The first record of parasitism by Forcipomyia (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Cuban odonates

Abstract

Several species of biting midges of the genus Forcipomyia are frequently found attached to the wings of adult odonates, acting as parasites by sucking haemolymph from the wing veins. Here we report the first finding of F. incubans on odonates in the peninsula of Zapata, Cuba. We found the midge on the wings of Erythrodiplax simplicicollis, E. umbrata, Crocothemis servilia, and in the wings and body of Perithemis domitia, all species belonging to the family Libellulidae. This is the first record of this interaction for the Antilles.