Tachinidae (Diptera) of natural ecosystems from the semiarid Chaco of Santiago del Estero, Argentina

Abstract

The family Tachinidae (Diptera) follows others from the Hy- menoptera order in its ecological importance as parasitoids and it is found in all biogeographic regions. In Argentina, little is known about these insects. The following study was conducted with the aim to identify the species of Tachinidae in natural ecosystems of the province of Santiago del Estero (semiarid Chaco), with sampling points arranged in a North - South gra- dient. Insects were collected using different traps (Malaise, sweep net and pitfall traps). We determined a total of 14 genera and three species, of which seven genera ( Spallanzania Robineau-Desvoidy; Paradydima Brauer y Bergenstamm; Pseudochaeta Coquillett; Distichona Wulp; Allophorocera Hendel; Eucnephalia Townsend and Neomintho Brauer y Bergenstamm) and one species Paradidyma conica (Townsend) are recorded for the first time for Argentina