Monitoring for phorid fly establishment at release sites in middle Tennessee

Three species of phorid flies have been released in the state of Tennessee against populations of black, red and hybrid imported fire ants. Pseudacteon curvatus (Los Flores biotype) releases were made from 2000-2003, and the Formosan biotype was released from 2004-2008 and a mixture of both biotypes from 2011-2012. These flies have established statewide. As of summer 2014, it was unknown whether the two other species P. tricuspis (released 1999-2006, 2011-2012) and P. obtusus (released 2009-2012) had established. Monthly surveys were conducted of county release sites. Modified Puckett traps baited with sugar water vials were deployed in pairs on mounds and 1 m away along foraging trails. Traps were placed both at mounds and on trails in order to maximize the likelihood of capturing the trail attacking species (P. obtusus).