The eclosion of three phorid flies from the carcass of an emperor scorpion preserved in alcohol

Phorid flies (Diptera: Phoridae) have been recorded in very diverse habitats and are known for their ability to thrive in adverse conditions such as fungi and carrion. This poster documents a novel life history trait for Megaselia scalaris (Loew 1866). On 1 November 2010, three pupal specimens of M. scalaris were collected from the cephalothorax of a dead black emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator (Koch 1841)) that had been preserved in approximately 70% EtOH for about one week. After discovery of the flies, pupal cases were transferred to a separate vial of 70% EtOH. On the 14th day of storage, adult flies were noted inside all vials of interest. Here I report the eclosion of the original flies and the ability of experimental pupa to eclose in a series of ethanol concentrations. The results of this study have some physiological and forensic implications.