Assessment Rationale:

Megaselia leptofemur is an Azorean-endemic eutroglophile species known from Pico, Terceira and S. Miguel (Azores, Portugal). It has a small Extent of Occurrence (EOO = 8,880 km²) and a very small Area of Occupancy (AOO = 36 km²). The species is known from seven caves, and a small number of sites above ground. The areas surrounding some of the caves are heavily impacted by human activities, and the present situation of this species needs to be further assessed and further research is needed into its population, distribution, threats, ecology and life history. A habitat management plan is needed and one is anticipated to be developed during the coming years. We also suggest as future conservation measures the regular monitoring of the species and restricting human access to the caves where the species occurs. The species is assessed as Endangered (EN), mostly due to fragmentation of the seven subpopulations, decreasing habitat quality and a declining AOO.

Geographic Range:

Megaselia leptofemur is a cave-dwelling Azorean-endemic species known from Pico, Terceira and S. Miguel islands (Azores, Portugal) (Borges et al. 2010), occurring in several caves and lava tubes: Furna dos Montanheiros and Gruta do Soldão (Pico); Gruta do Coelho (Terceira); Gruta do Enforcado, Gruta do Esqueleto, Gruta do Pico da Cruz and Gruta do Pico Queimado (S. Miguel), but also occurring above ground. The Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is 8,880 km² and the estimated Area of Occupancy (AOO) is 36 km².

Population:

Currently no population size estimates are known for this species. The species occurs in seven lava tubes in Pico, Terceira and S. Miguel islands (Azores). This species is assessed here as severely fragmented since at least 50% of its population can be found in habitat patches that are 1) smaller than would be required to support a viable population (caves are being highly disturbed), and 2) separated from other habitat patches (caves) by a large distance.

Habitat and Ecology

The ecology and traits of this species are unknown. Phorids are usually found in damp habitats, in the presence of different kinds of decomposing plant and animal matter, including human corpses (hence the name coffin flies), on flowers and fungi or on ant nests and beehives, among others. Larvae, besides being found in the aforementioned habitats can also be found in faeces, in gastropods, as internal parasites of other arthropods, or as parasites or commensals of ants and termites (McAlpine et al. 1987). Most adults feed on nectar or on the liquids exuded by carrion and dung. Some species can be a vector of food contamination. Some species of the genus Megaselia feed and develop on fungi and are considered pests of cultivated mushrooms, while others develop in decaying material organic material, trash and sewers or on carrion. Megaselia leptofemur is an eutroglophile species (i.e. epigean species able to maintain a permanent subterranean population), being known from seven lava tubes in three islands.

Major Threat(s):

The ecology and traits of this species are unknown. Phorids are usually found in damp habitats, in the presence of different kinds of decomposing plant and animal matter, including human corpses (hence the name coffin flies), on flowers and fungi or on ant nests and beehives, among others. Larvae, besides being found in the aforementioned habitats can also be found in faeces, in gastropods, as internal parasites of other arthropods, or as parasites or commensals of ants and termites (McAlpine et al. 1987). Most adults feed on nectar or on the liquids exuded by carrion and dung. Some species can be a vector of food contamination. Some species of the genus Megaselia feed and develop on fungi and are considered pests of cultivated mushrooms, while others develop in decaying material organic material, trash and sewers or on carrion. Megaselia leptofemur is an eutroglophile species (i.e. epigean species able to maintain a permanent subterranean population), being known from seven lava tubes in three islands.

Conservation Actions

This species is not protected by regional law, but part of its distribution is included in protected areas. The present situation of this species needs to be further assessed and further research is needed into its population, distribution, threats, ecology and life history. A monitoring plan for the invertebrate community is necessary in order to contribute to the conservation of this species. As a future conservation measure, the restriction of visits to the caves could be considered. A habitat management plan is needed and one is anticipated to be developed during the coming years.