Plural: pupae. The name for the third main stage in the life of an insect that undergoes complete metamorphosis, i.e., develops from the egg through larval and the pupal stages to the adult (holometabolous). All Diptera undergo complete metamorphosis and have a pupal stage. Pupae of Diptera are of two main types; obtect pupae have visible head appendages, wings and legs which lie in sheaths attached to the surface of the body (all Diptera except Cyclorrhapha). Exarate pupae (Cyclorrhapha only) have free appendages. These free appedages are not visible as the pupa lies within the last larval instar skin which is hardened (puparium). Such Diptera pupae are called coarctate.
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. For Cyclorrhapha the key applies equally since they have puparia (although the parts may be harder to see).
Dr Michael von Tschirnhaus, a leading expert on Chloropidae and Agromyzidae, died on 16 September 2025 at the age of 86. He will be greatly missed by the international community. R.I.P.
Anyone has the scan of "Harkness, R. D.; Ismay, J. W. 1976: A new species of Trachysiphonella (Dipt., Chloropidae) from Greece, associated with an ant Cataglyphis bicolor (F.) (Hym., Formicidae)
I would prefer not to receive any more messages from diptera.info signed by Paul... (Thread reply notification)... Could they be signed by ‘The diptera.info team’?
It is with deepest sadness in my heart that I announce that on Saturday, November 15, one of the great minds of world dipterology, prof. Rudolf Rozkošny, left us forever.
Please remember him with a
For those specialists not active on Facebook, I just ask to consider to join our group on FB. Please, be aware that it is not necessary at all to be active on FB outside the diptera group. Actually, n
We received requests to get permission to ask for ID in our Facebook group, https://www.facebo ok.com/groups/1798 95332035235/
Until now we pointed to diptera.info, but since Paul's passing we not
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