Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Stratiomyidae or psychodidae larvae ?

Posted by atylotus on 03-02-2020 14:14
#7

In my opinion the only described species with these characteristics (20 tergal plates and robust quadrangular head) is Copropsychoda brevicornis. In most other species the tergal plates are restricted to the last 2-3 segments or they have 26-27 plates on the full body. The only other species with 20 plates is Psychoda minuta , but the siphon is much longer in that species (about 6 times longer than width in minuta and reduced in Copropsychoda). Both species are quit small (up to 3mm), I'm not sure if Copropsychoda do have some more species in France. According to Smith (1989) C. brevicornis is adapted to feeding on the surface of dung. I have no reference for this species from treeholes. The larva of P. minuta (=P.spreta) has been reared from cow dung and rotting grass cuttings.

Edited by atylotus on 03-02-2020 14:19