First record of the genus Acletoxenus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and its predaceous species A. formosus (Leow, 1864) in Egypt, with some field observations and biological remarks

Abstract Background The genus Acletoxenus (tribe Gitonini, subfamily Steganinae, family Drosophilidae) is a small widespread genus, comprising only four species worldwide, namely: indicus Malloch, 1929, A. quadristriatus Duda, 1936, meijerei 1924 in addition to formosus (Leow, 1864), the of present study. larvae spp. are known as predators whiteflies. Results and its predaceous 1864) recorded study for first time from Egypt. This was found associated with immature stages glasshouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood, 1856 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) feeding on castor bean plant, Ricinus communis L. which has been grown at Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, morphological diagnoses, situ predatory behavior field ex biological remarks laboratory were discussed. Conclusion drosophilid fly, herein Egypt second representative tribe Gitonini (subfamilies country. recording this great interest it will encourage lead further research different aspects. beneficial fly whiteflies (family could be used potential control agent.