Galapagos Species Database

Taxon category: Accepted

Syn: Philornis isla Couri 2000: 1.

Origin: Introduced - established

Year of first record: 1964

Mode of introduction: Accidental

Introduction Pathway: Stowaway

Subpathway: Hitchhiker on transport vehicles/cargo

Introduced status: Naturalized

Invasive status: Invasive

Impact in Galapagos: At least 16 endemic bird species, one native, and one introduced specie are attacked by P. downsi. The fly’s impact on birds is a serious threat especially to vulnerable and declining species. Philornis downsi parasitism has already been implicated in the decline of endemic, critically endangered species such as the mangrove finch (Camarhynchus heliobates) and the medium tree finch (C. pauper). In addition to direct mortality (sometimes up to 100% of hatchlings in a nest die from parasitism), studies have confirmed that surviving birds have reduced life expectancy due to deformed beaks, reduced growth rates, and anaemia. Philornis has a greater impact on bird species with small clutch sizes, e.g. tree finch species, than species with bigger clutch sizes.

Control History in Galapagos: At this point in time, there are no known techniques to effectively mitigate the threat of P. downsi. In spite of considerable efforts by the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) and collaborators there are still substantial gaps in the understanding of the life history and ecology of P. downsi, which has prevented the development of methods to control the fly. Because of this, an international workshop was held by the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) and CDF in February 2012 to bring together local and international experts to find a solution for the management of P. downsi. Control options that are being investigated include mass trapping using lures, biological control, and spot treatments of nests with low risk pesticides.

Preference for an altitude zone in Galapagos: Dry zone - humid zone

Habitat preferences: Found in most habitat types in the Galapagos, from the arid lowland to humid highland zones.

Substrate or host preferences: Larval hosts are mainly passerine birds, but also include Culiciformes.

Feeding type: Adults feed on fruit and nectar, and larvae are semi-hematophagous (blood and tissue feeding) parasites of birds.

Feeding preferences: Little is known about the feeding habits of adult flies. It is believed that they feed on fruits and nectar. In the laboratory they will feed on a variety of fruits and protein sources.

Trophic role: Zoopathogenous parasite

Reproduction mode: Exclusively sexual

Reproductive biology: Females lay their eggs in birds’ nests on the nest material surface or on nestlings. Fly eggs have also been found on the nasal openings (nares) of nestlings. The eggs hatch after 1-2 days and 1st instar larvae feed within the nestlings’ nares. The 2nd and 3rd instar stages live in the nest base and emerge at night to feed on the blood and tissues of nestlings either externally or within the nares. Larvae pupate in the nest base after about 7 days, and emerge as flies approximately 14 days later. Genetic studies have shown that female flies can mate with up to 5 males, but mating has not been observed in the nests or anywhere else in the field.

Distribution origin: Known from Trinidad & Brasil, but the native range is likely to be wider.

Distribution classification: Eutropical

Dispersal propagule: Philornis species are able to travel over large distances. In Galapagos, Philornis downsi are attracted to lights on tourist boats and may also have been dispersed by boats.

Natural enemies: In Galapagos four species of parasitic wasps have been reared from Philornis pupae (Spalangia endius, Brachymeria podagrica, B. cabira; and the eulophid Aprostocetus [Tetrastichinae]). There are no records of parasitoids of P. downsi in its native range; however, at least three species of wasps are known to parasitize Philornis species.

Associated species in Galapagos: Camarhynchus heliobates, Camarhynchus pallidus, Camarhynchus parvulus, Camarhynchus pauper, Camarhynchus psittacula, Certhidea olivacea, Coccyzus melacoryphus, Crotophaga ani, Dendroica petechia aureola, Geospiza fortis, Geospiza fuliginosa, Geospiza magnirostris, Geospiza scandens, Mimus melanotis, Mimus parvulus, Mimus trifasciatus, Myiarchus magnirostris, Pyrocephalus rubinus.

Map of specimen collection localities or observation records for this species in our collections database.

Distribution: Present on 15 islands: Baltra, Champion, Daphne Major, Fernandina, Floreana, Gardner (Floreana), Isabela, Marchena, North Seymour, Pinta, Pinzon, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santiago.

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