SUNGAU BULOH, September 21 – A significant breakthrough in entomological research has led to the discovery of a new fly species in Selangor, Malaysia. The newly identified species, scientifically named Dichaetomyia natashae (Diptera: Muscidae), belongs to the necrophilic category of flies, attracted to the scent of decay. It is believed to play a crucial role as a decomposer within the natural mangrove swamp ecosystem in Selangor.
This remarkable finding is a result of an entomological survey conducted in a tropical coastal mangrove swamp in Selangor. On September 9, 2019, researchers collected several fly specimens, subsequently identifying them as a distinct species based on various characteristics setting them apart from other members of the Dichaetomyia genus. The identification process involved both morphological analysis and DNA studies. Dichaetomyia natashae exhibits distinct genetic and morphological traits that differentiate it from other species, marking this as a noteworthy discovery.
The discovery was made possible through a collaborative effort between researchers from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and Universiti Malaya (UM). The trio of researchers contributing to this identification includes Dr. Hiromu Kurahashi (Fly Taxonomist from Japan), Associate Professor Dr. Heo Chong Chin (Forensic Entomologist, UiTM), and Dr. Low Van Lun (Insect Geneticist, UM). The newly discovered species has been named in honor of Ms. Nur Aliah Natasha Azmi, a PhD student from the Faculty of Medicine, UiTM, who collected the flies.
The collected specimens have been deposited at the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba (NSMT) in Japan, as well as at the Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology (IMMB) at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia. This discovery not only contributes to our knowledge of fly diversity and carrion ecology in Malaysia but also paves the way for further research to comprehensively explore the country’s insect biodiversity.
