Phenology of Pseudacteon spp. (Diptera: Phoridae) in Alabama

Pseudacteon spp. flies (Diptera: Phoridae) are one of many biological controls of fire ants in their native South America, and were first released in Alabama in 1999. Two species, P. curvatus and P. tricuspis were the focus of this study. I monitored diurnal flight patterns and seasonal abundance of these species in Alabama from June 2012 to June 2013. These data were compared to data collected in 2002. In 2002, the two species were not in competition for resources and were found in large numbers in their respective locations. However, the 2012/2013 data were collected with both species coexisting in the same geographical location. The data shows that there has been a dramatic shift in P. tricuspis numbers while in competition with P. curvatus for resources, making P. curvatus the predominant fly species.