capture the flying intruders.

5. Outdoor Fly Bottle Traps. Strategic installation of fly bottle traps on applicable areas outdoors to minimize numbers (just be cautious on your bottle trap placement points as the contents of the fly bottle traps will get stinky).

6. Targeted chemical treatments. Application of residual insecticide or chemical fly bait formulations on appropriate fly resting sites. (READ, UNDERSTAND and FOLLOW the PESTICIDE LABEL always).     

Flesh flies are included in the dreaded group of large filth flies (houseflies, blowflies), wherein their population development is highly influenced by the factors human activity creates! Meaning, more filth from humans means more favorable factors  available for filth flies!

Awesome creatures! Awesome CREATOR!

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com

Insect Invaders in Our Home Garden

CAUGHT! A Bactrocera cucurbitae fruit fly adult 

The adult melon fruit fly emerged from an infested bittergourd

The highly persistent melon fruit flies were still able to access the protective enclosure

A young predator has emerged and is now on the prowl

An Assassin Bug Nymph

Assassin Bugs are mean predators of other garden insects

Its truly awesome what amazing creatures can thrive in just a little garden patch

Just a few days ago, my lovely wife and my daughter sent me amazing photos of their encounter with insect invaders in our little home garden. They were able to grow bittergourd (Momordica charantia), and the plants were already bearing fruit. On a developing fruit they were able to observed a Bactrocera cucurbitae, melon fruit fly which was caught on the protective plastic enclosure upon its emergence as an adult. On the leaves there were nymphs of the ferocious predatory insect, Assassin Bugs! 

The Melon Fruit Fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE)

The Melon Fruit Fly is a widespread and well-known phytophagous insect pests. It considered  a major agricultural pest and is reported to attack over 125 varieties of plants including cucurbits, tomatoes and other vegetables in Asia, Africa and the island states in Oceania. 

The Bactrocera cucurbitae adults are larger than the houseflies, can measure 6-8mm long. They have yellowish brown bodies with  a distinct yellow spot above the first pair of its leg. They have dark brown head and eyes. A brown spot can be seen on the margin of its wings.

The female fruit fly can lay 1000 eggs. These eggs are laid directly on the fruits and on the succulent stem on the host plant. Upon hatching the larvae readily attack the fruit,, feeding and developing inside. Total development can take 12-28 days. Adults can live up to one year. Because of the mobility and high egg-laying capacity of the melon fruit flies, they can inflict serious damage to vegetable crops.

Assassin Bugs (HEMIPTERA: REDUVIIDAE)

If there are insects you want  to be on your team and protecting your plants, these are the predacious Assassin Bugs! Also called Kissing Bugs - they render the kiss of death to their insect prey!

There are around 3000 species of  Assassin Bugs reported worldwide. 

These insect killers have a characteristic curved, dagger-shape mouth parts called the "rostrum" which they use to kill prey. An Assassin Bug will attack, pierce its victim, injecting venom to digest the body organs and then suck their prey. They can devour insects like aphids, leaf hoppers, and caterpillars. They can also attack insects much larger than themselves. They can also use their rostrum for defense! Now that's what you call a "mean insect"!

Even though they are beneficial predatory insects, Assassin Bugs are known to attacked and sting humans and other animals, so be very careful when spotted!  Their sharp rostrum can pierce human skin. The sting is painful and can lead to swelling. The pain however, will wear-off and rarely needs medical attention.

A phytophagous Melon fruit fly and predacious Assassin Bugs all observed in our little home garden. Truly Awesome that amazing creatures can thrive in such a small vegetable garden patch!

Awesome creatures! Awesome CREATOR!

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com

House Crows (Corvus splendens) Encounter at the Dubai Creek Park (Part 1)

 

A House Crow foraging on the park grounds

A House Crow alight a tree branch observing and scheming its next move

Jet-black body plumage combined with distinct gray segments

Sharing the foraging ground with the Indian Mynah and the Hoopoe

The "crow gang" squawking up in the branches

A large group of crows is called a "MURDER"

Generalist and highly adaptable House Crows will take advantage of whatever is available

This group looks like they are discussing their next "food raid"

House Crows engaged in securing their portion from a  left-over bread loot 

Dark silhouette of a sinister, opportunistic and highly intelligent bird 

My quiet bright summer morning stroll at the Dubai Creek Park was broken by the resounding squawking sound of "kaa, kaaa, kaaa" emanating from the heights of the tree branches. A large group or avidly called "murder" of crows occupied the trees. These birds were monitoring my approach, watching me as I step closer and closer to their arboreal territory, the squawking sound getting louder and louder! The alerted birds were moving from branch to branch and unto the adjacent trees, still squawking and eyes still focused on the explorer-intruder. The loud squawking only ceased when I picked-up my pace and moved away from their choice trees. 

THE HOUSE CROW, Corvus splendens

House crows are medium-sized birds, weighing 250-415g, with a wing span of 76-85cm and a body length of 42-44cm. 

The nape, neck and breast are grayish while the whole body plumage is jet-black along with its forehead, chin, the long bill and long legs. Males and female crows are similar in appearance. The juveniles appear duller in color compared with the adults.

The scientific name Corvus splendens means "shining raven".  

They are also called the Indian, Greynecked, Ceylon or Colombo Crow.

DISTRIBUTION of HOUSE CROWS, Corvus splendens 

House crows are a native of the Indian subcontinent, including the whole of India, Pakistan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. These birds have been introduced are now present in the whole of the Arabian Peninsula and Gulf countries, Eastern and Southern Africa. It is also now present in Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore. The spread of these birds is associated with shipping trade routes (the birds were chance passenger and stowaways on the ships carrying goods from the subcontinent). 

Corvus splendens are omnivores, opportunistic and highly intelligent. They are regarded as specialist, urban commensal birds. They are very gregarious and can become aggressive. They are also listed as INVASIVE BIRD species.

Awesome summer morning bird watching experience!

Awesome creatures! Awesome CREATOR!

MORE NOTES on BIODYNAMICS will be discussed on PART 2.   

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com

A Dragonfly Encounter at the Meydan, Dubai

Like a helicopter on top of a hill - a dragonfly gets ready for take off

Soaring rapidly and confidently on top of the water surface - Paragomphus spp.

In flight and on the hunt, a dragonfly flies above the water

Notice the tiny ripples on the water surface as the dragonfly flies by

A turbo-charged chase above the water surface  

Whenever I see dragonflies, it is like watching helicopter gunships darting into the sky en route to their target zones. You can see and feel the speed, the power and the agility of these flying insect hunters! It was truly an awesome challenge and opportunity to photograph these insects mid-air and above the water surface at the Meydan.

Dragonflies, (ODONATA-ANISOPTERA) 

Dragonflies are predaceous, strong flying insects characterized by their elongated bodies, a pair of large, multi-lenses eyes (these eyes occupy the majority of the space of the head) and two pairs of strong transparent wings. These wings are positioned horizontally both when in flight and when at rest.  

The term ODONATA (toothed-ones) refer to the very strong serrated mandibles that they possessed. They can rip apart insect prey with the used of these awesomely strong mouth parts!

Adult males have thinner abdomen with a narrow waist at the top, it bears an accessory genitalia for copulation located at segment 2 of its abdomen. The females have thicker abdomen which bear a distinct egg ovipositor located at segment 8-9. 

Distribution of Dragonflies

Dragonflies are found world-wide. Associated with fresh aquatic environments like lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and wadis. There are over 6000 species of dragonflies currently reported. Here in the UAE, 27 species have been recorded. Half of these species are locally breeding but the rest are migratory, passing through as they wander over the vast distances in search for food, mate and a suitable water habitat.

Biodynamics Notes

Dragonflies are amphibiotic species (inhabits all kind of fresh water habitats). Eggs are laid near the water habitat and hatches into a predatory larvae (NAIAD) which spends almost 2-6 years of development under water. Depending on the species and conditions they can molt up to 17 times! These naiads are ferocious predators and hunt underwater for insect larvae, tadpoles and even small fish. The naiads will leave there underwater home and emerge as terrestrial adults. 

The newly emerged dragonflies (tenerals) are paler in color. Sexually mature dragonflies are more brighter and colorful. In some species, the over mature turned darker in color. 

The adult dragonflies are ferocious aerial hunters. They can capture prey in mid-air. They conduct calculated aerial raids against mosquitoes, gnats and other small insects. They grab there prey with there powerful, spines laden legs.  These hunts are so quick, efficient and effective that the success rate was recorded to reach as high as 95%  (now that is what you call a TOP PREDATOR)!

Dragonflies are not harmful to humans. They might look a little scary because of their large eyes, freaky mandibles and camouflaged stream-lined body but these predators are actually beneficial insects. They will not attack humans and their mandibles cannot penetrate human skin.

A dragonfly can hunt and consumed hundreds of mosquitoes a day! They are also referred to as "mosquito-hawks". Thus, helping us biologically in reducing the pest population! 

Dragonflies are also what naturalists call "bio-indicator species", there prevalence or absence in a fresh water environment reveals the level of "water purity and pollution". 

Truly awesome dragonflies! So let's protect these beneficial insects! 

Awesome creatures! Awesome CREATOR!