Alate termites (Isoptera: Termitidae) parasitized by a scuttle fly (Diptera: Phoridae)

In Kenya the larvae of a scuttle fly are reported as endoparasites of alate termites, tentatively identified as Odontotermes amanicus. Last instars were present in the hosts at the time of their emergence from their nest for their nuptial flight. There was a single larva per host, residing in the base of the abdomen and metathorax. Both male and female hosts were parasitized, with an estimated overall infestation rate of at least 50%. The larva is encapsulated, presumably by the host, but anteriorly the capsule has an opening, probably created by the larva. These larvae are provisionally assigned to the genus Dohrniphora. In the three weeks before the flight, females of Dohrniphora isopterorum Disney sp. n., which were described from a male and a series of females, were the most abundant phorids in water traps set near the nest entrances. These traps also procured the hitherto unknown males of Termitosagma henningsi.