Natural Parasitism of Dung-Breeding Diptera: A Comparison Between Native Hosts and an Introduced Host, the Face Fly1

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Abstract
A comparison is made between the natural parasitism of native dung-breeding muscoid flies and an introduced host, Musca autumnalis De Geer (face fly). A list of parasites of dung-breeding Diptera is presented from a 3-year survey. The percent parasitization of Ravinia querula (Walker) and R. assidua (Walker) for the 1965 and 1966 season is presented. Parasitization of both species appears to be consistent throughout the summer. However, the percent natural emergence of parasites from the host puparia showed a definite seasonal trend. A higher percentage of parasites was able to emerge from the puparia in the middle of the summer than either early or late in the season, irrespective of the total amount of parasitism. The most obvious factor causing this phenomenon appeared to be low temperature.

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