Biology and behavior of Pseudacteon decapitating flies (Diptera: Phoridae) that parasitize Solenopsis fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Larvae of phorid flies in the genus Pseudacteon have the unusual habit of decapitating fire ant workers and pupating inside the empty head capsule which they use as a pupal case. Flies in this genus are the subject of considerable interest because they have the potential of being used as classical biological control agents against imported fire ants in North America. This paper details what is known and not known about their interesting life history, attack behavior, mating behavior, host specificity, and impacts on fire ant behavior. The biogeography, community structure, and possible impacts on fire ant populations are also considered.