First record of Megaselia abdita (Schmitz, 1959) (Diptera: Phoridae) infestation in captive tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae

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  First record of Megaselia abdita (Schmitz, 1959) (Diptera: Phoridae) infestation in captive tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae Abstract Flies of the genus Megaselia Rondani, 1856 exhibit exceptional ecological flexibility, with certain species acting as facultative parasites. This study presents the first documented cases of Megaselia abdita (Schmitz, 1959) infesting captive tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae, Ceratogyrus darlingi Pocock, 1897 and Psalmopoeus irminia Saager, 1994) in terrarium settings. Our observations demonstrate that M . abdita colonise artificial habitats and exploit spider hosts similarly to Megaselia scalaris . Citation: Szymański, D.M., Szymański, D., Kłonowski, P. (2026). First record of Megaselia abdita (Schmitz, 1959) (Diptera: Phoridae) infestation in captive tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae). Dipteron, 42, 25-29. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23137389

Reptile Exposure in Human Salmonellosis Cases and Salmonella Serotypes Isolated from Reptiles, Ontario, Canada, 2015–2022

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Reptile Exposure in Human Salmonellosis Cases and Salmonella Serotypes Isolated from Reptiles, Ontario, Canada, 2015–2022

Abstract


Reptile-associated outbreaks of human Salmonella infections are increasing in Canada, coinciding with a rise in the popularity of reptiles as pets. We conducted a retrospective analysis of surveillance data for human Salmonella case-patients in Ontario during 2015–2022. We compared serotypes and reptile types for those reporting domestic reptile or amphibian exposure with veterinary Salmonella isolates reported during the same period. Case-patients commonly reported contact with reptile types from which Salmonella was most frequently isolated. Some serotypes from human case-patients were closely associated with contact with specific reptile types, including Salmonella Paratyphi B biovar Java (Salmonella Paratyphi B variant L (+) tartrate +) with snakes, Salmonella Agbeni with turtles, and Salmonella Cotham, Salmonella Chester, and Salmonella Tennessee with bearded dragons. Salmonella was most likely to be reported from reptiles fed a carnivorous diet. Education of reptile owners could help promote proper veterinary care and reduce transmission of zoonotic infections.


Paphitis, K., Reid, A., Golightly, H. R., Adams, J. A., Corbeil, A., Majury, A....McClinchey, H. (2025). Reptile Exposure in Human Salmonellosis Cases and Salmonella Serotypes Isolated from Reptiles, Ontario, Canada, 2015–2022. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 31(10), 1912-1921. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3110.241803.