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More Information about: larval instar
Term larval instar
Explanation One of the developmental stages of the larva, between successive moults (the term instar can also be used to describe any developmental stage including egg, pupa or imago, so must not be used without stating which part of the life cycle is being referred to, i.e., always write larval instar even though the terms egg instar, pupal instar, imago instar are very rare). The number of larval instars is six or seven in black flies (Simuliidae) and four in most other Nematocera. Along the second line of evolution of flies, Brachycera have from five to eight instars while the maggots of the most advanced flies (Cyclorrhapha) have only three. One or two species have no moults. Sometimes moults occur before the larva hatches from the egg. Muscidae, for example, are arranged in three groups according to whether they are trimorphic (i.e., have three free larval instars), dimorphic (i.e., pass the first instar in the egg, have two free larval instars), or monomorphic (i.e., pass the first two instars in the egg, have one free larval instar). Monomorphic larvae are always predatory; trimorphic and dimorphic larvae feed first on decaying matter (are saprophagous), but they may or may not be predatory in their final instar.
Recommended literature: Smith, K.V.G., 1989. An introduction to the immature stages of British flies. Diptera larvae, with notes on eggs, puparia and pupae. - Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects 10(14): 1-280. As an excellent reference with keys to suborders, families, subfamilies and genera.
Category Pre-imaginal stages
Submitted by Robert Nash
Date Added/
Modified		 23.06.06
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Date and time
26 June 2025 20:13
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Tony Irwin
23.06.25 18:10
If you have some spare money, there is a copy (together with keys to pupae and larvae) for sale by Hermann L. Strack, Loguivy Plougras, France

smol
23.06.25 11:18
Appreciate it, Tony Irwin! I got the hint to use the key next to Langton and Pinder key for females of Chironomidae. So no specific queries, except the keys... I will keep this on my list and hope th

Tony Irwin
19.06.25 15:33
I have the hard copy book, if you have any specific queries, but I'm not scanning the 500+ pages!

smol
02.06.25 18:26
Anyone has "Chironomidae of the Holarctic region. Keys and diagnoses. Part 3. Adult Males Entomologica Scandinavica Supplement 34"? smolwaarneming@gma
il.com

Nikita Vikhrev
28.05.25 20:57
I have Russian Coenosia. nikita6510@ya.ru

smol
28.05.25 12:25
Is someone able to share with me "A key to the Russian species of the genus Coenosia"?

Nikita Vikhrev
08.05.25 18:22
I have

rvanderweele
03.05.25 08:35
Does someone has a scan of Nartshuk E.P. 2003. Key to families of Diptera (Insecta) of the fauna of Russian and adjacent countries. Proceedings of the Zoological Institute Vol. 294: 1-252 for me?

Zeegers
10.03.25 18:02
We are looking for a new webmaster https://diptera.in
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Zeegers
04.03.25 17:10
Please use the link posted below to remember and honour Paul, if you wish

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