Project Number: 6615-32000-041-13
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Oct 01, 2007
End Date: Sep 30, 2012

Objective:
Facilitate collection, rearing and evaluation of new species of fire ant decapitating flies from South America for field release and transfer to APHIS mass-rearing program.

Approach:
SY in Gainesville, Florida will collect and evaluate new species of fire ant decapitating flies in South America. Techniques will be tested for rearing the flies so that a laboratory colony can be established. The host specificity of the flies will be tested and, if appropriate, application will be made for field release. Once permits are obtained, test field releases will be conducted, the flies will be transferred to APHIS, and APHIS personnel will be trained in rearing procedures.