Distribution of fire ant decapitating flies Pseudacteon spp. (Diptera: Phoridae) in Louisiana

Pseudacteon tricuspis Borgmeier and Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier are two phorid fly species that were released in Louisiana as biological control agents against the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren). A survey was conducted from the spring to the fall of 2009 in all Louisiana parishes by collecting flies hovering over disturbed fire ant mounds. The number of sampling sites in each parish (two to five) was determined according to land area of the parish, and ten mounds were sampled at each site. The collected flies were identified and counted. This study shows the current status of these fire ant parasitic flies in Louisiana, and discusses how fly introductions into Louisiana and Texas and environmental factors have impacted their spatial distribution.