Atherigona (Atherigona) soccata Rondani, 1871 (Fig. 38)

Atherigona soccata Rondani, 1871: 332 .

Specimens examined. 3m, 1f, Asir, Abha, Madenate Al-Ameer Sultan, Hay Al-Sad, 25.ii.–25.v.2002, Malaise trap, H.A. Dawah (CERS; NMWC) ; 1m, same data but 1–30.v.2004 (CERS); 1m, Asir, Abha, Hay Al-Nusub ( Abha Farm Centre), 9–30.v.2014, Malaise trap, H.A. Dawah (CERS) ; 2f, same data but 3.iii.–3.vi.2001 (NMWC); 1f, Asir, Maraba, Al-Hudaithy Fruit Farm, 1–30.v.2004, Malaise trap, H.A. Dawah (CERS) .

Distribution. This species was previously recorded from Saudi Arabia by Pont (1991); Dawah & Abdullah (2009). It was described from Italy. It was recorded from Oman by Pont (1991).

Biological remarks. This species is a well-known pest and is commonly known as “Sorghum Shootfly”. It is reported to be reared from 40 graminaceous host species, but sorghum is the main host for this species (Pont 1991). Deeming (1971) and Pont (1973b) have fully discussed the biology of this economically important pest. Larvae pupate in the plant or the soil, and the life cycle takes 2–3 weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity. This species is reported to have 15 generations a year in Pakistan. The eggs, larvae and pupae of this species are attacked by a few species of parasitoids (Skidmore 1985). Prior to 1971 it was commonly referred to as Atherigona indica infuscata van Emden and Atherigona varia soccata Rondani.