NEW SPECIES OF FLY DISCOVERED IN USM

A new species of “scuttle fly”, parasitizing on the termites Macrotermes gilvus has been discovered in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The species has been named Misotermes mindeni to reflect the Minden Campus, USM where it was discovered.

According to Professor Lee Chow Yang from the Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Unit, School of Biological Sciences, USM, it was by chance that the new species was discovered by his PhD student, Neoh Kok Boon who was carrying out research on one of the termite mounds in campus.

Observing something strange about the termites he was studying, Neoh took some of them back to the laboratory. Here, he noticed that there was unusual movement in the abdominal section of these termites and after several days of close observation, he discovered that there were flies emerging from the abdomen of these termites.

“This is a very important discovery because it is a new species of fly and will have a great impact on the world of science,” said Professor Lee.

This discovery has been confirmed by an expert in the field, Dr. R. Henry Disney, who is an authority on “phorid flies” at the Museum of Zoology, Cambridge University, United Kingdom. The discovery has been included in the June 2009 issue of the international journal Sociobiology under the title “A New Species of Scuttle Fly (Diptera: Phoridae) Parasitizing a Termite (Isoptera: Termitidae) in Malaysia”.

Professor Lee Chow Yang, however, was reluctant to speculate on the use of this harmless fly in overcoming the problem of termites.

”At this point in time, we have yet to determine whether this fly plays a role in controlling termite infestation. Further research is needed to see if this is possible,” added Professor Lee.

He went on to say that this is an important discovery as it shows that the USM campus has a rich diversity of flora and fauna such as birds, plants and others.

”We don’t have to travel to foreign countries to make new discoveries such as this because we have a wealth of knowledge waiting to be explored right here in our own backyard,” Professor Lee added.

Commenting on the problem of termites, he said that this is a huge industry because for every two tasks related to insect management, one is linked to termites. Malaysians spend approximately RM 50 million annually to manage termite infestation while the cost of restoring buildings infested with termites is estimated at three to four times this amount. Meanwhile, more than USD22 billion is spent worldwide for the same purpose.

He added that the use of chemicals is still the best and most effective method of controlling termite infestation. However, efforts are underway to seek more sustainable methods in curbing the problem.

Although termite infestation in this country is caused by the Coptotermes species., it has been found that the Macrotermes gilvus species has repeatedly taken over the location of Coptotermes infestation after the Coptotermes species were destroyed using the ‘baiting‘ method. It is very difficult to curb the Macrotermes gilvus termites as they do not react to termite bait.

Responding to questions from reporters on the possibility of an award for students and scientists responsible for discoveries such as this, Professor Lee said that true scientists do not consider awards as a priority.

“True satisfaction comes from discovering something new, something that fills us with awe. Even more satisfying is when the discovery is published in a refereed international journal. This is true satisfaction for a scientist,” said Professor Lee.

He added that if at all there is an award, it will be considered a bonus.



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