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Arthropods, 2026, 15(4): 175-182
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Article

Species composition and relative abundance of haematophagous and non-haematophagous muscid flies (Diptera: Muscidae) of West Bengal, India

Pravas Hazari1, Nandan Jana1, Amita Hajra2, Sreejith Kanholi3, Shuvra Kanti Sinha1
1Calyptrate Research Centre, Department of Zoology, Sreegopal Banerjee College Mogra, Hooghly, West Bengal- 712148, India
2Govt. General Degree College, Kharagpur II, Madpur, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal-721149, India
3Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala-673635, India

Received 4 May 2026;Accepted 1 June 2026;Published online 13 June 2026;Published 1 December 2026
IAEES

Abstract
The family Muscidae (Diptera) represents one of the most ecologically and medically important groups of synanthropic flies. Members of this family act as mechanical and biological vectors of various disease-causing pathogens affecting humans, livestock and wild animals. Despite their immense significance, comprehensive regional assessments of muscid diversity and feeding guild structure remain limited in eastern India. The present study documents the species composition and relative abundance of haematophagous and non-haematophagous muscid flies across different ecological habitats of West Bengal, India. A field survey was conducted in rural, peri-urban, and urban landscapes, resulting in the collection of 3,272 muscid flies. Specimens were identified using standard taxonomic keys, and species were categorised based on feeding habits. Relative abundance analysis revealed a substantial representation of haematophagous taxa, indicating favourable ecological conditions for blood-feeding muscid species in the region. Non-haematophagous muscid species, though less dominant, contributed significantly to overall diversity and were associated with decomposing organic matter and synanthropic habitats. This study provides baseline data on muscid fly assemblages in West Bengal and highlights the need for continued taxonomic surveillance and ecological monitoring. The findings contribute to a better understanding of muscid biodiversity, feeding guild distribution, and their implications for public and veterinary health in eastern India.

Keywords Diptera;Muscidae;haematophagous flies;synanthropic;relative abundance;vector.


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