Subspecies of the Australian green blowfly (Lucilia cuprina) recorded in New Zealand

Abstract

Extract

The insect fauna of New Zealand comprises both native and exotic species. Some of the exotic species are a cause for concern to this country's livestock industry^p(l). Over the years, many exotic species of insect, mite or other animals have been intercepted at New Zealand ports, airports and Customs parcel offices and these findings were recorded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF)^{p(2)(3)(4)(5)}. Since the last publication of these findings in 1984^p(5), a fourth species of myiasis-initiating blowfly (Calliphoridae) Lucilia cuprina (the Australian green blowfly) has been identified and has established in both the North and South islands^p(6)(7). A taxonomic review of the New Zealand Calliphoridae^p(8) had indicated that L. cuprina was not present in New Zealand insect collections and unlikely to establish, but it was recognised as a species that may be encountered by officials at points of entry into the country. How L. cuprina entered New Zealand is unknown^p(1), as is its country of origin, although Australia is the nearest and most obvious source of infestation, as has been indicated by the common name^p(6)(9). The larvae of L. cuprina now occur in more than 60% of the maggot samples received annually from flystruck sheep^p(l)(6).