Vol 10 Part 14. An introduction to the immature stages of British Flies ...

Royal Entomological Society 

HANDBOOKS FOR 

THE IDENTIFICATION 

OF BRITISH INSECTS 

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Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects 

Vol. 10, Part 14 

AN INTRODUCTION TO 

THE IMMATURE 

STAGES OF 

BRITISH FLIES 

DIPTERA LARVAE, WITH NOTES ON EGGS, 

PUP ARIA AND PUPAE 

K. G. V. Smith 

ROYAL ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON

Handbooks for the 

Identification of British Insects 

Vol. 10, Part 14 

Editors: W. R. Dolling & R. R. Askew 

AN INTRODUCTION 

TO THE 

IMMATURE STAGES 

OF 

BRITISH FLIES 

DIPTERA LARVAE, 

WITH NOTES ON EGGS, PUP ARIA AND PUPAE 

By 

K. G. V. SMITH 

Department of Entomology 

British Museum (Natural History) 

London SW7 5BD 

1989 

ROYAL ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON

The aim of the Handbooks is to provide illustrated identification keys to the insects of Britain, 

together with concise morphological, biological and distributional information. 

Each handbook should serve both as an introduction to a particular group of insects and as an 

identification manual. 

Details of handbooks currently available can be obtained from Publications Sales, British 

Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD. 

Cover illustration: egg of Muscidae; larva (lateral) of Lonchaea (Lonchaeidae); floating puparium 

of Elgiva rufa (Panzer) (Sciomyzidae). 

To Vera, my wife, 

with thanks for sharing 

my interest in insects 

World List abbreviation: Handbk /dent. Br./nsects. 

© Royal Entomological Society of London, 1989 

First published 1989 by the British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London 

SW7 5BD. 

ISBN 0 901546 75 5 

Printed by Henry Ling Ltd., at the Dorset Press, Dorchester, Dorset.

Contents 

Page 

Introduction . 3 

Acknowledgements . 4 

Life-histories and ecology . 6 

Agricultural and economic importance 11 

Medical, environmental health and veterinary importance 15 

Predators, parasites and pathogens. 19 

Fossil larvae and pupae 21 

Collecting, rearing, preservation and examination . 21 

Biology and morphology of the immature stages 24 

Eggs. 24 

Larvae . 25 

~~ ~ 

Classification, nomenclature and use of keys. 30 

Notes on the illustrations . 30 

Key to suborders of British Diptera larvae . 32 

Key to families for final stage larvae of British Nematocera . 33 

Notes on families ofNematocera 35 

Key to families for final stage larvae of British Brachycera . 55 

Notes on families of Brachycera . 57 

Key to families for final stage larvae of British Cyclorrhapha 71 

Notes on families of Cyclorrhapha 76 

Aschiza . 76 

Schizophora 85 

Acalyptratae. 85 

Calyptratae 115 

References. 141 

F~~- !M 

Index 259 

Introduction 

Knowledge of the larvae of Diptera lags far behind that of the adults. Of the 130 or 

so families of Diptera currently recognised in the world some 20 remain undescribed in 

the larval stages, including the following which occur in the British Isles: Acartophthalmidae, 

Asteiidae, Camillidae, Chyromyidae, Stenomicridae, Tethinidae and Trixoscelidae 

(formerly included in the Heleomyzidae). These families are, however, 

included in the present handbook with suggestions as to where their larvae should be 

sought. Of the more than 80,000 species ofDiptera known to science probably less than 

two per cent have been described in the immature stages while adults of further new 

species are continually being described. 

The families known best in the larval stage are usually those of medical or economic 

importance (e.g. Culicidae, Tipulidae). More recently families whose larvae are of 

importance as ecological indicators are being systematically studied (e.g. Chironomidae). 

For the majority of families, however, only a few species come into these categories 

and description of the immature stages has remained rather casual. Fortunately 

work on the immature stages of a particular family that occupies a distinct ecological 

niche has been recognised as a valuable research topic for university students working 

3

for higher degrees. This has resulted in several valuable and comprehensive studies, e.g. 

Dixon (1960) and Hartley ( 1961) on Syrphidae; Okely ( 1974) and Pitkin ( 1988, in part) 

on Sphaeroceridae. 

Unfortunately all families do not lend themselves to concentrated short term study 

and may require a long and continuous effort before a reasonably comprehensive 

treatment can be achieved, e.g. Brindle's work on Tipulidae (1952- 1967) and the 25 

years required to produce Skidmore's (1985) book on Muscidae. Some fine work has 

been done in Europe especially by Dusek & Laska (1967, summary) on Syrphidae, and 

Hennig (1943a-1956) and Schumann (1953- 1974) on Cyclorrhapha. 

The identification oflarvae beyond family level has thus remained a difficult process 

requiring a knowledge of, and access to, a very widely scattered literature. In this 

Handbook keys to families and sub-families of final stage larvae are given as far as this is 

possible. In some families further keys and illustrations are given to facilitate identification 

to genera and sometimes to species. For the latter the aim has been to include 

species of medical and economic importance, species commonly involved in the everyday 

enquiries of environmental health officers or the general public (including non 

British species regularly introduced in imported food, etc.) and those species most 

frequently encountered as larvae during ecological surveys or of special value in teaching 

biology at school or university level. To further these aims some bionomic keys are 

given at appropriate points where a limited number of species occur in a restricted 

habitat. In a section on ecology there are some listings of families, genera or species to 

be found in specific habitats which, by restricting the possibilities, should facilitate 

more rapid identification by reference to the figures alone. A full index provides rapid 

access to ecological information in the text. There are brief general comments on eggs 

and pupae, and illustrations showing their diversity of form. 

The following comprehensive specialist works on larvae are of value in identification. 

Hennig (1948- 1952) is well illustrated and lists the world species described as 

larvae up to that time with a full bibliography. Peterson (1957) treats Nearctic species 

but Teskey (in McAlpine et al., 1981) does so in much greater detail. Seguy (1950) 

gives much detailed information on all aspects of fly biology arranged under subject 

and habitat and similar information for British species is given in Stubbs & Chandler 

( 1978) which includes a key to families of larvae (by Brindle & Smith). Brauns ( 1954) 

deals with terrestrial Diptera larvae and pupae and is well illustrated. Teskey 

(1984) gives a well-illustrated key to aquatic Diptera larvae. Oldroyd & Smith (in 

Smith, 1973) give a key to families of larvae of medical importance. Smith ( 1986) deals 

with species of forensic importance including those found on carrion (human 

and animal). Koppen ( 1972) covers some agricultural pest species. Askew (1971) and 

Clausen (1940) review parasitic Diptera. References to particular families are given in 

each section below. 

As this book goes to press a very important two volume work has appeared on the 

immature stages of the Cyclorrhapha (Ferrar, 1987) and also part 2 of the Manual 

of Nearctic Diptera (McAipine et al., 1987), also covering Cyclorrhapha, has been 

published. 

Acknowledgements 

In his Introductory Handbook to the Diptera the late Harold Oldroyd (1970b) 

expressed the hope that a volume dealing with the early stages of flies would eventually 

be produced in this series. Indeed, we had intended that we should cooperate in such a 

venture but his early death sadly prevented this. Nevertheless many of his ideas 

expressed both verbally and in his writings, especially in his unique book The Natural 

History of Flies (1964), have stimulated an interest in the biology of flies among 

Dipterists, including the present author. 

4

The following colleagues working in the British Museum (Natural History) (including 

those on the staff of the Commonwealth Institute of Entomology) are warmly 

thanked for reading appropriate sections of the work and for their constructive 

criticism, though they must not of course be held responsible for any inaccuracies that 

remain: John Boorman, John E. Chainey, Dr Peter S. Cranston, Dr Roger W. 

Crosskey, William R. Dolling, Dr Keith M . Harris (CIE), Dr Brian R. Pitkin, Adrian 

C. Pont, and Dr Ian M. White (CIE). Peter Chandler kindly checked the Mycetophilidae 

and Platypezidae and Phi! Withers checked Psychodidae. 

For generous permission to base some of my figures or keys on their published works 

(see References) I thank Dr E. J. Alien, Dr Pamela Alien, D . G. Ashby, Dr R. A . 

Bedding, Dr C. 0 . Berg, Dr P.A. Berry, Dr A. D. Bratt, Prof. A. Brauns, Alan Brindle, 

Or D . E. Bryce, Or A. E. F. Chandler, Peter Chandler, Dr Lanna Cheng, Or W. 

Ciampolini, Dr C. P. Clausen, Or P. S. Cranston, Or R. W. Crosskey, Dr R . Dahl, Or 

R. H . L. Disney, Or J . Doskocil, Prof. C. Dupuis, Or A. Draber-Monko, Or J. Dusek, 

C. E. Dyte, Or W. C. Eastin, Dr H . J . Egglishaw, Or B. A. Foote, Or Paul Freeman, 

Or A. Friedberg, Prof. P. Goeldlin, Prof. W. L. Gojmerac, J . F. Graham, Dr D . J. 

Greathead, Dr L. R. Guima raes, Or K. M. Harris, Dr J. C. Hartley, Prof. Wolfgang 

Hennig (for the late Prof. Willi Hennig), Or D. F. Houlihan, Or C. Juliard, Or L. V. 

Knutson, Or N . P. Krivosheina, Or B. R. Laurence, Or A. Z . Lehrer, D . C. Lewis, Dr 

A. M . Lobanov, Or M. L. Luff, Dr L. Lyneborg, Dr M . E. Maldague, Or B. M. 

Mamaev, Or E. Mellini, Dr R . M . Miller, Or Hildegarde Miiller, Or A. Nagatomi, Or 

S. E. Neff, Or P. Nielsen, Or I. W. B. Nye, Prof. T. Okada, P. Osborne, Dr V. Passovici, 

P. I. Persson, A. Peterson, Chih Ping, Or J . Robinson, G . H . R. Rothschild, R. 

Rozkosny, Or H. Schumann, Or J. R. Seeger, P. Sen, K. W . Simpson, P. Skidmore, 

Or Kathryn M. Sommerman, Or K. A. Spencer, Or J. W . Stephenson, G. C. Steyskal, 

Or V. N . Tanasijtshuk, Dr H . J . Teskey, R. J. Terry, Or L. Tascas, Or F. Vaillant, 

Prof. J. B. Wallace, Dr Barbara M . Walshe, Dr F. Zumpt and Or J . Zuska. 

I thank the following publishers, journals and institutions for permission to base 

figures on illustrations appearing in their publications (deceased or untracea ble 

authors are cited in brackets, see References): Acta Entomologica Bohemoslavaca, 

Prague; Akademie-Verlag GmbH, Berlin (Hennig, Die Larvenformen der Dipteren); 

American Entomological Society, Philadelphia (Ent. News, Transactions); American 

Mosquito Control Association, Washington DC (Mosquito News); Association of 

Applied Biologists, Wellesbourne (Ann. appl. Bioi. , Barnes, Cohen, Steel, Thomas); 

Beitriige zur Entomologie, Berlin (Miiller); British Entomological and Natural History 

Society, London (Proceedings); British Museum (Natural History), London (Insects 

and Other Arthropods of Medica/Importance, incl. drawings by the late Alan Palmer; 

Manual of Forensic Entomology); Butterworth Scientific Ltd., Guildford (Zumpt's 

Myiasis in Man and Animals in the Old World); Cahiers des Naturalistes, Paris (Cah. 

Na t.); Cambridge University Press (Parasitology, Bissett, Imms, Keilin, Rennie & 

Sutherland, Satchell, Saunders, Tate; J. mar. bioi. Ass. U.K., Sen); Czechoslovak 

Academy of Sciences in the publishing house Academia, Prague (Acta se. nat. Brno or 

Prirodov. Pr. Cesk. Akad. Ved.); C.A.B.International Institute of Entomology (Bull. 

ent. Res., Morris) Cornell University Agricultural Experimental Station, Ithaca; 

Dansk naturhistorisk Forening, Copenhagen; Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift, 

Berlin; Ejnar Munksgaard, Copenhagen and Reykjavik (Zoology of Iceland); Entomologica 

Scandinavica, Lund; Entomological Society of America, Maryland (Annals); 

Entomological Society of Washington, Washington DC (Proceedings); Entomologicheskoe 

Obozrenie, Moscow (Translation available as Entomological Review (Wiley), 

New York); Entomologiske Meddelelser, Copenhagen; Entomologist's Gazette (E. W. 

Classey Ltd.), Faringdon; Entomologist's Monthly Magazine (Gem Publishing Co.), 

Wallingford; Freshwater Biological Association, Ambleside (Scient. Pubis); Institut 

Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique, Brussels (Bulletin); Dr W. Junk, The Hague, 

Boston, London (Series Ent.); Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 

5

(Memoires); Museu de Zoologia, Universidad de Sao Paulo (Papeis Dep. Zoo/. S. 

Paulo); Parasitica, Gembloux (Seeger & Maldague); Royal Entomological Society of 

London (Proceedings, Transactions, Handbk !dent. Br. Insects, Antenna, J . ent. (A) & 

(B), Syst. Ent.); Royal Society, London (Phi/. Trans. Hinton, Mad war); Schweizerbart 

Verlag, Stuttgart (Die Fliegen der Palaearktischen Region, Engel, Hennig); Societe 

Entomologique Suisse, Lausanne (Mitt. Schweiz ent. Ges); Societe Zoologique de 

France, Paris (Bulletin); Staatlichen Museum fiir Naturkunde, Stuttgart (Stuttg. Beitr. 

Naturk.); Taylor & Francis Ltd., London (Ann. Mag. nat. Hist., Keilin); Zoological 

Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw; Institute of Evolutionary Morphology 

& Ecology of Animals, of the USSR Academy of Sciences and "Nauka" 

Publishers, Moscow; Zoological Society of London (Proceedings, Transactions, J. 

Zoo/., Frew); Zoologicheskii Zhurnal, Moscow. 

I thank the following for very kindly providing original photographs: A. E. MeR. 

Pearce (figs 89-91), Dr K. M. Harris and J. Brown (figs 123-5) and B. van Aartsen and 

G. Helmers Jr. (fig. 270). 

For providing specimens, literature or information on Diptera larvae over the years I 

am indebted to: Dr Peter Bailey, L. Christie, Prof. A. F . G . Dixon, Dr Y. Z. 

Erzinc;Iioglu, N. French, D. Green, Dr K. M . Harris, Prof. B. Herting, the late Prof. W. 

Hennig, the late Prof. H. E. Hinton, F.R.S., the late Dr B. M. Hobby, Dr A. G. Irwin, 

Dr D . P. Knight, Dr B. R. Laurence, Dr Jane Marshall, P. M. Miles, Dr A. J. Pontin, 

Dr M. W. Shaw, Dr M. C. D. Speight, C. Vardy, the late Prof. G . C. Varley, P. Withers, 

London and Whipsnade Zoos (Zoological Society of London), and all those veterinarians, 

pathologists, forensic scientists, environmental health and Ministry of 

Agriculture (ADAS) officers too numerous to mention here individually, though 

some are credited in the text for particular records. 

Adrian Pont very kindly helped me with translating the subtleties of the German and 

Russian languages, thus avoiding many misinterpretations from the literature. 

Finally I thank my wife for her careful and critical preparation of the typescript, her 

painstaking proof-reading and compilation of the index, and her enthusiastic support 

throughout my entomological activities. 

Life-histories and ecology 

Flies are highly adaptive insects and their larvae develop successfully in a very wide 

range of media, e.g. soil, rotting wood, plant and animal tissues (including man, alive or 

dead), fungi, dung and sewage, water (mostly fresh, sometimes brackish, occasionally 

marine), hot springs and geysers (some Ephydridae, Stratiomyidae) and even in petroleum 

pools (Halaeomyia, Ephydridae). Diptera exploit most of the available ecological 

niches in most of the biological roles, e.g. saprophages (many), commensals (some 

Scatopsidae, Chironomidae and Phoridae), predators (many), parasites (many), 

symbionts (some Chironomidae and algae) and scavengers. 

Most of the protein feeding is done in the larval stage and the adults mostly need 

water to replace that lost during activity, especially flight, and sugars, from nectar or 

honeydew, to provide their energy. Some adults also take protein, e.g. predators, blood 

feeders, pollen feeders. 

As a rule, aquatic larvae are carnivorous or live on algae. Apart from predators, 

the precise nature of the food taken by terrestrial larvae is often inadequately 

known. Thus the larva of the bluebottle (Calliphora) is classed as a carrion feeder but in 

fact bacteria on the carrion are probably the main food source (Roberts, 1971 a). 

Similarly bacteria are probably the main source of food and vitamins for housefly 

larvae (Levinson, 1960). Baumberger( 1919) found that many supposedly saprophagous 

fly larvae are actually mycetophagous. Clearly there is plenty of scope for careful 

research here. 

6

The ancestral type of habitat for Diptera is probably in bogs and swamps and among 

mosses and decaying wood on drier land. Thus aquatic and terrestrial types of larvae 

developed together and both are present in many families of Nematocera (e.g. 

Tipulidae, Ceratopogonidae) and Brachycera (Stratiomyidae, Dolichopodidae, etc.). 

Many more Nematocera than Brachycera became purely aquatic, the Brachycera tending 

towards a more terrestrial mode of life. The larvae ofNematocera and Brachycera 

often exhibit a wide range of adaptative forms, but in the higher Brachycera (e.g. 

terrestrial Empididae and Dolichopodidae) the larvae are more streamlined and nearer 

the maggot type of larvae typical of the Cyclorrhapha, though the Syrphidae 

(Cyclorrhapha Aschiza) also have a remarkably wide range of forms. 

Among the Cyclorrhapha, the Acalyptratae and Calyptratae have exploited most of 

the possible habitats arising from the decomposing 'compost' type of breeding medium 

through dung and carrion to living plant and animal tissues. 

Some specific life histories are described under the Medical and Economic sections 

and under each family. Some specific ecological associations are listed here under the 

sections on agricultural importance and, for Diptera occupying macro- and microhabitats, 

Stubbs & Chandler (1978), which complements Colyer & Hammond (1968), 

should be consulted. Seguy ( 1950) is also useful. Broader ecological issues are discussed 

by Oldroyd ( 1964). Some specific habitats occupied by Diptera in their larval stages are 

listed below, with an indication of those most likely to be found there. 

Soil. Many families (except those with purely aquatic larvae) have some members 

which may occasionally be found in soil in the immature stages, usually for the purpose 

of pupation. However the families most likely to be encountered in sampling soil 

are: Tipulidae, Bibionidae, Chironomidae, Therevidae, Stratiomyidae, Tabanidae, 

Rhagionidae, Asilidae, Empididae, Dolichopodidae, Phoridae, Sphaeroceridae and 

Muscidae. 

Dead wood. Over 200 species representing 42 families spend their immature stages 

in dead wood. The type of wood can influence the fauna, conifers supporting 

different species to deciduous trees. Rates of decay between tree species also vary. 

However, since dead wood is not readily identifiable in practice, the records are 

grouped here. 

Keys to the larvae of wood-inhabiting Diptera are provided by Krivosheina & 

Mamaev (1967) and Mamaev, Krivosheina & Pototskaya (1977) key species predaceous 

upon tree trunk 'pests'. Teskey ( 1976) deals with Nearctic species associated with 

trees. Kitching ( 1971) deals specifically with the fauna of rot-holes. 

Diptera most frequently encountered are Tipulidae (especially Ctenophora), 

Mycetophilidae, Sciaridae, Ceratopogonidae (especially Forcipomyia), Cecidomyiidae 

(especially Lestremiinae), Stratiomyidae, Xylomyidae, Xylophagidae, Empididae (especially 

Tachydromiinae, Ocydromiinae), Dolichopodidae, Syrphidae, Pallopteridae, 

Lonchaeidae, Clusiidae and Muscidae (especially Phaonia). Where bark beetles 

(Sco/ytus) are present, larvae of Medetera (Dolichopodidae) and Odinia (Odiniidae) 

may occur. In nests of Sphecidae (Hymenoptera) the larvae or puparia of Sarcophagidae 

or Eusta/omyia (Anthomyiidae) may be found. 

Puparia of parasitic species may also be found: Tachinidae, e.g. Triarthria (on 

earwigs), Loewia (on centipedes), Admontia (Trichopareia) (on tipulid larvae); 

Rhinophoridae (on woodlice). 

Dung. Skidmore (in Stubbs & Chandler, 1978) lists the British species associated with 

various types of dung and notes that about five per cent of the British Diptera (c. 300 

species) have been recorded as coprophilous, two per cent (c. 120 species) exclusively in 

the larval stage. Kumar & Lloyd (1976) provide a bibliography of arthropods associated 

with dung. The association of flies with dung has received considerable atten~ion 

7

due to the possible health hazards of adults flying from excrement to foodstuffs but 

precise ecological studies are few. 

The following papers deal with the fly faunas of different types of dung: cow 

(Laurence 1953b-55, Papp & Garz6, 1985); dog (Disney, 1973a, 1976a); human 

(Howard, 1900, Steyskal, 1957); horse and donkey (Papp, 1976); sheep (Papp, 1985). 

Of the 38 families listed by Skidmore the following are most frequently encountered 

as larvae in dung and listed in approximately the order of abundance found in cow 

dung by Laurence (1954): Psychodidae, Sphaeroceridae, Sepsidae, Scathophagidae, 

Trichoceridae, Anisopodidae, Ceratopogonidae, Muscidae (many predaceous), 

Chironomidae (Smittia), Stratiomyidae, Scatopsidae, Empididae ( all predaceous), 

Cecidomyiidae, Syrphidae. The entry under dung in the index indicates references in 

the text to that of specific animals. 

Diptera breeding in sewage include: Psychodidae, Chironomidae, Anisopodidae, 

Syrphidae (Eristalis), Ephydridae, Sphaeroceridae and Scathophagidae (Lloyd et al., 

1940; Green, 1970; Busvine, 1980). 

Carrion. Following the death of an animal various insects and other invertebrates, 

but especially Diptera and Coleoptera, invade the corpse in a succession of about five 

distinct 'waves' of species. Each wave coincides with a particular stage of decay of the 

corpse and may contain not only carrion feeders but also their predators and parasites. 

The feeding of Diptera larvae rapidly accelerates the decomposition of the corpse. 

A general account of carrion fauna and succession (especially on man) is given in 

Smith (1986b) (see also under Medical Importance- Forensic). Detailed individual 

studies of succession involving Diptera on particular animals in Britain are few : snails 

(Beaver, R. A., 1971), rabbit (Chapman, R. F. & Sankey, 1955), voles (Lane, 1975), 

fox (Smith, 1975). The families important as larval carrion feeders are as follows 

in their approximate order of appearance on a corpse: Calliphoridae (Calliphora, 

Lucilia and later Cynomya, Phormia, Protophormia), Muscidae (Musca, Muscina), 

Sarcophagidae, Piophilidae, Fanniidae, Drosophilidae, Sepsidae, Syrphidae (Eristalis), 

Ephydridae (Teichomyza), Muscidae (Ophyra), Phoridae, Piophilidae (including 

Thyreophoridae). 

Water. The distinction between truly terrestrial and truly aquatic larvae is not always 

a clear one. Habitats range from marshy soil, among aquatic mosses, on rock face 

seepages, ditches, plant axils and tree rot holes to larger bodies of standing or flowing 

water. 

Most families of Nematocera, several families of Brachycera and a few families of 

Cyclorrhapha have truly aquatic immature stages. Exclusively aquatic: Chaoboridae, 

Culicidae, Dixidae, Ptychopteridae, Simuliidae and Thaumaleidae. Mostly aquatic: 

Ceratopogonidae, Chironomidae. Families with some aquatic members: Psychodidae, 

Tipulidae, Stratiomyidae (Stratiomyinae, Clitellariinae), Rhagionidae (Atherix, 

Atrichops, now regarded as a separate family Athericidae), Tabanidae (mostly wet soil, 

Chrysops and some Hybomitra truly aquatic), Empididae (Hemerodromiinae, Clinocerinae, 

Oreogetoninae), Dolichopodidae, Syrphidae (Eristalini and Chrysogaster), 

Ephydridae, Sciomyzidae, Scathophagidae (Spaziphora, Hydromyza), Muscidae (most 

Limnophorinae, probably some Coenosiinae, Phaonia exoleta Meigen in tree rot holes 

(see also under plants), Graphomya maculata Scopoli in mud in puddles). 

The few marine species are dealt with in the next section. 

Sea shore. Diptera of marine environments are treated in Cheng ( 1976). Some breed 

in the littoral or intertidal zone: Chironomidae (Thalassomya, Psamathiomya, Halocladius, 

Clunio and Thalassosmittia), Tipulidae (Limonia (Geranomyia) unicolor 

Haliday), Dolichopodidae (Aphrosylus, Dolichopus nubilis Meigen, Machaerium , 

Hydrophorus oceanus Macquart, Hygrocoleuthus, Rhaphium consobrinum Zetterstedt), 

8

Empididae ( Chersodromia-immature stages unknown), Syrphidae (Eristalinus 

aeneus (Scopoli)), Ephydridae (Parydroptera), Canacidae. 

On the drift line, among seaweed (see Backlund, 1945a), larvae of the following 

families occur: Coelopidae, Helcomyzidae, Sepsidae (Orygma), Sphaeroceridae 

(Thoracochaeta spp., Leptocera (Rachispoda)fuscipennis Haliday), Scathophagidae 

(Scathophaga litorea Fallen, S. calida Curtis, Ceratinostoma ostiorum Curtis), Anthomyiidae 

(Fucellia), Fanniidae (Fannia canicularis). 

Coastal sand dunes may be a harsh environment but Ardi:i (1957) found 750 species 

of Diptera on dunes in Sweden. However, less than 50 species were confined to dunes 

(stenotopic). The following Diptera are known to breed in the sand: Scatopsidae 

(Aspistes berolinensis Meigen), Tipulidae (Tipulajuncea Meigen), Asilidae (Philonicus 

a/biceps Meigen), Therevidae (Thereva annulata F.), Chamaemyiidae (larvae predaceous 

on coccids at base or roots of grasses), Trixoscelidae (Trixoscelis puparia have 

been found in sand under sea sandwort Honkenya, but the larva is undescribed and 

probably develops in guano), Anthomyiidae (Delia spp., probably on roots of grasses). 

In view of the number of species associated with this habitat, and the few species 

reared, there is clearly scope for further research. 

Predators. Many truly aquatic Nematocera larvae, many terrestrial Brachycera, but 

only a few Cyclorrhapha are predaceous in the larval stage. The prey usually consists of 

other insect larvae or small worms. Some families are specialist feeders, e.g. Syrphini on 

aphids, Sciomyzidae on molluscs. The family distribution of the predaceous habit in 

larvae is as follows: Tipulidae (Pediciini, Hexatomini), Mycetophilidae (Keroplatiinae), 

Cecidomyiidae (some Cecidomyiidi), Chaoboridae, Culicidae (only Toxorhynchitini), 

Ceratopogonidae (Ceratopogoninae), Chironomidae (Tanypodinae, some Chironominae, 

few Orthocladinae), Tabanidae, Rhagionidae (including Athericidae), Xylophagidae, 

Xylomyidae, Stratiomyidae (Pachygastrinae), Therevidae, Scenopinidae, 

Asilidae, Empididae, Dolichopodidae, Phoridae, Syrphidae (on aphids, etc.), Chamaemyiidae 

(on Homoptera), Drosophilidae (Acletoxenus on Homoptera), Chloropidae 

( Chloropisca on sugar beet root aphid), Sciomyzidae (molluscs), Scathophagidae, 

\-fuscidae (Limnophorinae, Coenosiinae, Phaoniinae some Mydaeinae, Muscina, 

Ophyra, Hydrotaea, etc.), Anthomyiidae (some Delia, etc.). 

Parasites and parasitoids. Parasitic larvae are infrequent in the Nematocera and 

Brachycera and become more common in the Cyclorrhapha where it is the normal 

lifestyle for some families, e.g. Conopidae, Tachinidae. Some families have parasitic 

5pecies abroad but not in Britain and others have a wider range of hosts abroad, e.g. 

Bombyliidae, Conopidae. The parasitic habit is distributed in British families as follows. 

The hosts in Britain are indicated in brackets (see also under hosts). Useful 

references are Clausen (1940), Askew (1971): Chironomidae (Parachironomus, 

G(rptotendipes in aquatic molluscs), Cecidomyiidae (Homoptera), Acroceridae 

(spiders), Bombyliidae (Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera), Phoridae (Phalacrotophora 

on Coccinellidae (Coleoptera), Borophaga incrassata Meigen on Bibio 

IDiptera), Pseudacteon on ants), Pipunculidae (Homoptera), Chloropidae (Siphonella 

in spider egg sacs), Sciomyzidae (parasitoid on molluscs), Calliphoridae (Pollenia and 

Be/lardia in earthworms; Melinda, Eggisops, molluscs), Rhinophoridae (woodlice), 

Sarcophagidae (Senotainia, wasps; Sarcophaga, spider egg cocoons, insects, etc, snails), 

Oestridae (sheep, deer), Hypodermatidae (cattle, horses, deer), Gasterophilidae 

( bo~). Tachinidae (insects, including other Diptera). 

Nests- The larvae of several families are specifically associated with nests of social 

insects, birds or mammals, as commensals, scavengers or parasites as follows. 

Nests of social insects (useful reference O'Toole in Stubbs & Chandler, 1978): 

Ceratopogonidae, Sciaridae, Scatopsidae (ants), Bombyliidae (bees), Phoridae (e.g. 

9

Aenigmatias on ants), Syrphidae (Microdon, ants; Volucella, wasps), Sphaeroceridae, 

Milichiidae (ants), Braulidae (honey-bees), Sarcophagidae (Miltogramminae, wasps 

and bees), Fanniidae, Muscidae. 

Birds' nests (useful references: Hicks, 1959, 1963a, 1971; Woodroffe, 1953): Scatopsidae, 

Chironomidae (Bryophaenocladius nitidico/lis (Goetghebuer)), Scenopinidae, 

Phoridae, Chyromyidae, Piophilidae (Neottiophilinae), Carnidae, Heleomyzidae, 

Trixoscelidae, Sphaeroceridae, Fanniidae, Muscidae (some Helina, Hydrotaea, Muscina, 

Ophyra), Anthomyiidae (Anthomyia), Sarcophagidae, Calliphoridae (especially 

Protoca/liphora, Calliphora), Hippoboscidae. 

Mammal burrows and nests (useful references: Hackman, 1967; Hutson, in 

Stubbs & Chandler, 1978): Heleomyzidae, Sphaeroceridae, Phoridae, Camillidae, 

Sciaridae. 

Fuller lists of rea rings ofDiptera from nests are given in the references cited. Careful 

work is still needed on the ecology of nest-frequenting Diptera. E. B. Basden's extensive 

collection ofDiptera from nests is available for study in the Royal Museum of Scotland 

(see Rotheray, 1989 for summary). 

Plant feeders. The larval stages of many Diptera are described in the literature as 

living in and feeding on 'decaying vegetation'-a category not specifically included in 

this Handbook, except for dead wood. However, many terrestrial (some aquatic larvae 

feed on algae and mosses) species feed on the living tissues of plants in specific ways as 

listed below. Records marked with a need further investigation or confirmation. 

Larvae of agricultural importance are treated more fully in the section so titled. 

Surface leaf feeders: Tipulidae (Cylindrotominae, mosses), Mycetophilidae (Boletina, 

liverworts; Gnoriste, mosses; Docosia, lichens), Rhagionidae (Ptiolina on mosses). 

Leaf-miners: Cecidomyiidae (some Lestremiinae, liverworts; higher plants), 

Chironomidae, Sciaridae (Phytosciara on Ranunculus), Rhagionidae (Spania nigra 

Meigen, liverworts), Dolichopodidae (Thrypticus, in stems), Syrphidae (some Cheilosia), 

Agromyzidae, Tephritidae (some), Anthomyzidae (Anagnota, Paranthomyza), 

Lauxaniidae, Psilidae, Drosophilidae (Scaptomyza), Ephydridae, Scathophagidae, 

Anthomyiidae (especially Pegomya). Mines caused by Diptera (unlike other orders) 

show primary and secondary feeding tracks causing a characteristic herring-bone pattern 

and linear mines have the frass lying alternately on the two sides (Hering, 1951); 

this is because mining Diptera larvae feed on their sides, facing first one direction, then 

the other. 

Gall-formers: Cecidomyiidae, Tephritidae, Lauxaniidae (Calliopum, clover and 

Viola), Chloropidae (Lipara, reeds; Chlorops pumilionis Bjerkander, barley). 

Many other Diptera larvae feed in stems, roots, flowers, seeds and fruits, some of 

which are of economic importance (see section on Agricultural Importance). Uffen & 

Chandler (in Stubbs & Chandler, 1978) list the Diptera associated with the higher 

plants. Teskey (1976) gives an account of Diptera larvae associated with trees (in 

North America), including those developing in sap exudates. Kitching (1971) deals 

specifically with the insect fauna of tree rot-holes (see index also). 

Fungi. The larval Diptera found in fungi have been the subject of some detailed 

studies (Buxton, 1960; Smith, 1956; Trifourkis, 1977). Chandler (in Stubbs & 

Chandler, 1978) lists in detail the known fungus associations of British Diptera, which 

involve larvae of the following families: Trichoceridae, Tipulidae, Psychodidae, Ceratopogonidae, 

Chironomidae, Anisopodidae, Mycetophilidae, Sciaridae, Scatopsidae, 

Cecidomyiidae, Scenopinidae, Empididae (as predators), Dolichopodidae, Phoridae, 

Platypezidae, Syrphidae (some Cheilosia), Platystomatidae, Dryomyzidae, Heleomyzidae, 

Sepsidae, Lauxaniidae, Sphaeroceridae, Lonchaeidae, Piophilidae, Odiniidae, 

Asteiidae, Drosophilidae, Chloropidae, Tachinidae (as parasites of Lepidoptera 

(Tineidae)), Anthomyiidae, Fanniidae, Muscidae (as predators). 

10

Only six cases ofDiptera inducing galls in fungi are known: Myocecis ova/is Edwards 

(Cecidomyiidae) on Hypochnus; Agathomyia wankowiczi (Schnabl) (Platypezidae) on 

Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat.; Drosophila phalerata Meigen (Drosophilidae) on 

Psathyra; Mycetophila blanda Winnertz (Mycetophilidae) on Lactarius deliciosus L. ex 

Fries and an undescribed dipteran on Daedalea quercina L. and Conocybe (Harris & 

Evans, 1979). 

Families recorded only as visiting adults are not included. 

Caves. Speolepta leptogaster (Winnertz) (Mycetophilidae) is the only British fly that 

is almost an exclusive cave-dweller (troglobite, troglobiont, troglobie). This species 

breeds in caves, the larva living in a slime tube attached by lateral strands to the damp 

cave walls and ceiling. The larva forages from the tube to feed on algae and fungi. 

The head capsule is pale, which gives it the superficial appearance of a nematode. 

Mycetophilidae of the genus Macrocera may also breed in caves. 

Frequent cave dwellers that also occur outside caves (troglophiles) are Trichocera 

maculipennis Meigen (Trichoceridae), Triphleba antricola (Schmitz) (Phoridae), and 

Terrilimosina racovitzai (Bezzi) (Sphaeroceridae). 

Heleomyza serrata (L.) and Scoliocentra villosa (Meigen) (Heleomyzidae) occur 

frequently in caves but are equally common outside. Chyromya species (Chyromyidae) 

also occur in caves. The dung of bats (or other mammals), fungi, other vegetation, or 

the presence of water may all serve as attractive breeding media to Diptera. The phorid 

Megaselia melanocephala parasitizes eggs of the common cave spider M eta menardi 

Latreille. 

Many adult Diptera may shelter or hibernate in caves (see Hutson in Stubbs & 

Chandler, 1978). M a tile (1970) reviews the Diptera fauna of caves worldwide. 

Agricultural and economic importance 

The larvae of a few Diptera regularly attack food crops and farm animals or important 

horticultural plants and may be regarded as pests. These are listed below and the 

more significant species are also included in the notes, illustrations and some keys 

under the appropriate family. Occasional pest species are mentioned under the 

appropriate family. 

The common names used follow Seymour (1979) and useful general texts are 

Edwards, C. A. & Heath (1964) and Buczacki & Harris (1981). 

TIPULIDAE 

Tipula o/eracea Linnaeus 

(crane fly, leatherjacket) 

• T. pa/udosa Meigen 


Nephrotoma appendiculata (Pierre) 


Oats, wheat, turnip, mangold, potato. Worst 

damage in spring, especially on newly ploughed 

land 

Ditto 

Ditto, more frequently in gardens 

BIBIONIDAE 

Bibio marci (Linnaeus) 

(St. Mark's fly) 

Bibio, other spp. 

(March flies) 

Dilophusfebrilis (Linnaeus) 

(fever fly) 

CHIRONOMIDAE 

Bryophaenocladius 

Smillia 

Celery, lettuce, asparagus, grass, Polyanthus. 

Sax ifraga 

Winter wheat, grass, celery, sugarbeet, etc. (see 

Freeman & Lane, 1985) 

Spring barley, grass, maize, sugarbeet, potato, 

lettuce, hops, tomato, chrysanthemum 

Roots of greenhouse plants 

Barley, winter corn, winter wheat 

11

SCIARIDAE 

* Bradysia brunnipes (Meigen) 

(mushroom Sciarid) 

* Lycoriella auripila (Winnertz) 


* L. so/ani (Winnertz) 


Plastosciara perniciosa (Edwards) 

Pnyxia scabei (Hopkins) 

CECIDOMYIIDAE 

Campylomyza ormerodi (Kieffer) 

(red clover gall gnat) 

Contarinia humuli (Theobald) 

(hop strig maggot) 

C. nasturtii (Kieffer) 

(swede midge) 

C. pisi (Winnertz) 

(pea midge) 

C. pyrivora (Riley) 

(pear midge) 

C. tritici (Kirby) 

(wheat midge) 

Dasineura brassicae (Winnertz) 

(brassica pod midge) 

D. leguminicola (Lintner) 

(clover seed midge) 

D. tetensi (Riibsaamen) 

(blackcurrant leaf midge) 

D. trifolii (Low, F.) 

(clover leaf midge) 

Halodiplosis marginata (V on Roser) 

(saddle gall midge) 

Henria psalliotae Wyatt 

(mushroom cecid) 

Heteropeza pygmaea Winnertz 

(mushroom cecid) 

Lestremia cinerea Macquart 

(mushroom midge) 

Mycophila barnesi Edwards 

(mushroom cecid/midge) 

M. speyeri (Barnes) 

(mushroom cecid/midge) 

Mayetiola avenae (Marchal) 

(oat stem midge) 

M. destructor (Say) 

(Hessian fly) 

Resseliella theobaldi (Barnes) 

(raspberry cane midge) 

* Rhopalomyia chrysanthemi (Ahlberg) 

(Chrysanthemum midge) 

Sitodiplosis mose/lana (Gehin) 

(wheat midge) 

PHORIDAE 

* Megaselia bovista (Gimmerthal) 

(mushroom flies) 

*M. ha/terata (Wood) 


Mushroom 

Ditto, also cucumber in greenhouses 


Cucumber seedlings in greenhouses 

Potato; tomato and cucumber seedlings in greenhouses 

Red clover 

Hops 

Swede, cabbage, cauliflower, rape, kale, turnip, 

radish 

Peas (pod & pea) 

Pear 

Wheat; rye, barley 

Rape, cabbage, turnip, radish, mustard, swede, 

beet 

Red and white clover flowers 

Blackcurrant 

White clover leaves 

Wheat, barley 

Mushrooms 





Oats 

Wheat; barley, rye 

Raspberry 

Chrysanthemum 

Rye, oats or barley 

Mushroom 


12

PHORIDAE (cont.) 

*M. nigra (Meigen) 



SYRPHIDAE 

* Eumerus strigatus (Fallen) 

(lesser bulb/narcissus fly) 

*E. tubercula/us Rondani 

(lesser bulb/narcissus fly) 

.Werodon equestris (Fabricius) 

(large bulb/narcissus fly) 

Bulbs of Narcissus. Amaryllis, snowdrops, etc., 

occasionally onion, parsnip, potato 



TEPHRITIDAE 

Euleia ( = Acidia) heracleii (Linnaeus) 

(celery fly) 

Platyparea poeciloptera (Schrank) 

(asparagus fly) 

Celery, parsnip 

Asparagus (no recent records) 

PSILIDAE 

Psi/a nigricornis Meigen 

(Chrysanthemum stool miner) 

* Ps. rosae (Fabricius) 

(carrot fly) 

Chrysanthemum; carrot, lettuce 

Carrot, also parsnip, celery, parsley, turnip 

OPOMYZIDAE 

Geomyza tripunctata Fallen 

(grass & cereal fly) 

Opomyzajlorum (Fabricius) 

(grass & cereal fly) 

Grasses; occasionally wheat 

Grasses; cereals, especially wheat 

EPHYDRIDAE 

Hydrellia griseola (Fallen) & spp. 

(cereal leaf-miners) 

H. nasturtii Collin 

(watercress stem miner) 

Grasses; cereals (see Deonier, 1971: I 06) 

Watercress 

DROSOPHILIDAE 

Scaptomyza apica/is Hardy 

:\GROMYZIDAE 

. .fgromyza nigrella Rondani 

(cereal leaf miner) 

_.f _ rondensis Strobl 

(cereal leaf miner) 

Liriomyza bryoniae (Kaltenbach) 

(tomato leaf miner) 

L congest a (Becker) 

(pea leaf miner) 

L pisivora Hering 

(pea leaf miner) 

Ophiomyia simplex (Loew) 

Phytobia cerasiferae (Kangas) 

Phytomyza horticola Goureau 

P. rujipes Meigen 

P. syngenesiae (Hardy) 

Broccoli, sprouts, cauliflower, turnip, radish & 

watercress; occasionally damages swede, rape, 

kale, mustard 

Winter wheat 


Glasshouse tomato, cucumber 

Pea and bean 

Pea 

Asparagus 

Plum trees 

Pea and bean 

Cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, rape 

Chrysanthemum 

13

CHLOROPIDAE 

Ch/orops pumilionis (Bjerkander) 

( = taeniopus Meigen) 

(gout fly) 

Merornyza sa/tatrix (Linnaeus) 

(grass fly) 

*Oscinellafrit (Linnaeus) 

(frit fly) 

HYPODERMATIDAE 

*Hypoderma bovis (Linnaeus) 

(warble fly) 

H. diana Brauer 

(deer warble fly) 

H. lineatum (Villers) 

(lesser warble fly) 

OESTRIDAE 

Oestrus ovis Linnaeus 

(sheep nostril fly) 

GASTEROPHILIDAE 

Gasterophilus haemorrhoidalis (Linnaeus) 

(nose bot fly) 

G. intestina/is (Degeer) 

(horse bot fly) 

G. nasalis (Linnaeus) 

(throat bot fly) 

G. pecorurn (Fabricius) 

CALLIPHORIDAE 

*Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy 

(bluebottle) 

C. vomitoria (Linnaeus) 

(bluebottle) 

Lucilia caesar (Linnaeus) 

(green bottle) 

* L. sericata (Meigen) 

(sheep maggot fly) 

SCATHOPHAGIDAE 

Nanna ( = Arnaurosorna) spp. 

(timothy flies) 

Norellia spinipes (Meigen) 

ANTHOMYIIDAE 

* Delia antiqua (Meigen) 

(onion fly) 

*D. radicurn (L.) 

( = brassicae) (Wiedemann) 

(cabbage root fly) 

D. cardui (Meigen) 

(carnation fly) 

*D. coarctata (Fallen) 

(wheat bulb fly) 

D. echinata (Seguy) 

(spinach stem fly) 

D.jloralis (Fallen) 

(turnip root fly) 

Barley; wheat, rye 

Grasses; wheat, barley, rye 

Oats; sweetcorn, barley, wheat, rye, maize, ryegrass, 

meadow fescue 

Cattle, occasionally horses 

Deer 

Cattle, occasionally horses 

Sheep, goats 

Horse, donkey 




Sheep (secondary) 


Sheep (occasional) 

Sheep 

Timothy grass; winter rye 

Narcissus (daffodils) 

Onion, leek, shallot, tulip 

Cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts, kale, radish, 

turnip, swede, mustard, beet, celery & stocks 

Carnation 

Wheat, rye, barley 

Spinach 

Turnip, swede 

14

ANTHOMYIIDAE (cont.) 

D. platura (Meigen) 

(bean seed fly) 

Pegohy/emyia gnava (Meigen) 

(lettuce seed fly) 

• Pegomya hyoscami (Panzer) 

(beet leaf miner) 

P. rubivora (Coquille!!) 

(loganberry cane fly) 

Phorbia securis (Tiensuu) 

(late wheat shoot fly) 

P. sepia (Meigen) 

(late wheat shoot fly) 

Bean, turnip, beet, radish, swede, potato, onion, 

pea, cabbage, sprouts, cauliflower, lettuce, rye, 

clover, oats, wheat 

Lettuce 

Mangold, beet, sugarbeet, spinach 

Loganberry, raspberry, blackberry 

Wheat 

Wheat, oats 

Advisory leaflets on the more important species (marked *above) and some under 

crops (e.g. Brassica, mushrooms) are available from the Ministry of Agriculture, 

Fisheries and Food (Publications), Tolcarne Drive, Pinner, Middlesex HAS 2DT. 

In addition to the species whose larvae attack food crops listed above several Cecidomyiidae 

are occasional pests of grasses, trees and shrubs (especially willows, used for 

cricket bats and basket making) and ornamental plants (see Barnes, H. F., 1946-1956); 

several other Agromyzidae also attack garden plants (see Spencer, 1973b ). 

Diptera larvae may be found in buildings associated with food production. Several 

flies breed in poultry houses and the most troublesome is Fannia canicularis Linnaeus 

(Fanniidae) though Muscidae (Musca domestica Linnaeus, Muscina stabulans 

(Fallen) and Ophyra spp.) also occur. Slaughterhouses are frequented by the carrion 

flies Lucilia, Calliphora and Sarcophaga. Kiihlhorn (1964) found 330 species of flies in 

47 families associated with stables. Mushroom houses yield Sciaridae and Phoridae. 

\faggots (gentles) bred commercially for use by fishermen include Calliphora and 

Protophormia. 

Species specifically associated with excrement are discussed under life-histories and 

ecology. 

Other families of Diptera are of some agricultural (including veterinary) and 

economic importance, but not as larvae, e.g. Ceratopogonidae, Tabanidae, Muscidae, 

Hippoboscidae. 

Medical, environmental health and veterinary importance 

The larvae of species which suck blood or transmit disease as adults can be of indirect 

medical or veterinary importance, e.g. Ceratopogonidae, Culicidae, Simuliidae and 

Tabanidae. In these groups (especially abroad) it is often more effective to direct 

control measures against the larvae (mostly aquatic) rather than the adults. Because of 

this the immature stages have been intensively studied and their taxonomy and ecology 

are better known than in other families (see Smith, 1973). The larvae of other families 

may be more directly involved with man. 

Myiasis 

Diptera larvae sometimes feed on or in living animals including man and this condition 

is called myiasis, a term proposed by Hope (1840) in his early treatise on the 

subject. Zumpt (1965) fully covers the subject for the Old World, James (1947) for the 

~World and Smith (1973, world) is useful. Only the (much rarer) British cases 

io\·olving man are cited in detail here though all the families involved are listed. No 

15

doubt many more cases occur than are diagnosed and recorded. Where myiasis is a 

normal way of life for fly larvae in animals this is described under the particular Diptera 

family concerned. The types of myiasis can be further classified as follows. 

1. Blood-sucking maggots. E.g. Calliphoridae (Auchmeromyia senegalensis 

Macquart( = luteola Fabricius), the Congo floor-maggot (Afro-tropical)); Tabanidae 

(in paddy fields in Japan); Therevidae (fig. 161, Smith, 1979a, 1986a, British cases); 

Protocalliphora on birds. 

2. Dermal and subdermal myiasis. Larvae penetrate unbroken skin or enter wounds 

or form boils or other lesions, either at the site of entry or elsewhere, e.g. Calliphoridae, 

Gasterophilidae, Hypodermatidae, Muscidae and Sarcophagidae. 

Oldroyd (1964) reports 'I have known a female Sarcophaga to fly to a coat, the sleeve 

of which had been soiled with blood from a shot pheasant and immediately lay a batch 

of young larvae upon it'. Lucilia sericata (Meigen), a common green bottle, is also the 

sheep maggot fly (fig. 809), the causal agent of sheep strike. Larvae of Lucilia and 

Calliphora may occur in cases of wound myiasis in man and animals. Calliphorid larvae 

(Lucilia sericata, L. caesar (Linnaeus) and Phormia regina (Meigen) have been used 

to clean wounds of necrotic tissue on the battlefield (Hinman, 1933, Imms, 1939, 

Greenberg, 1973) and may even exude an antibiotic (Pavillard & Wright, 1957). Osteomyelitis 

and other kinds of non-healing wounds have also been treated in this manner, 

e.g. heat burns, X-ray burns, varicose and diabetic ulcers, etc. (see also below under 

Musca domestica). 

First ins tar larvae of Gasterophilus can cause a creeping myiasis in man, usually on 

the face and buttocks (Zumpt, 1965) but I know of no British cases. Hypoderma 

may also be incriminated in this category (Smart, 1939) but is usually involved in 

nasopharyngeal myiasis (see below). 

Musca domestica larvae may occur in cases of human myiasis where urine is 

involved: e.g. in neglected cots or napkins of infants (Mumford, 1926, Chapman, R. K., 

1944); in the feet and footwear of incontinent geriatric patients (see also urogenital 

myiasis). M . domestica has also been used to clean gangrenous wounds as the larvae do 

not attack healthy tissue (as other genera will- see above). Healing can commence 

48 hours after treatment begins (Imms, 1939). 

3. Nasopharyngeal myiasis. This includes invasion of the nasal fossae, frontal 

sinuses, pharyngeal cavities, eyeballs, eye-sockets and (aural myiasis) ears, e.g. Calliphoridae, 

Cuterebridae (non-British), Gasterophilidae, Hypodermatidae, Mycetophilidae, 

Oestridae, Phoridae, Psychodidae, Sarcophagidae and Scenopinidae. 

Lucilia has been involved in a case of human aural myiasis in the U.K. (Smart, 1936) 

and several other cases are known from Europe and North America. Occasionally first 

instar larvae (fig. 693) of Hypoderma (mostly lineatum Villers) (warble flies of cattle) 

have been found in the orbit or eyeball of man, which they will completely destroy if 

they are not extracted quickly. I know of only two British cases involving H . lineatum, 

one in Devon (Style, 1924)and the other in the Hope Valley of Derbyshire in 1945 when 

this locality suffered 'the worst "gadfly" epidemic for many years' (Smith, A. & 

Greaves, 1946) (the term 'gadding' of cattle is properly used in connection with their 

response to the attention of the blood-sucking adult Tabanidae). The larvae of Oestrus 

ovis Linnaeus (the sheep nasal bot fly, fig. 684) may also occur in the human eye, but are 

far less serious than Hypoderma since they do not survive beyond the first instar. 

Anderson (1935) found a dead first instar larva of Gasterophilus intestinalis (De Geer) 

in the eye of a patient (in the U.S.A.).It is possible that an egg was transferred by wiping 

the back of the hand across the eye. Zumpt (1965) records (in Africa) seeing G. intestinalis 

repeatedly ovipositing on the backs of human hands when held with the palms 

over horses' lips. 

16

Hurd (1954) records an unique case of 13 larvae of Boletina (Mycetophilidae) and 

several other insects being passed alive from the left atrum of his sinus following 

prolonged use of the aspirator or 'pooter' for insect collecting. 

The occurrence of Psychodidae in nasopharyngeal myiasis involves the non-British 

Clogmia ( = Telmatoscopus) albipunctatus Williston (Mohammed & Smith, 1976) but 

British species occurring in similar habitats (outdoor washtubs, etc.) could be similarly 

incriminated (e.g. Psychoda alternata Say, Ps. albipennis Zetterstedt) already recorded 

in case of intestinal and urogenital myiasis. The accidental inhaling of gravid females of 

these small flies through the mouth or nostrils could have given rise to some of these 

cases and is the probable explanation for the unique case of lung myiasis produced by 

Phoridae reported in a Japanese student and runner (Komori et al. , 1978). 

Larvae of Lucilia, Fannia, Sarcophaga and Oestrus have been recorded in (rare) cases 

of aural miasis. 

4. Intestinal (enteric) myiasis. This category includes larvae adapted to living as 

obligatory parasites in the intestines, e.g. Gasterophilidae (horse bot-flies, see under 

that family) and those that may be accidentally swallowed in food and be passed in the 

faeces and some which may invade the intestine via the rectum as facultative parasites, 

e.g. Anisopodidae, Calliphoridae, Drosophilidae, Ephydridae, Fanniidae, Micropezidae, 

Muscidae, Phoridae, Piophilidae, Psychodidae, Sarcophagidae, Sepsidae, 

Sphaeroceridae, Stratiomyidae, Syrphidae, Therevidae, Tipulidae. 

It is improbable that the majority of ingested fly larvae can survive in the digestive 

tract when this is in a normal state. However, the ingestion of larvae often causes 

diarrhoea and the larvae are then passed out alive in the faeces. Some larvae seem 

especially able to survive such conditions (e.g. Piophilidae, Phoridae). True rectal 

myiasis may occur when flies are attracted to excreta and lay eggs on or near the anus. 

Subsequently larvae may penetrate the posterior part of the rectum and obtain oxygen 

by placing their posterior spiracles in the anal region (causing irritation there). Larvae 

of Eristalis are well adapted to this mode of life and there are many records of their 

involvement in myiasis including Britain (Mumford, 1926; Cookson & Oldroyd, 1937). 

Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus) and F. scalaris (Fabricius) have also been involved in 

rectal myiasis. The larvae of Sarcophaga may cause true rectal myiasis and Zumpt 

( 1965) records larvae of S. cruentata Meigen ( = haemorrhoidalis (Fallen)) seen leaving 

and re-entering the anus of a child (in Sydney). 

5. Urogenital myiasis. There are no obligatory dipterous parasites in the urogenital 

system; all are casual invaders (facultative parasites), e.g. Anisopodidae, Calliphoridae, 

Ephydridae, Fanniidae, Muscidae, Phoridae, Psychodidae, Sarcophagidae, 

Syrphidae, Scenopinidae. 

Sylvicola ( = Anisopus) fenestra/is (Linnaeus) larvae have been recorded from the 

urinary tract of female (Smith & Taylor, 1966) and male (Morris, R. F., 1968) patients. 

Thompson J. H. et al. (1970) record a larva of Scenopinus from the urine of a woman in 

the U.S.A. James (1947) says of Teichomyza fusca Macquart (Ephydridae) that 

·numerous cases of urinary myiasis have been recorded'; some of these are European 

but I know of no British cases (see Fossil section, archaeological sites). Musca domestica 

has been involved in cases of urogenital myiasis and a fascinating account is given 

by Leon (1921) in which a male student in Romania actually ejaculated maggots (also 

summarized in Zumpt, 1965: 34). 

With their predilection for urine, it is not surprising that Fannia canicularis and 

F. scalaris have frequently been involved in this type of myiasis in humans (Haddow 

& Lumsden, 1935). Larvae of Psychoda albipennis, Ps. alternata, Megaselia sp., 

Calliphora vicina and Sarcophaga species have also been reported as causing urogenital 

myiasis. 

Eristalis has been recorded from the vagina of a cow (and tinned pears!). 

17

Forensic or medico-legal importance 

After death animal and human corpses are invaded by a succession of insects and 

other invertebrates associated with the various stages of decomposition. Not surprisingly, 

many of the Diptera involved are of the same families, and frequently the same 

species, as those involved in myiasis. The most important decomposers are blowfly 

(Calliphoridae) larvae of the genera Calliphora and Lucilia. 

Identification of the species involved, combined with a knowledge of their rates of 

development and ecology, enables an estimate of time of death to be made. It may also 

be possible to establish if a body has been moved or concealed for part of the time. The 

faunal succession on carrion is dealt with in the section on life-histories and ecology and 

the forensic aspects are fully covered elsewhere (Smith, 1986b ). 

Another important medico-legal involvement with larvae is their presence on foodstuffs, 

drugs, etc. in domestic or commercial premises. Frequently entomologists are 

asked, usually by environmental health officers, not only to identify such larvae but to 

give additional information on the age of the larva, its country of origin and whether it 

could have survived refrigeration. This enables the possible source and time of infestation 

to be estimated and blame to be apportioned in cases involving prosecution. 

Bus vine ( 1980) is particularly valuable for this type of enquiry and Oldroyd (in Smith, 

1973) is useful. Such enquiries may involve larvae of non-British species and the larvae 

of the commonest of these are included in the present Handbook, e.g. Ceratitis capitata 

(Wiedemann) (Mediterranean fruit fly, in oranges, lemons, mangos, etc.), Rhago/etis 

cerasi (Linnaeus) (cherry fruit-fly in cherries and cherry yoghurt) (both Tephritidae); 

Hermetia il/ucens (Linnaeus) (Stratiomyidae, in tinned tomatoes, black peppers, root 

ginger, mango slices in brine, etc.) (Smith & Chainey, 1989). 

Some common types of 'economic' enquiries involving native British species (plus 

Hermetia illucens) are listed below with the fly larvae involved in order of frequency of 

occurrence in cases I have dealt with over a period of more than 30 years. 

A. Larvae in foods, drinks, etc. 

I. Meat and meat products, poultry, fish, etc.: Calliphora, Lucilia, Hermetia illucens, Sarcophaga, 

Hypoderma (in venison). 

2. Cheese: Calliphora (also butter), Piophi/a, Fannia (sometimes in wrappings of other animal 

protein foods, e.g. butter), Sarcophaga. 

3. Eggs, broken and bad: Muscina (Muscidae), Megaselia (Phoridae). 

4. Milk bottles (empty or full); Spiniphora bergenstammi (Mik) (Phoridae), Drosophila (especially 

D. funebris (Fabricius) and D. busckii Coquillett) (Drosophilidae), Calliphora, Muscina. 

Psychodidae (Psychoda surcoufi Tonnoir), Syrphidae (Syrphini, Eristalis), Trichocera 

(Trichoceridae). 

5. Vegetables & vegetable products: Phoridae, Sciaridae, Hermetia illucens, Syrphidae, 

Lonchopteridae, Chironomidae (Metriocnemus in salads including watercress). 

6. Fruit & fruit products: Eristalis, Tephritidae, Drosophilidae, Hermetia illucens, Muscina 

stabu/ans (Fallen). 

7. Alcoholic & fruit drinks, vinegar, etc.: Drosophilidae larvae may still be recognisable in dehydrated 

food after reconstitution (see Sciaridae). 

B. Larvae in domestic premises 

I. Larvae emerging from soil, cracks in concrete, etc. (especially after heavy rain), in numbers on 

concrete surfaces or indoors: Tipu/a, Lucilia. 

2. Indoors (including upstairs rooms): Volucella (from wasps' nests in loft), puparia of Crataerina 

pallida (from swift and house-martin nests), Calliphora (from nearby corpse (bird, mouse, etc. 

in loft, chimney, under floorboards or carpets)), Scenopinus (in or under carpets), Syrphus 

(from leaves of cut flowers, salads, etc.), Sciaridae in neglected houseplant pots (and Oldroyd 

(1964) records a bizarre case where sciarid larvae infested the mouldy peaty material used as a 

fire-resisting lining in an office safe). 

18

3. In water supply: Chironomidae, Psychodidae, Eristalis (Syrphidae, if water is contaminated). 

4. Faulty or blocked WCs: Leptocera caenosa (Rondani), Fannia, Musca domestica, Eristalis, 

Psychodidae. 

5. In refuse in dustbins: Calliphora, Luci/ia. 

In food products where meat and vegetables (and sauces, pickles, etc.) are mixed, 

some transference may occur to complicate the picture on the plate or in the container 

(e.g. one case where jets of Drosophila larvae were ejected from a plastic tomato 

ketchup dispenser!). 

Larvae of species specific to particular vegetable crops in the field may occasionally 

be transported alive indoors and crawl or drop off the foodplant (e.g. De/ia radicum L. 

( = brassicae), the cabbage root-fly, or aphidophagous Syrphidae). These and others 

are included under species of agricultural importance. 

Larvae of Calliphora on leaving their pabulum to search for suitable pupation sites 

may occur in a variety of indoor situations, e.g. bedrooms (from bird corpse in 'sealed' 

fireplace), in freshly delivered rolls of carpet! 

Adults of several families frequently occur in numbers indoors and a consideration 

of their life-histories may provide clues to their source of origin. 

Predators, parasites and pathogens 

"The difference between ... a carnivore and a parasite is simply the difference 

between living upon capital and income." 

Charles El ton, 1927 

Man certainly plays a large part in controlling the numbers of flies by attacking the 

immature stages either deliberately in controlling economic pests, as food (not intentionally 

in U.K.), or accidentally by his modification of the environment. However, he 

also provides many artificial habitats which favour the development of synanthropic 

Diptera. More specific enemies may be classified as predators or parasites. 

Predators 

Diptera larvae in the soil probably form a regular part of the diets of mammals with a 

5Ubterranean life style: moles, for example, take larvae of Tipulidae, Anisopodidae, 

Bibionidae, Sciaridae, Stratiomyidae, Therevidae, Rhagionidae, Tabanidae, Empididae 

and Anthomyiidae (Godfrey & Crowcroft, 1960). Birds will take larvae near the 

surface, and leatherjackets, for example, are eaten by rooks, starlings, plover, gulls 

and pheasants (Smith, K. M., 1931 ). Carnivorous soil-dwelling invertebrates such as 

centipedes also take fly larvae as food. Some soil-dwelling beetles such as Carabidae 

and Staphylinidae are carnivorous as adults and larvae and feed on Diptera larvae. The 

saaphylinid Aloconota gregaria Erichson may be a significant biological control agent 

against the wheat bulb fly Delia coarctata (Fallen). Predaceous Diptera larvae in 

tbe soil may prey on other Diptera larvae including each other, e.g. Empididae, 

Dolichopodidae (Hobby & Smith, 1961 b). Many beetles, for example Staphylinidae, 

Silpbidae and Cleridae, prey on fly eggs and larvae in carrion, fungi, etc. Wasps take 

Diptera larvae in exposed situations on carrion, etc. 

Aquatic Diptera larvae are subject to heavy predation from fish and some water 

birds (e.g. dippers, ducks) as well as from the orders of insects with aquatic carnivorous 

lanae, such as Odonata, Plecoptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera. Larvae of the 

~nomid genera Cardiocladius and Eukiefferiella will attack Simulium. Larvae of 

_.falfttlrocnema (C/inoceroides) glaucescens (Loew) (Scathophagidae) feed on egg 

19

masses of Dixa (Dixidae) and larvae of Phaonia exoleta (Meigen) (Muscidae) feed on 

mosquito (Culicidae) larvae. 

Some may also be attacked by adult Diptera, e.g. chironomid larvae are attacked by 

adult Dolichopodidae (Hydrophorus, Campsicnemus, Poecilobothrus and Dolichopus) 

(Smith & Empson, 1955). Simuliid larvae have been reported to be attacked by adult 

Empididae (Ciinocerinae and Hemerodromiinae) and Dolichopodidae in Canada 

(Davies, D . M., 1981). 

On plants, predaceous larvae of Lestodiplosis are commonly found feeding on larvae 

of other Cecidomyiidae (Harris, 1966). 

In the U.S.A. water mites have been recorded as predators on the eggs and larvae of 

mosquitoes (Mullen, 1975). 

Parasites 

Parasites of Diptera should always be carefully preserved with all the relevant 

puparial fragments, etc. and data, as much remains to be discovered and many rea rings 

in the literature are in need of careful confirmation. 

The Hymenoptera provide the most important parasites of immature Diptera. A 

general survey is given by Shaw & Askew (in Stubbs & Chandler, 1978) and Smith 

(1974b). The principal parasites are as follows: Ichneumonidae (Phygadeuon (fig. 

1321), Mesoleptus and related genera on fly puparia, Oxytorinae on Mycetophilidae, 

Orthocentrinae on Diptera near the ground, Diplazontinae on aphidophagous 

Syrphidae): Braconidae (Opiinae on plant feeding Schizophora, Alysiinae (figs 1319, 

1320) on Cyclorrhapha); Eulophidae; Pteromalidae; some Ceraphrontoidea; Proctotrupoidea 

(Piatygastridae on Cecidomyiidae); Diapriidae (Diapriinae on cyclorrhaphous 

puparia, Belytinae on Mycetophilidae), Scelionidae, Trichogrammatidae, 

Mymaridae (all of the last three families are egg parasites on some Cecidomyiidae, 

Tabanidae, Rhagionidae and Syrphidae); Cynipoidea (Eucoilidae and Figitidae on 

Cyclorrhapha). 

In the Coleoptera some larvae of Staphylinidae, e.g. Aleochara, are parasites of fly 

puparia, mostly calypterates and especially Anthomyiidae (see Welch, 1965). The 

species of fly parasitised probably varies with the habitat, e.g. Aleochara algarum 

Fauvel is parasitic on seaweed flies such as Coelopa and Orygma, while A. cur tu/a 

(Goeze) is a common parasite in the puparia of blowflies (figs 1322- 1326). 

Parasitism of Diptera by Diptera is not common and the few British records (see 

under family for details) may be summarised as follows: 

Tachinidae: Siphona on leatherjacket larvae of Tipulidae and a Pegomya sp.; 

Admontia (Trichopareia) specialises in Tipulidae in wood, e.g. Ctenophora, Tipula 

irrorata Macquart and T.jlavolineata Meigen. 

Phoridae: Borophaga incrassata Meigen parasitizes larvae of Bibio marci L.; M egaselia 

paludosa Wood attacks leatherjackets; M .jlavicoxa Zetterstedt parasitises larvae of 

Bradysia bicolor Meigen (Sciaridae); and M. obscuripennis Wood is a parasite of larvae 

of Trichosia (Sciaridae). 

In the U .S.A. Macronychia (Sarcophagidae) has been reared from adult Tabanidae 

and some Tachinidae have been reared from larval and adult Tabanidae (Thompson, 

P. H ., 1978). In Australia a tachinid has been reared from an adult Atherigona (Muscidae) 

(Smith, 1974c, Ferrar, 1977). 

Parasitic fungi probably also take a steady toll oflarvae, as they do of adults, though 

few are recorded specifically from Diptera larvae in the literature (Leatherdale, 1970). 

I have found the larvae of Lonchaea palposa Zetterstedt infested with the 'green 

muscardine' fungus Metarrhizium anisopliae (Metsch) (Smith, 1957b). D'Arcy-Burt 

( 1987) reports the hyphomycete Tolypocaladium cylindrosporum Gams from the larvae 

of Bibionidae. Abroad, but not yet in Britain, species of Coelomomyces fungi have been 

found in the larvae of mosquitoes. 

20

Various micro-organisms may infest dipterous larvae, e.g. viruses, bacteria, Protozoa, 

nematodes (fig. 1318), cestodes and trematodes. A general survey is given by 

Carter (in Stubbs & Chandler, 1978). 

The micro-fauna and flora of dipterous larvae is a subject ripe for careful research. 

Fossil larvae and pupae 

Diptera larvae are sometimes, though rarely, preserved as fossils and, if carefully 

examined under the microscope in an oblique light, may be identified to families. Often 

these fossils are rather faint but details can be enhanced by moistening the surface with 

a thin film of water or 80% alcohol for short periods. However, great care should be 

taken that the rock containing the impression of the fossil is not soluble (e.g. if gypsum 

is present) by testing areas clear of the fossil. A useful recent reference is Whalley & 

Jarzembowski (1985). For fossil Diptera in general Rohdendorf (1974) and Hennig 

( 1981) should be consulted. 

Many insects (often fragmented), especially Coleoptera, are found by archaeologists 

during their excavations. The insect fauna on such sites is usually in the region of 

prehistoric refuse dumps or cess pits and the immature stages of Diptera are frequently 

represented as follows: Tipulidae (especially larval head capsules), Chironomidae 

(larval head capsules), Drosophilidae (puparia), Sepsidae (puparia), Ephydridae 

( Teichomyza and Scatella puparia), Sphaeroceridae (puparia), Scathophagidae 

(puparia), Muscidae (Musca, Muscina, Neomyia ( = Orthellia), Eudasyphora 

( = Dasyphora), puparia or parts of). 

Puparia are often darkened and may be covered in debris. They should be soaked in 

cold I 0% KOH, cleared of debris, then teased apart so that the mouthparts can be 

extracted from the puparial cap (see also collecting, preservation, etc.). Some useful 

references for identification are Phipps (1983), Skidmore (1985) and Smith (1986b). 

Collecting, rearing, preservation and examination 

Dipterists collecting adults usually use nets, and larvae are rarely seen. In fact Diptera 

larvae are more likely to be encountered by specialists in other groups of insects 

using entirely different collecting methods. It is therefore well worth while educating 

colleagues to collect alive any Diptera larvae they may find. This casual method of 

collection should not be spurned as it often yields Diptera larvae of considerable 

interest of which the adults may be only rarely seen. 

The systematic collecting of larvae does present certain problems as the extent of 

possible habitats is so large that some form of sampling is necessary. The types of 

habitat occupied by fly larvae are outlined under the section on life-histories and 

ecology and the collecting methods employed must be dictated by the microhabitat 

favoured and the known, or suspected, behavioural characteristics of the groups to be 

collected. 

Having collected larvae in a given habitat it is important to ascertain where and on 

what they were probably feeding. Some larvae occur in strictly defined habitats but 

others such as certain soil-dwelling larvae may also be found in leaf-litter, wood debris 

or dung. Among aquatic larvae some normally associated with running water can be 

found in still water and some terrestrial larvae may be found in aquatic moss. The 

larvae may move from one microhabitat to another during their life-history. For 

example, semi-aquatic larvae may move to drier habitats for the purpose of pupation, 

and carrion-feeding calliphorid maggots migrate from carrion for a considerable distance 

prior to pupation. All possibilities of this sort should be considered when examining 

samples and where possible the larvae should be grouped into similar types and 

21

sizes and some of each kept alive for possible rearing to adult in order to establish 

identity. Pupae or puparia should be kept alive. 

Glass or plastic tubes or tins are suitable containers for keeping terrestrial larvae 

alive, together with some of the pabulum in which they were found. Aquatic larvae 

should be placed in suitable jars or bottles. Larvae suspected of being carnivorous 

should be kept singly. 

Useful equipment for collecting terrestrial larvae includes a small trowel for soil 

sampling, a strong knife for splitting bark, wood, etc., a sieve or nest of sieves of graded 

mesh size, forceps, a fine paint brush (for tiny delicate larvae), a white sheet or dish for 

sorting, a notebook, adhesive labels and pencil. A pooter or insect aspirator could be 

useful in some dry situations but must be of the 'blow' type to avoid health hazards (see 

section on Medical Importance). 

For aquatic species a strong metal-framed pond net is essential; a wire hook for 

securing weed is useful and a strong stick for turning stones and a large white tray for 

sorting. 

A useful way of sorting soil indoors is by floatation in which the sample is immersed 

and broken up in a solution of magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts) at a strength of about 

one pound (0.488 kilo) to one gallon (4.55litres) of water. The larvae float on the 

surface (puparia often around the edges) and should be picked off quickly as this 

solution can anaesthetise aquatic animals. An alternative solution can be made using 

some common salt in water. The floatation methods only work for free-living larvae 

and are no substitute for careful hand searching which may also yield larvae hidden in 

cocoons and silken tubes. 

Soil-dwelling species may be sampled by using a solution of orthodichlorobenzene 

(Jeyes' Fluid). About half-an-ounce (14 g) of the liquid to one gallon of water is poured 

on cleared ground at the rate ·of 2 gallons (9.1 litres) of the mixture per square yard 

(0.83 sq. m). Any larvae should surface before half an hour or so (see Brindle & Smith, 

in Stubbs & Chandler, 1978). 

Further information on collecting and equipment is given in Oldroyd (1970a), 

Brindle & Smith (in Stubbs & Chandler, 1978), Cogan & Smith (1974) and Southwood 

(1978). 

Rearing is only of value if the larvae or puparia are segregated into suitable individual 

containers so that the immature stages can be linked to the subsequent adult and 

identification confirmed. As far as possible the conditions in which the larvae were found 

shou"td be re-created in miniature, especially humidity. Humidity or moisture gradients 

can be achieved by tilting containers containing moss, soil and a little water so that subaquatic 

larvae can choose the level that best suits them. A range of plant (or animal) food 

collected in the larval habitat should be provided as possible food for the larvae, care 

being taken not to introduce anything likely to prey upon the larva. Close observation 

and care is necessary until it is clear that the conditions provided are satisfactory. 

Containers can vary from tins, gauze topped tubes or jars, petri dishes, etc., whichever 

seems best to fit the particular moisture requirement without encouraging mould. 

Rearing larvae of unknown habits and identity is not easy but the interest and 

satisfaction of possibly establishing a new life-history and describing a hitherto 

unknown larva is sufficient reward for making the attempt. Wong (1972) reviews 

rearing techniques. 

Larvae selected for preservation are best killed in hot (60-70oC) water if this is 

available. This also expands the larvae which can then be placed and stored in 80% 

alcohol with a little glycerine added to guard against drying out through evaporation. 

A better medium for preservation is Berlese preservative which is prepared in a similar 

way to Berlese mountant (see below), but without gum arabic. This is a clear fluid that 

does not set and specimens may be kept in it indefinitely and mounted as required. If it 

thickens because of evaporation it can easily be thinned with small amounts of distilled 

water. 

22

Specimens preserved in alcohol may need to be softened and cleared to facilitate 

microscopical examination or the preparation of permanent mounts on microscope 

slides. The larvae should be placed in 10% caustic potash and left overnight or the 

process can be accelerated by placing the specimen in caustic potash in a small tube 

immersed in boiling water. Very small, delicate larvae should be watched carefully 

during this process as they may clear too quickly. The specimens should then be 

transferred to glacial acetic acid for 5- 10 minutes and finally placed in a drop ofBerlese 

preservative in a watch glass or on a cavity slide for examination or dissection under a 

low power stereoscopic microscope. It is better to attempt identification before making 

a permanent mount as it is often essential to manoeuvre the specimen into different 

positions. As one proceeds with identification it soon becomes clear from the key 

characters if dissection will be necessary and if a permanent mount of the whole or a 

part of the specimen needs to be made for more detailed study under a compound 

microscope. 

Permanent slide mounts can be made by transferring the specimen from glacial acetic 

acid into clove oil and then into Canada balsam. However the refractive index of 

Canada balsam is such that fine structures may be difficult to see and a far superior 

medium for temporary slides is Swan's Berlese Mountant which is made as follows 

(formula after Dr K. M. Harris): 

Gum arabic . . 

Chloral hydrate . 

Glacial acetic acid 

50% wjw glucose syrup 

Distilled water . . . 

12g 

20g 

5ml 

5ml 

30-40ml 

Measure ingredients into a beaker or wide-mouthed bottle (the glucose syrup is 

made by dissolving a given weight of glucose in an equal weight of distilled water). 

Place in gentle heat (slide-oven at 35°C) for 24 hours or more, stirring occasionally 

until ingredients dissolve. Leave for a few days until debris from the gum arabic 

settles and then decant clear fluid into a clean screw-top bottle. If necessary, 

evaporate water by leaving the open container in a slide-oven for a few days, until 

drops of mountant retain their shape on a slide rather than spreading over the 

surface. 

It is usually necessary to examine the slides from time to time, topping up with 

mountant to compensate for evaporation. After the slides have dried for a few 

months (minimum of 3 weeks at 35°C) they should be ringed to prevent further 

evaporation. Unfortunately most ringing reagents react with the mountant and 

crystallization still occurs so that permanent slides should be made with Euparal, 

mounting direct from 95 % alcohol or propanol. 

If only empty puparia are available they can be treated in the same way as larvae, 

but it should be remembered that puparial caps may become detached and these are 

important since they contain the mouthparts of the last instar larva which can be 

used in identification. The spiracles of the final instar larvae are also present on the 

puparium. 

A useful ruse for the rapid examination of the posterior spiracles of dead large firm 

larvae or puparia (alive or dead) is to plunge them head down in some I /4" depth of fine 

sand in a watch glass which holds them in position under the microscope. 

Users of this Handbook are hardly likely to need the use of the scanning electron 

microscope. Nevertheless, for the clarification of minute structures at the limit of the 

light microscope the instrument opens up new dimensions in larval study. The SEM 

has transformed our understanding of the functional morphology of egg and larval 

structures (e.g. Hinton, 1981). The techniques of preparation of larval material for 

SEM examination are described by Grodowitz et al. (1982). 

23

Biology and morphology of the immature stages 

Diptera are holometabolous insects with a complete metamorphosis of four stages: 

egg, larva, pupa and adult. 

During growth the larvae of most Diptera pass through a series of moults, the period 

between the moults being called ins tars. Moults that take place soon after hatching and 

just prior to pupation are easily overlooked but those that take place during the active 

feeding period are easily observed. 

Nematocera usually have the largest number of moults, e.g. four instars in Culicidae 

and six or seven in Simuliidae. Among Brachycera, some Tabanidae have up to nine 

instars and may take up to two years to complete their development. The maggots of 

Cyclorrhapha usually have three instars and most feeding and growing is done in the 

third instar. 

Some larvae of Cecidomyiidae reproduce by paedogenesis, i.e. reproduction by an 

animal that becomes sexually mature before reaching the adult form . In this method of 

reproduction a few (up to about 35) large eggs are produced which can be seen through 

the larval cuticle. These become larvae and feed on their parent larva from inside (fig. 

118). This condition can continue for several generations without the appearance of an 

adult. These midges (e.g. Miastor) thus reproduce like aphids and remain in their 

birthplace producing a great mass oflarvae which may be found under the bark oflogs. 

Eventually the daughter larvae will cease to produce eggs and pupate normally. Both 

sexes are produced in this way though of course all offspring of one larva are of the 

same sex as the parent larva. These paedogenetic larvae do not develop a sterna! spatula 

but it reappears when pupation is imminent which confirms the function of this structure 

as a prerequisite to pupation. Pupal paedogenesis is also known in the British 

species Henria psalliotae Wyatt, a pest of mushrooms. This reproductive pupa is called 

a hemipupa (Wyatt, I. J., 1961). 

Some Chironomidae appear to be paedogenetic but actually the adult female lays her 

eggs while she is still inside the pupal skin and is thus a pharate adult. 

In most Nematocera and Brachycera the fully fed larvae form pupae but in 

Cyclorrhapha the last (third) instar larva forms a puparium from the last larval skin 

inside which it pupates. Stratiomyidae are exceptional in the Brachycera in not shedding 

the last larval skin when they pupate but this appears to be a protective device unrelated 

to the cyclorrhaphous puparium. Some Nematocera also pupate inside the last larval 

skin, e.g. Mayetiola and Chortomyia (Cecidomyiidae), some Scatopsidae, Penthetria 

holosericea Meigen (non-British- Bibionidae) and the non-British Perissomatidae. 

Eggs 

The eggs of flies are generally oval or spindle-shaped, white or pale yellow and 

relatively featureless to the naked eye. Under the microscope many are seen to have a 

sculptured surface and some also have horns, stalks or a raised network of ridges. These 

surface features are largely respiratory adaptations to prevent the eggs from drowning 

after rain and function as a respiratory plastron which holds a thin film of air, as in 

many aquatic beetles and bugs (Hinton, 1961 ). The ornamentation of an egg increases 

surface tension and may cause it to float, and the eggs of aquatic species may have more 

elaborate floatation devices (e.g. mosquitoes, figs 976-978). At the head end of the egg 

is the micropyle (fig. I 023), an opening for the admission of sperm. 

The largest number of eggs (c. 2,000) is produced by some aquatic flies whose larvae 

suffer enormous mortality from predation (e.g. Chironomus plumosus L.). Female 

blow-flies (Calliphora) lay about 300 eggs, usually in several small batches. The female 

housefly (Musca domestica L.) lays eggs singly in small or large batches at the rate of 

I 00-150 per day up to I ,000. At the other extreme, Hippoboscidae and other Pupipara 

mature only one egg at a time, nurture it internally and eventually deposit a fully 

24

grown larva. Some families (e.g. Sarcophagidae) are normally viviparous and produce 

living first stage larvae, but when food is scarce even the bluebottle (Calliphora, 

Calliphoridae) will retain its eggs and produce living first stage larvae. 

Probably the eggs of the majority of Diptera are dropped in flight and roll into 

crevices in the ground but some are placed more deliberately and individually on a 

suitable medium in which the larvae can develop and this is especially so with parasitic 

species. 

Hinton (1981) does not include Diptera in his tabulation of parental care in insects 

but Atherix (Athericidae) exhibits something approaching this. The females practise 

communal egg-laying on leaves overhanging streams where they then die in masses like 

swarms of bees. The larvae hatch in the midst of the dead and dying females and drop 

into the water. Females of the Nearctic tabanid Goniops chrysocoma Os ten Sacken stay 

with their eggs until they hatch. 

There is no general work on the identification of the eggs ofDiptera but illustrations 

of a wide range of eggs are given in this Handbook (figs 968-11 08). The major work of 

Hinton ( 1981) on insect eggs will be found useful, especially on microstructure (see also 

Salkeld, 1980). 

Since the egg is so neglected in descriptions it is worth remembering that this stage 

can often be obtained from live female adults whose identity can usually be established 

with certainty. Eggs may also be recovered from dry museum specimens when the 

ovipositor and abdomen are being macerated prior to dissection and study. The precise 

site of capture of the female, coupled with the structure of the egg and ovipositor may 

also yield clues as to possible oviposition media in which development may take place 

(Smith, in Stubbs & Chandler, 1978: 247). 

Larvae 

The larvae of Diptera are very variable in appearance but may be distinguished from 

most other insect larvae by the lack of jointed thoracic legs, a rather slender form and 

usually active directional movement. A general study of larval morphology is provided 

by Teskey (in McAipine et al. 1981) which has proved invaluable in the preparation of 

the following brief account. Some detailed studies of particular larval structures are 

cited in the appropriate sections below. 

Head 

The structure of the head varies considerably but three types may be recognised: 

eucephalic- with a well-developed head capsule and distinct, toothed mandibles which 

move against each other in a horizontal or oblique plane (most Nematocera, figs 2-4); 

hemicephalic-with the head capsule incomplete, partly retractile, and sickle-shaped 

mandibles which move in a vertical plane (Orthorrhapha-Brachycera, figs 166-167, 

170, 185); acepha/ic-the head capsule is further reduced and retracted into the thorax 

and forms, with the mouthparts, a cephalopharyngea/ skeleton (Cyclorrhapha, fig. 788). 

In the Cecidomyiidae the head capsule is almost absent except for the sterna/ spatula 

(sometimes referred to as the 'breastbone'), a peculiar ventral structure which is 

regarded as characteristic of the family though even this is absent in some species 

(figs. I 05-116). It is present only in the third ins tar (but not in paedogenetic forms) and 

is used for tunnelling in the soil. 

Some aquatic nematocerous larvae (e.g. Simuliidae, Culicidae, some Chironomidae), 

in addition to the mandibles, have the labrum modified into mouthbrushes 

(figs 43-44, br) which are used to sweep microplankton towards the mouth opening. In 

some aquatic non-predaceous Nematocera (e.g. Anisopodidae, Culicidae, Psychodidae, 

Ptychopteridae, Scatopsidae, Trichoceridae and some Tipulidae) the pharynx 

has a complex filtering apparatus for straining food particles from the water. Except 

for some aquatic larval Stratiomyidae this structure is absent in larvae of the 

25

Orthorrhapha-Brachycera which are mostly predaceous. In these Brachycera the 

pharynx is sclerotized and in some families (e.g. Dolichopodidae, Empididae, Stratiomyidae) 

may also be fused with the internal skeleton of the head. In the Cyclorrhapha 

the head consists of an outer membranous segment and the internal cephalopharyngeal 

skeleton, a characteristic feature of the familiar maggot type of larva. The cephalopharyngeal 

skeleton is normally divisible into three main parts: the basal or pharyngeal 

sclerite (ps); the intermediate or hypopharyngeal sclerite (hs) (tentoropharyngeal) and 

the mouth hooks or mandibles (m) (fig. 788). The pharyngeal sclerite consists of a pair 

of roughly U-shaped sclerites on either side of the pharynx. The two arms of each of 

these sclerites are called the dorsal (de) and ventral cornua (vc) (singular cornu) or 

'wings' and the latter are fused to the pharynx on each side. The pharyngeal sclerites 

may be joined by a bridge anterodorsally and a pair of slender parastomal bars may 

project from the anterior margin above the hypostomal sclerite (fig. 788, p). Below the 

basal part of the mandible there may be a dental sclerite (ds) and beneath (Muscidae, 

fig. 911, ob, ar) or between (Calliphoridae, fig. 788) the apices of the mandibles other 

accessory oral sclerites (os) may be present. Papers by Roberts (1969- 197la) should be 

consulted for a detailed discussion of the mouthparts of larval Diptera in relation to 

feeding habits. A knowledge of the functional morphology of mouth parts may provide 

important clues as to whether or not an unidentified larva is the cause of primary 

damage to its host. 

The antennae (fig. 2) are usually close to the anterior mandibular articulations near 

the anterodorsal corners of the genae (cheeks). They may be very small (e.g. 

Anisopodidae, Bibionidae, Ptychopteridae, some Psychodidae, many Mycetophilidae) 

and are normally subdivided into three divisions (though in some Chironomidae seven 

may be evident). In Chaoboridae the antennae have evolved into prehensile structures 

with apical spines used for capturing prey (fig. 45, an). 

The eyes are also located on the genae. In the Nematocera and orthorrhaphous 

Brachycera the eyes are usually simple (double in many Chironomidae) but in some 

Culicidae and Chaoboridae a compound eye is present, in front of the simple eye 

(ocellus). Little work has been done on the eyes oflarval Diptera but Roberts (1970b) is 

useful. An egg-burster or hatching spine may be present on the head of the first instar 

larva of some Diptera (fig. 984) (see Edwards, F. W., 1919; Madwar, 1934; Hinton, 

1981 ). Egg-bursters in Diptera require further investigation (see Smith, 1955a). 

Body 

This is very variable in shape. Most Nematocera and some Brachycera are slender 

and subcylindrical; Therevidae, Scenopinidae and some Ephydridae and Canacidae 

are spindle-shaped (fusiform); Cyclorrhapha and Xylophagidae are markedly 

narrowed anteriorly; Fanniidae, Lonchopteridae, Platypezidae, Stratiomyidae and 

Xylomyidae are dorsoventrally flattened; Chaoboridae and Culicidae have a swollen 

thorax; Simuliidae are swollen posteriorly while some Syrphidae and parasitic groups 

are generally stout; Conopidae are pear shaped and Microdon (Syrphidae) species are 

hemispherical. 

Nematocera usually have 12 body segments, other Diptera 11. Three of these 

segments comprise the thorax and the remainder the abdomen. Variation in the 

numbers of abdominal segments nearly always involves a decrease in Nematocera and 

an increase in other Diptera. 

In the Chaoboridae, Culicidae and Simuliidae the three thoracic segments are fused. 

In the Anisopodidae and Psychodidae subdivision of the segments, or pseudosegmentation, 

occurs (figs 40, 70, 71). The Therevidae and Scenopinidae have 20 segmental 

divisions. 

The cuticle ofDiptera larvae is usually only weakly sclerotized and non-pigmented, a 

condition probably explained by their mainly concealed mode of life in a humid terrestrial 

atmosphere or by the adoption of an aquatic or semi-aquatic environment. Larvae 

26

living in a drier pabulum have a tougher cuticle to protect them from abrasion and 

water loss (e.g. Asilidae, Xylophagidae). The larvae ofStratiomyidae and Xylomyidae 

have a tough cuticle of a shagreened appearance caused by the deposition of calcium 

carbonate, apparently an adaptation to either periodic drought in normally moist 

terrestrial or temporary aquatic habitats (Hinton, 1953), or for survival in acid 

conditions which cannot be tolerated by the larvae of other species not having this 

characteristic (McFadden, 1967). The larvae of some Pericoma species (Psychodidae) 

are covered in a layer of mud trapped by curved hairs on the dorsal surface. 

In colour the larvae of most Diptera are yellowish or whitish, probably reflecting 

their habit of usually living in concealment (e.g. in soil, dung, stems, wood, leaf mines, 

etc.). Larvae that live on the surface of plants may be greenish, especially if they feed on 

the plants (e.g. Tipulidae, subfamily Cylindrotominae). The larvae of aphidophagous 

Syrphidae also live on the surface of plants, searching for their prey and are often quite 

brightly coloured. The red coloration of some larval Chironomidae is due to haemoglobin 

in the haemolymph. Similarly the brownish colour of some Tabanidae is due to 

coloration of the haemolymph. Some Tipulidae have dense microtrichia on the cuticle 

which may give them a grey or golden (some Limoniinae) appearance. 

In addition to hairs and bristles, which may be modified, the cuticle ofDiptera larvae 

may have minute spicules, and scale-like, larger projections. These may be arranged 

in groups or patterns and thus be of use taxonomically. Tubercles or larger fleshy 

processes may also be present on the body segments, especially on the last segment 

where they may form a series around the spiracles: their particular arrangement can be 

of use in identification. 

Some cuticular outgrowths may be used in locomotion. True jointed thoracic legs are 

never present in Diptera, but two types of false legs have evolved. Prolegs usually occur 

in pairs, ventrally, on the thoracic and anal segments, and sometimes on the abdominal 

segments (figs 20 I, 938). These pro legs bear one or more locomotory spinules at their 

apices (figs 152-156, 938, 945). Creeping welts are transverse swollen ridges usually 

found on the anterior ventral margins and sometimes the anterior dorsal margins of the 

first seven body segments. These locomotory welts usually have transverse rows of 

spinules, the microstructure and arrangement of which may have diagnostic importance 

(figs 529, 564). Larval creeping welts are commonest in Schizophora but also 

occur in some Nematocera, and Brachycera-Orthorrhapha. Some non-British species 

(e.g. Blephariceridae and some Psychodidae) have developed suction discs which 

anchor them in swiftly flowing water. Other backwardly directed bristles or spines or 

cuticular ridges may also assist in locomotion. Roberts (1971b) discusses locomotion 

by apodous cyclorrhaphan maggots. 

Respiratory System 

There are seven main types of respiratory system in the larvae ofDiptera (fig. 1) and 

these may vary not only between taxa or habitat types occupied but also between 

instars of the same species. The systems described below refer to the final instar 

larvae. Detailed discussions of respiratory systems and their systematic importance are 

provided by Keilin (1944) and Whitten (1959). 

The holopneustic type is the basic system in which 10 pairs of spiracles are present, 

located on the prothorax, metathorax and eight of the abdominal segments (not on 

segment 9 in British genera). This condition occurs only in Bibionidae (figs 1, 74) and 

the non-British Pachyneuridae and Cramptonomyidae. In larval descriptions the 

prothoracic spiracles are called the anterior spiracles and those on the anal segment 

are termed the posterior spiracles. Both pairs are larger than the other, abdominal, 

spiracles. 

In the peripneustic system the metathoracic spiracles are absent and this is characteristic 

ofCecidomyiidae, Mycetophilidae (sub-family Ditomyiinae), Scatopsidae and the 

non-British Synneuridae and Pachyneuridae other than Pachyneura. 

27

Posterior spiracles are lacking in the hemipneustic system which is represented by 

Sciaridae and most Mycetophilidae. 

The amphipneustic system has only the anterior and posterior pairs of spiracles. It 

is the commonest system in Diptera and typical of Anisopodidae, Psychodidae, 

Thaumaleidae, Trichoceridae (and the non-British Axymiidae and Tanyderidae) in the 

Nematocera and most other Diptera. 

In the propneustic condition only anterior spiracles are present. This respiratory 

system occurs only in some Mycetophilidae (Diadocidia species and some Sciophilinae). 

The metapneustic system in which only the posterior spiracles remain is found in 

some larvae living in aquatic or semi-aquatic conditions in the families Culicidae, 

Dixidae, Ptychopteridae, and Tipulidae in the Nematocera, and the Tabanidae in the 

Brachycera. The Tabanidae do have anterior spiracles but they are extruded just before 

pupation and it is not known if they are functional. 

When spiracles are completely absent (although tracheae are always welldeveloped) 

the condition is said to be apneustic. Such larvae are aquatic (except 

Keroplatinae, Mycetophilidae) and include the Ceratopogonidae, some Chaoboridae 

(Chaoborus}, most Chironomidae, Simuliidae (and the non-British Blephariceridae, 

Deuterophlebiidae and Nymphomyiidae) in the Nematocera; Athericidae and 

Empididae in the Brachycera; and some representatives of other families. 

The respiratory system may differ between instars, e.g. Mycetophilidae and 

Sciaridae are metapneustic in the first ins tar, propneustic in the second and third ins tars 

and hemipneustic in the fourth (final) ins tar. In Cyclorrhapha the first ins tar larvae are 

metapneustic and the second and third (final) instar are usually amphipneustic. 

Spiracles vary in structure and Keilin (1944) recognised three types (in final stage 

larvae). In the first type the spiracular opening through which the trachea of the 

previous instar is withdrawn becomes the spiracular opening of the following instar 

(e.g. Culicidae, Tabanidae). In the second type the spiracular opening is closed and in 

the following instar forms a scar around which perforated oval or linear air intakes 

open (e.g. most Nematocera and Brachycera). In type three the spiracular opening of 

the second instar forms a scar near the inner margin of the spiracular plate and the 

number of air intakes opening around the scar is usually reduced (e.g. Cyclorrhapha). 

A very useful 'spot character' of the larvae of most Cyclorrhapha is that in the three 

instars each posterior spiracle has one, two or three respiratory slits respectively (figs 

786, 790). The spiracular plate upon which the posterior spiracles are situated has a 

margin or peritreme. The arrangement and shape of the spiracular slits and the state of 

the peritreme (complete or incomplete) provide valuable diagnostic characters in the 

Cyclorrhapha. 

In the majority of the Nematocera the posterior spiracles are usually sessile but in 

the Brachycera and Cyclorrhapha they are raised above the body surface on short 

processes. Larvae living in liquid or semi-liquid media may have the spiracles each 

situated at the end of two short processes (Scatopsidae) or together at the end of a 

relatively short respiratory siphon (e.g. Psychodidae, Culicidae, Stratiomyidae, 

Tabanidae and Ephydridae) or at the end of a long and sometimes retractable siphon 

(e.g. Ptychopteridae; Eristalis and some other Syrphidae; Aulacigastridae). 

Some Stratiomyidae exhibit another adaptation to an aquatic existence: they have 

the posterior spiracles enclosed in a small chamber (atrium}, the opposing edges of 

which are fringed with hairs which enclose a bubble of air when the larva submerges 

(fig. 135). The same effect can be achieved by the anal lobes especially when they are 

fringed with hairs (e.g. Tipulidae (fig. 27) and Dolichopodidae (figs 208- 209). The 

spiracular pit in Sarcophaga (fig. 781) may have a similar function. 

The posterior spiracles of Chrysogaster (Syrphidae, fig . 258) and Notiphila 

(Ephydridae, figs 615-616) are modified into a respiratory spine used to pierce and 

draw air from tissues of aquatic plants. Structurally similar spines are found in some 

Tabanidae but are not situated at the point of air intake, and spiracular spines of 

28

unknown function are present in some Acalyptrates (e.g. Clusiidae, Lonchaeidae, 

Micropezidae and Psilidae). 

In the Cyclorrhapha the anterior spiracles often have several openings, the number 

and arrangement of which may provide characters of taxonomic value. 

In many aquatic or semi-aquatic larvae of Nematocera, anal papillae may be 

present, near or within the anus on the last abdominal segment. These appear to have 

mainly an osmoregulatory function (Wigglesworth, 1938; Brindle, 1952) but when well 

tracheated have been called tracheal gills, though the respiratory function is in doubt. 

A list of the late Professor H. E. Hinton's important contributions to our understanding 

of respiratory systems in Diptera (and other insects) is included in the 

bibliography of his publications at the end of vol. 3 of his work on insect eggs (Hinton, 

1981 ), and a few are cited at appropriate places in this Handbook. 

Useful works on the identification of larvae are cited in the introduction and under 

each family below. A major work on the larvae ofCyclorrhapha has been published as 

this work goes to press (Ferrar, 1987). 

Pupae 

The pupae of Diptera are of two main types. 

In obtect pupae (figs 1109-1148) the head appendages, wings and legs are visible and 

lie in sheaths attached to the surface of the body (e.g. Nematocera and Brachycera). 

Obtect pupae are mostly immobile although they can move by wriggling the abdomen. 

Pupae of this type may be enclosed in a silken cocoon covered with soil or other 

particles. Pupae of aquatic species may be able to swim actively (e.g. Culicidae, 

Chironomidae, Chaoboridae). The abdominal segments and head often have bristles 

or hairs which help the pupa move through or break out of the soil, wood or other 

medium in which it has developed. The adult emerges through a rectangular or T 

shaped rupture (from which the name Orthorrhapha is derived: Gr. ortho-straight, 

raphe-suture). 

The pupae of Forcipomyia and Atrichopogon retain the larval skin over the apical 

half of the body (fig. 1120). Only a few other Orthorrhapha do this, e.g. Stratiomyidae 

(entire cover), Scatopsidae (thorax free), Dactylolabis and Cylindrotoma (Tipulidae) 

(partially covered) and some Chironomidae that pupate inside a tube or case do not 

free themselves from a larval skin until they wriggle out to escape to the water surface. 

The second type of pupa is found in Cyclorrhapha and is exarate, i.e. the appendages 

are free. However the pupa is rarely visible as pupation takes place inside the last larval 

skin or puparium (figs 792-793), 1149-1286) which is rounded, hardened and tanned. In 

some families the pupa or puparium may be concealed inside a cocoon made by the 

larva before pupariation (figs 1142, 1145, 1156, 1272). The adult emerges by inflating a 

large sac on its head, the ptilinum, which lifts a circular cap off the puparium (from 

which the name Cyclorrhapha is derived: Gr. cyclos-round; raphe-suture). The 

puparial cap splits in two, and one half contains the mouthparts of the final ins tar larva. 

The mouth parts, in conjunction with the posterior spiracles retained on the surface of 

the puparium, may render identification ofpuparia possible. This can be invaluable in 

certain types of investigation especially forensic and archaeological work (Smith, 

1986b), when puparia are frequently the only material available for study. 

Most pupae breathe entirely through the thoracic spiracles which are sometimes 

produced into pupal horns (figs 1110--1122, 1143-1145). In some aquatic species such 

pupal horns may be sharp and capable of piercing plant tissues in order to obtain 

oxygen. 

The pupal stage is often neglected in descriptions of the immature stages unless it 

is the stage most frequently found (e.g. Asilidae, Sphaeroceridae) or of particular 

taxonomic or economic (especially medical) importance (e.g. Culicidae, Simuliidae, 

Chironomidae). 

29

To facilitate approximate identification a range of pupae and puparia is illustrated 

(figs 1109-1286) for most families. Brauns (1954b) is useful for terrestrial species and 

other works dealing substantially with pupae are indicated under the appropriate 

families (see Ferrar, 1987 for Cyclorrhapha). 

Classification, nomenclature and use of keys 

As far possible the sequence of families, subfamilies, tribes and genera follows that of 

the Diptera Check List (Smith et al., 1976) for the convenience of users of the Handbook 

series. Sometimes the only workable keys to larvae are based on a classification different 

from that now used for the adults (e.g. Syrphidae) and in such cases explanatory 

comments are given. Where recent taxonomic research on adults has led to changes in 

the nomenclature, status, or generic placing of well-known species (such as pests) 

adequate synonymy is cited under the appropriate family treatment. Colloquial names 

for pest species, plant crops and other familiar plants and animals are given in addition 

to their scientific names at the first (or most important) citation. 

In using the keys it should constantly be borne in mind that many genera, species and 

even some families are unknown in the immature stages and therefore the full range of 

morphological variety is unknown. Particularly in the Acalyptratae couplets may lead 

to a choice of families and several families run through to more than one place in the 

keys. It is intended that identifications should be attempted by combining use of the 

keys with a consideration of habitat and pabulum (using the introductory sections in 

combination with the index) in conjunction with the figures. In this way it should be 

possible to identify many of the Diptera most commonly found as larvae or pupae, 

including all species of economic, agricultural, medical and veterinary importance. As 

far as possible I have aimed to include all those Diptera whose immature stages are 

regularly submitted to entomologists as 'economic enquiries'. 

Notes on the illustrations 

'As far as I am a judge, nothing would recommend entomology more than 

some neat plates that should well express the generic distinctions of insects 

according to Linnaeus; for I am well assured that many people would study 

insects, could they set out with a more adequate notion of those distinctions 

than can be conveyed at first by words alone.' 

Gilbert White, 1771 

The illustrations are meant to supplement the text with the following aims: 

(I) facilitating identification as far as family and tribe in conjunction with the keys; 

(2) to show the range of form and to illustrate particular environmental adaptations; 

(3) to facilitate the identification to genus and species of selected Diptera such as pest 

species, well known 'text-book' species and common readily encountered species of 

value for teaching or demonstration, or frequently found during faunistic surveys. 

Attempts at identification by perusal of the whole insect figures alone should be 

practised with extreme caution making particular scrutiny of structural details and 

scanning all the figures. Convergence through adaptations to similar environmental 

requirements may result in remarkably similar superficial appearances between several 

taxonomically widely separated species, e.g. compare figs 1027 and 1059; figs 239 and 

903; figs 20 I, 617 and 938 etc. 

Allowance should be made for some variation in the structures illustrated, particularly 

in the pigmentation of the cephalopharyngeal skeleton. Apart from some 

expected variation within a species there is evidence of geographic variation. Published 

30

figures of the same species by different authors always show some slight differences. 

Skidmore ( 1985) frequently illustrates more than one example of mouth parts in species 

of Muscidae and the differences illustrate this point. Mandibular wear may occur in 

older larvae of a given instar (the sterna) spatula of Cecidomyiidae may also become 

worn). The number of rays on an anterior spiracle may differ by one or two, even on 

each side of the same larva. The length of the caudal lobes may vary within a species in 

response to the amount of moisture in the habitat (see under Scatopsidae). 

However, by careful use of keys, illustrations, text (introductory and under the 

family) and index the author believes it should be possible to identify nearly all Diptera 

larvae to family, most to genus and a large number to species, including all of the 

so-called 'pest' species. 

To save space in the figure legends (and to avoid irksome abbreviations) the cephalopharyngeal 

skeleton is referred to as 'mouthparts' throughout and acknowledgements 

to published sources of many of the figures are given at the beginning of the book. 

31

32 

Key to suborders of British Diptera larvae

Key to families for final stage larvae of British Nematocera 

Head greatly reduced and lightly sclerotized; mouthparts indistinct but a variously shaped, 

prothoracic, 'sterna! spatula' is usually present ventrally (figs 103- 116). Larvae small, 

inactive; pink, red, orange, yellow or white in colour. Respiratory system peripneustic or 

apneustic. Frequently inhabiting plant galls but also under bark where larvae may occur in 

masses, also found in soil or humus (figs 101- 122) Cecidomyiidae (p. 52) 

Head usually distinct and forming a sclerotized capsule; without a sterna! spatula; 

respiratory system variable 2 

2 Head capsule complete or incomplete and reduced to a number of longitudinal sclerotized 

rods but always retractile, to some degree, into the thorax. Larvae usually medium to large 

in size, elongate; active (carnivorous species) or slow moving (herbivores); yellowishwhitish 

or dark brown to greyish in colour; respiratory system usually metapneustic, with 

one pair of spiracles on the last segment frequently surrounded by fleshy lobes (figs 10-29) 

or rarely apneustic (e.g. the aquatic Antocha); prolegs sometimes present (Pediciini) 

usually found in marshy soils but also in drier soils, in mosses, decayed or dead wood and 

sometimes aquatic (figs 9- 29) . Tipulidae (p. 35) 

Head capsule complete and non-retractile into the thorax; respiratory system usually 

otherwise 3 

3 Abdomen long and slender with posterior margins of segments swollen and with a long 

retractile respiratory tube on the anal segment, terminating in small unbranched anal 

papillae; in saturated marshy soils and mud (fig. 41) Ptychopteridae (p. 38) 

Abdomen not so long and slender; any respiratory tube much shorter, thicker, and nonretractile 

4 

4 Prolegs present on at least one body segment 5 

Prolegs absent 9 

5 Paired pro legs on first two abdominal segments only; dorsum of abdomen may have rings (r) 

of setae on some segments; anal segment tapering posteriorly and with a dorsoventrally 

flattened leaf-like process (p) on each side. Very active larvae usually curved in a U-shape 

in life; on surface or slower moving water, on wet rocks or mosses (fig. 42) . 

Dixidae (p. 39) 

Pro legs either on thoracic segments or on posterior abdominal segments 6 

6 Head capsule with a pair of conspicuous, folding, dorsolateral mouth-brushes (labral fans) 

(fig. 69); abdomen conspicuously swollen distally; anal segment with circlet of minute 

hooked spines. Larvae sessile, usually anchored by the circlet of spines on the anal segment 

to pad of silk attached to stones, weed, etc. in flowing water (figs 68-69) . 

Simuliidae (p. 45) 

Head capsule without such conspicuous mouth-brushes (Culicidae have hair tufts each side 

of the labrum); abdomen not conspicuously swollen distally; not sessile . 7 

7 Paired prolegs present on the first thoracic segment and on the last abdominal segment, with 

(figs 65- 66) or without (fig. 67) (except some Orthocladiinae, see below) additional gills. 

Larvae active, aquatic or terrestrial; aquatic larvae frequently swim with a looping 

movement (figs 53-67) . Chironomidae (p. 43) 

Pro legs on thoracic segments only, and not paired but fused and appearing bifurcated 8 

8 Body smooth, almost parallel-sided; without prominent setae but with sclerotized darker 

dorsal areas; respiratory system amphipneustic with the anterior spiracles on a short stalk 

and the posterior spiracles opening into a transverse cleft between fingerlike processes on 

the 8th abdominal segment. On rocks, mosses, etc., washed by a film of water 

(hygropetricous); larval movement active and sinuous (fig. 47) . Thaumaleidae (p. 41) 

Body not smooth, less parallel-sided with conspicuous setae which may be long and filiform 

(figs 49) or spatulate (fig 48). Larvae slow; found in moist habitats, in soil, under bark, with 

water drops often adhering to the setae (figs 48-49) . Ceratopogonidae (part) (p. 41) 

9 Body slender (almost thread-like) with uniform bead-like segments and conspicuous setae 

present only on terminal abdominal segment. Movement active, sinuous; in wet mosses 

(e.g. Sphagnum), sand of river banks or sometimes freely aquatic (figs 50-52) 

Ceratopogonidae (part) (p. 41) 

Body not so slender or smooth . 10 

10 Thoracic segments fused and wider than the rest of the body 11 

Thoracic segments not fused nor distinctly wider than the rest of the body 12 

33

ll Antennae (an) prehensile (adapted for holding or seizing), with long strong apical spines; 

without distinct mouth-brushes; thorax and 7th abdominal segment with paired pigmented 

air sacs (as). Larvae active, but hold a horizontal position in the water betwee n 

movements; in still or slow moving water (figs 45-46) . Chaoboridae (p. 39) 

Antennae not prehensile, without strong apical spines; with distinct mouth-brushes, one on 

each side of labrum (figs 43-44, br); no pigmented air sacs. Larva active but usually hold 

an oblique (fig. 44) (horizontal in Anopheles fig. 43) position at the surface of the water 

between movements; in still or slow moving water (figs 43-44) . Culicidae (p. 39) 

12 Body with short tubercles or spinous processes on all segments; anal segment with longer 

processes; respiratory system holopneustic with 10 pairs of spiracles. Larvae inactive, 

characteristically curved in life; usually communal in decaying organic matter, rich soil, 

plant roots, dung, etc. (figs 74-78) Bibionidae (p. 47) 

Body otherwise; less than 10 pairs ofspiracles present . 13 

13 The two posterior spiracles each on the tip of a cylindrical process (except Eclaetia fig . lOO). 

Larvae usually dark or at least brown or yellow and rather hairy; very inactive; in dung, 

soil or in drier habitats with decaying material, e.g. birds' nests, tree holes (figs 92 ~ 100) 

Scatopsidae (p. 50) 

The two posterior spiracles not on such processes 14 

14 Last abdominal segment usually with a short non-retractile respiratory tube (figs 30, 32) or 

tergites of body with numerous distinct transverse sclerotized plates (figs 31 ~ 39) (except 

Trichomyia, fig 40); sometimes body with numerous processes. Larvae rather inactive, in 

decaying organic matter in aquatic or semi-aquatic situations (figs 30-40) 

Psychodidae (p. 37) 

Last abdominal segment without such a tube; abdomen without distinct transverse 

sclerotized plates . 15 

15 Abdominal segments subdivided superficially into 3 more or less equal parts (fig. 5); 

posterior spiracles surrounded by four fleshy lobes (figs 6-8). Larva whitish to brownish, 

slow moving; in drier dung, soil, or in moist habitats with decaying organic material 

(figs 2~ 8) Trichoceridae (p. 35) 

Abdominal segments not subdivided superficially into three more or less equal parts . 16 

16 Abdominal segments 2-6 divided superficially into two unequal parts (figs 70-71); posterior 

spiracles surrounded by 5 reduced lobes (figs 72~73). Larvae slender, active; in moist 

habitats where decaying organic material occurs, in deliquescent fungi, or in drier habitats 

such as dung, soil, old plant stems, etc. (figs 70-73) . Anisopodidae (p. 46) 

Abdominal segments not so divided; sometimes superficially ringed but in this case the rings 

are narrow, darker and equal; anal segment without lobes. Larvae usually white with 

contrasting darker, often black head capsule . 17 

17 Head capsule ventrally with epicranial plates meeting only at one point (or not meeting, 

Diadocidiinae) so that the posterior tentorial bridge is absent (fig. 86); or if the bridge is 

partly formed the abdominal creeping welts have sclerotized spicules. Larvae usually 

white, sometimes dull yellow to bright green; usually in fungi , under bark, in silken webs in 

holes in old tree trunks, in soil, decaying plants, roots etc . Mycetophilidae (p. 47) 

Head capsule ventrally meeting at two points, the posterior tentorial bridge (ptb) being 

complete (figs 87~88) or nearly complete; abdominal creeping welts without sclerotized 

spicules. Larvae white with black head capsule; in decaying plant material, animal 

excrement, rotten wood attacked by fungus, some in old nests of mammals and birds, 

sometimes mass movements in large columns . Sciaridae (p. 50) 

34

Notes on families of Nematocera 

Trichoceridae 

(Figs: larvae 2- 8, egg 968, pupa 1109) 

The family Trichoceridae (winter-gnats) contains about 112 species in 5 genera of 

which 9 species in 2 genera are known in the larval stages. In Britain 2 genera are 

represented: Diazosoma hirtipenne Siebke which is unknown in the larval stage and 

Trichocera with 9 species of which 6 are known in the immature stages. 

Trichocerid larvae are cylindrical and a little depressed, yellowish white to reddish 

brown in colour and amphipneustic. The cuticle is covered with fine pubescence. The 

posterior spiracles are surrounded by four fleshy lobes. In T. saltator (Harris) the 

dorso-lateral lobes are pigmented right up to the spiracle (fig. 7), in T. hiemalis (De 

Geer) the pigmentation ends short of the spiracle (fig. 6) and in the remaining species 

the lobes are unpigmented (fig. 8). 

The larvae are saprophagous and feed on decaying organic material. They have been 

found in potatoes, turnips and mangold-wurzels which have partly decayed when 

stored in pits during the winter. T. saltator and T. regelationis (L.) occur in dung; 

T. annulata (Meigen) and T. saltator have been recorded from human corpses and 

probably occur on other carrion during the winter; I have received T. saltator from a 

bottle of milk. Larvae also occur in fresh and decomposing fungi. 

The morphology of the larva and pupa ofT. hiemalis is described by Keilin & Tate 

( 1940). Keys to species are provided by Brindle (19621), C. Dahl ( 1973) and Smith 

(1986b). 

Tipulidae 

(Figs: larvae 9- 29, eggs 969- 973, pupae Ill Q-1111 , emergence of adult 1327) 

The Tipulidae (crane-flies) is the largest family ofDiptera (s~ also Tachinidae) with 

about 13,500 described species of which 303 species, representing 41 genera, occur in 

the British Isles. Of the British fauna about 150 species, representing 39 genera, are 

known in the larval stage. Larvae of the subfamilies Tipulinae and Cylindrotominae 

are fairly well known but in the Limoniinae many species are unknown in the immature 

stages. Larvae of the three sub-families may be separated as follows (after Brindle, 

1967). 

Posterior spiracular disc with six lobes which are flattened or cylindrical, sometimes reduced 

in size and rarely entirely sclerotized (figs 10-14) . . . . . . . . . Tipulinae 

Spiracular disc with five or fewer lobes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

2 Body with prominent processes, at least half as long as the body width and arranged in 

longitudinal rows (figs 17- 20) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cylindrotominae 

Body without prominent processes; at most with tubercles which are much shorter than half 

the body width (figs 21 - 29) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Limoniinae 

Tipulinae. The larvae of this subfamily include the familiar 'leather jackets' and are 

very similar in appearance: usually cylindrical, rarely depressed; with a tough unpigmented 

cuticle, usually clothed in short, usually dense, pubescence. The colour may 

vary with the type of soil in which the larvae are found. There are invariably 6 anal lobes 

around the posterior spiracles. These lobes vary in size and degree of sclerotization 

according to the habitat in which the larvae are found. Soil is the main larval habitat 

with divergence into decaying wood (Ctenophora) and mosses (Dolichopeza) , while 

some are aquatic (Prionocera, Tipula maxima Poda). In pasture soil some species attack 

the roots of cereals, root crops, vegetables such as Brassica, and also damage many 

35

herbaceous garden plants. The main pest species is Tipula paludosa Meigen which 

occurs in all soil types (clay, marl, peat, sand). The worst attacks occur in the spring, 

especially on young plants of crops sown on freshly ploughed grassland when the 

leather jacket population may be as high as hundreds of thousands per acre. Usually 

Jeatherjackets feed on roots and underground stems just below the soil surface but on 

warm nights they will feed on the surface, cutting off the plants at soil level. Sometimes, 

especially after heavy rain, they will be forced up through cracks in concrete, between 

paving stones etc and become trapped on the surface in very large numbers on hard 

areas into which they cannot burrow, such as paths and concrete surrounds of houses, 

and thus be reported as a nuisance. 

Brindle (I 967) keys the genera and species of this subfamily. The common 'pest' 

species usually found in pasture soil or gardens may be identified as follows. 

Dorsum of prothorax with two raised welts (fig. 16). (N. appendiculata (Pierre) ( = maculata 

Meigen) is a common garden species) . . . . . Nephrotoma spp. 

Dorsum ofprothorax without raised welts (fig. 15). . . . . (Tipula sp.) 2 

2 Dorsal pairs (dl) of anal lobes sclerotized to tip (fig. 13) . . . T. vernalis Meigen 

Dorsal lobes not sclerotized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

3 Only the lateral pair (lp) of anal papillae elongated, the ventral (vp) being rounded (fig. 10) 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. paludosa Meigen 

At least two pairs of elongated, tapering, anal papillae, lateral (lp) and ventral (vp) . 4 

4 Pigmented marks between spiracles obvious (fig. 12), pigmented borders of anal lobes 

darker, disc whitish yellow, larva yellowish brown in colour, not translucent . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. czizeki De Jong 

Pigmented marks between spiracles weak, often absent (fig. 11), pigmented borders of anal 

lobes lighter, disc whitish, larva greyish, rather translucent . . . . T. oleracea L. 

Cylindrotominae. The four British species of this subfamily have very distinctive 

caterpillar-like larvae which feed openly on the leaves of marsh plants. 

Diogma glabra/a (Meigen) (fig. 17) is green in colour and occurs in terrestrial mosses, 

usually on stones in limestone woodlands; Triogma trisulcata (Schummel) is dark 

brown or brownish green and occurs in semi-aquatic mosses (e.g. Hypnum cuspidatum) 

on moors; Phalacrocera replicata (L.) (fig. 19) is dark brown, paler below and is found 

on aquatic mosses (e.g. Hypnumfluitans or Sphagnum) in acid pools on moors or in 

woodlands; Cylindrotoma distinctissima Meigen is light green, darker dorsally and 

feeds on the leaves of Caltha, Viola, Stellaria, Anemone, etc. 

Brindle ( 1967) keys the British genera and species. 

Limoniinae. The larvae of this subfamily can be approximately separated into four 

tribes as below. 

Brindle ( 1967) keys the British genera and species so far described as larvae and Crisp 

& Lloyd (1954) give much useful biological information. 

Limoniini - larvae without obvious anal lobes, frequently living in silken tubes, 

herbivorous. Larvae occur in wet earth, decaying vegetation immersed in water or 

mud, on partly submerged stones in shallow streams, on piles and bridge piers where 

they feed on algae. Larvae of Limonia (Geranomyia) unicolor Haliday feed on algae on 

marine structures washed by the tide. L. nubeculosa Meigen (fig. 29) is a very common 

species beneath leaves in woods. There are 58 British species in 7 genera in this tribe of 

which some 25 species of Limonia s. I. are unknown in the larval stage. 

Pediciini - larvae with two anal lobes, free living and carnivorous. The larva of 

Pedicia rivosa L. (fig. 25) has four pairs of creeping welts or tubercles which lack ventral 

hook-like spines at the tip. It is fairly common is aquatic or semi-aquatic mosses or in 

decaying vegetation in boggy places near streams and springs, where it feeds mainly 

on Diptera larvae (e.g. Chironomidae, Ceratopogonidae). Another common species 

Dicranota bimaculata Schummel has 5 pairs of well developed ventral pseudopods, 

36

which have prominent curved rows of hook-like spines at the tip (Figs 22-23). It is 

found in aquatic mosses or in marshy soils, mud or gravel near streams and rivers, 

where it feeds mainly on small worms (Oiigochaeta). Uta occurs in fungi. There are 19 

British species in the 3 genera in this tribe of which some species of Dicranota are 

unknown in the larval stage. 

Hexatomini -larvae with 4 anal lobes, free living and carnivorous. The larvae of 

Hexatoma (fig. 27) are greenish and occur in sand by the edges of rivers and streams and 

share with the subgenera Phylidorea and Elaeophila of Limnophila and some Pi/aria 

species the characteristic swollen penultimate abdominal segment (though this may 

occur only in preserved larvae). There are 42 British species in 8 genera of which the 

larvae of 11 species (4 Paradelphomyia, 2 Pi/aria, 5 Limnophila s. /.)are unknown. 

Eriopterini - larvae with 5 anal lobes, free living, herbivorous. This, the largest 

tribe, is the least well known in the immature stages because of their smaller size 

and burrowing habits. However, they can occasionally occur in large numbers, e.g. 

Rhypholophus haemorrhoidalis Zetterstedt (almost black in colour) and Erioptera lutea 

Meigen. The larvae and pupae of E. squalida Loew have piercing spiracles 

with which they obtain oxygen from the roots of aquatic plants (Glyceria maxima) 

(Houlihan, 1969). Of the 96 British species in 14 genera only 18 species in 9 genera are 

known as larvae. 

Psychodidae 

(Figs: larvae 30-40, egg 974, pupa 1112) 

The family Psychodidae (moth-flies) contains some 1200 world species of which 84 

species representing some 16 genera occur in the British Isles. Larvae of the British 

species may be grouped into three sub-families and separated as follows. 

Abdomen ending in a tubular siphon which bears the posterior spiracles at its apex and a pair 

of fan-like brushes (figs 30-37) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psychodinae 

Abdomen not ending in a tubular siphon; posterior spiracles on each side of 8th abdominal 

segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

2 Body without conspicuous setae (fig. 40) . . . . . . . . . . . Trichomyiinae 

Body with conspicuous setae (fig. 39) . . . . . . . . . . . Sycoracinae 

Psychodinae. The genus Psychoda contains 15 British species of which the larvae of 

13 are described and keyed by Satchell (1947). Psychoda alternata Say, Ps. albipennis 

Zetterstedt) ( =severini Tonnoir) and Ps. cinerea Banks are frequently found in sewage 

bacteria beds. Ps. alternata (figs. 30, 31) is known as the trickling filter fly (see also 

under Phoridae) and the larvae also occur in rotting seaweed and the sodden refuse of 

disused farm feeding troughs, washings from animal cages, kitchen sink U-traps, etc.; it 

appears to show a preference for foul and wet habitats but not cow dung. Several 

species of Psychoda regularly breed in cow dung and others occur in decaying 

vegetation. The common Ps. albipennis (figs 32-33) has been reared from horse and 

cow dung and rotting carrots; it has also been involved in cases of human urogenital 

myiasis (Zumpt, 1965). The larva of Ps. brevicornis Tonnoir (figs 35- 36) is adapted to 

feeding on the surface of dung and differs from other dung-feeding species in having a 

lateral fringe of hairs to keep it afloat on the semi-liquid medium and only a short 

respiratory siphon. Ps. surcouji Tonnoir is another cow dung species, but larvae occasionally 

occur in milk bottles (see also Phoridae and Drosophilidae for this habit). 

Ps. lobata Tonnoir occurs in fungi. 

Satchell ( 1949) described 15 of the 24 British species of Pericoma then recognised but 

Vaillant (1971-1976) has since transferred several species to other genera. The larvae 

are heavily pigmented and occur amongst clumps of damp moss and algal mats bordering 

the margins of streams where several species may be found in numbers quite close 

37

together. P. trivia/is Ea ton (figs 37- 38) is a common species, the larvae of which may be 

seen creeping about on the surface of mud, though the mud particles trapped in the 

dorsal setae may render them inconspicuous apart from the winding tracks left by 

their movements. The larvae of P. trifasciata (Meigen) and P. calcilega Feuerborn are 

normally thickly encrusted with lime. 

The larva of Philosepedon humeralis (Meigen) (fig. 34), the only British representative 

of the genus, feeds in dead snails (Vaillant, 1961; Smith & Grensted, 1963). 

Only three of the 17 British species of Telmatoscopus are known in the larval stage; 

they should be sought at the edges of ponds or lakes where the ground is moist and 

occasionally submerged, though Withers (1986) records T. tristis Meigen and T. 

advenus Eaton from tree rot-holes. 

Jung (1956) keys and describes some Panimerus, Threticus and Clytocerus larvae. 

The immature stages of other British genera and species remain undescribed from 

native material but Vaillant (1971-1976) should be consulted for descriptions of some 

and notes on the likely habitats in which to search for others (but frequently under 

names differing from the British Check List). 

Trichomyiinae. The larva of Trichomyia urbica Curtis, the only British species, is 

found in the rotting wood of fallen trees where it makes a gallery running in the 

direction of the grain (Keilin & Tate 1937). The body, unlike that of other Psychodidae, 

is devoid of long setae and the head is strongly chitinized (fig. 40). 

Sycoracinae. The larvae of this subfamily are associated with fast streams and waterfalls 

where they live on rocks in the splash zone or near the surface. Sycorax silacea 

Curtis (fig. 39), the only British representative of the subfamily, resembles a small water 

louse (Asellus) and is found among mosses or rotting leaves in such situations. 

An account of the British species of Psychodidae, by Mr P. Withers, is in press. 

Ptychopteridae 

(Figs: larva 41 , pupa 1113) 

The family Ptychopteridae contains more than 60 world species in three genera. In 

~ritain the family is represented by only the genus Ptychoptera with 7 species of which 6 

have been described in the larval stage. 

The larva (fig. 41) is very distinctive, with a long, narrow cylindrical body 

terminating in a long retractile respiratory siphon. It is whitish-grey in colour, 

frequently with a pair of brownish eye-spots. The respiratory system is metapneustic. 

Small prolegs, each with a single hook-like spine (vh) are present on abdominal segments 

1- 3. The presence of lateral and median brushes on the labrum, and of setal 

brushes on the mandibles (md) and maxillae suggest a detritus feeding habit. 

Ptychoptera larvae are semi-aquatic and inhabit saturated mud, or shallow muddy 

pools in marshes, Sphagnum pools, or the margins of streams. Larvae of P. contaminata 

(L.) prefer mud covered with water and having a high organic content; they are usually 

common around farmyard pools and similar situations. P. albimana(F.)is usually found 

in mud without a high organic content, e.g. open marshes, thin woodland; P. lacustris 

Meigen and P. pa/udosa Meigen (and P. longicauda Tonnoir teste R.l. Vane-Wright) 

occur most frequently in woodland streams, in medium or dense shade; P. scutel/aris 

Meigen is restricted to acid pools with Sphagnum, often at high altitudes in upland 

marshes; P. minuta Tonnoir has been found in a drainage channel around peaty fields. 

Brindle (1962d, 1966) and Hansen (1981) provide keys to the known British larvae 

with descriptions and ecological notes and Miall ( 1985) gives some interesting 

behavioural notes. 

38

Dixidae 

(Figs: larva 42, pupa 1114) 

Most of the 200 known species of Dixidae are Holarctic. Three genera are 

recognised, two of which occur in Britain: Dixa with 6 species and Dixella with 8 

species. The immature stages of all British species are known. 

The larvae are aquatic and are found at the surface of the water which has earned 

them the common name of meniscus midges. The resting larva adopts a U-shaped 

position (fig. 42) and joins the drift when disturbed. They are usually in contact with a 

plant, leaf, stone or piece of wood, where they feed on microscopic organic particles 

and microorganisms swept in by the labral brushes. Dixa is usually found in running 

water (though always marginal) and Dixella in still water, while both genera occur 

in slow-moving water. Dixa larvae sometimes form a significant component of the 

invertebrate fauna occurring in the downstream drift in rivers and streams. 

Disney (I 975) keys the British species in the larval, pupal and adult stages. The two 

genera may be separated as follows. 

Usually five (3- 7) or six (2- 7) of the abdominal segments each with a dorsal ring or 'crown' of 

hairs (fig. 42,r) (poorly developed along anterior and posterior sectors in D. puberula 

Loew) . . . . . . . . . Dixa 

Abdominal segments without dorsal rings of setae . . . . . . . . . . DixeUa 

Chaoboridae 

(Figs: larvae 45-46, eggs 975, pupa 1115) 

Most of the 100 or so known species ofChaoboridae occur in the Neotropical region. 

The group was formerly regarded as a subfamily of the Culicidae but is now almost 

universally accepted as separate family. Three subfamilies are recognised, only one 

of which (Chaoborinae) occurs in Britain, where it is represented by two genera, 

Chaoborus with 4 species and M ochlonyx with 2 species. 

Chaoborus larvae have long been known as 'phantom' larvae because of the 

remarkably transparent body. The larvae of Mochlonyx are less transparent than 

Chaoborus. Hydrostatic organs enable chaoborid larvae to float in a horizontal 

position in mid-water waiting for their prey (mosquito and mayfly larvae, Daphnia, 

Cypris, etc). The larvae of Chaoborus are found in a wide variety of lakes and ponds 

while Mochlonyx larvae prefer pools in woodland (M. culiciformis De Geer) or acid 

moorland (M. fuliginosus Felt). Larvae of the two genera may be separated by the 

following couplet. 

Thorax not greatly swollen, and not much wider than abdomen; head longer and narrower, 

eyes smaller; anal segment without siphon; respiratory system apneustic (fig. 45) . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . Chaoborus Lichtenstein 

Thorax greatly swollen and much wider than abdomen (fig. 46); head shorter and broader, 

eyes larger, anal segment with siphon; respiratory system metapneustic . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mochlonyx Loew 

Brindle ( 1962) keys the larvae of all the British species of the family and gives notes 

on their ecology, and Miall ( 1895) also gives an account of the immature stages. 

Culicidae 

(Figs: larvae 43, 44; eggs 976-978; pupa 1116; adult emergence 1329) 

Over 3000 species of true mosquitoes have been described and three subfamilies of 

worldwide distribution are recognised. Two subfamilies occur in Britain: Anophelinae, 

39

epresented by a single genus (Anopheles) with 5 species, and Culicinae, with 5 genera 

and 27 species. Larvae of the two subfamilies found in Britain may be distinguished as 

follows: 

Eighth abdominal segment without an elongate dorsal siphon (fig. 43), larvae resting 

horizontal to the water surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anophelinae 

Eighth abdominal segment with a dorsal siphon which is longer than broad (fig. 44), larvae 

resting obliquely to the surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Culicinae 

The final stage (fourth ins tar) larvae of the British species are keyed by Snow ( 1984); 

Cranston et al. ( 1987) provide keys to fourth ins tar larvae, pupae and adults. 

All mosquito larvae are aquatic but occur in a variety of habitats and ecologically 

may be referred to four groups. 

I. Domestic species (adults overwinter indoors): Anopheles atroparvus van Thiel (brackish 

water), A. messeae Falleroni (permanent ponds, slow streams), Culiseta ( = Theobaldia) 

annulata Schrank (foul or brackish water in stagnant ponds, tanks. waterbutts, etc.), 

Culex pipiens L. typical form (natural and artificial collections of fresh, foul or brackish 

water), C. pipiens form molestus Forskal (usually in water below ground level in semi 

darkness). 

2. Salt-marsh species (on or near coasts): Aedes caspius Pallas (brackish water, also in sewage 

effluents), A . detritus (Haliday) (brackish or saline water), A. dorsalis (Meigen) (brackish 

water). 

3. Arboreal species (tree-holes): Anopheles plumbeus Stephens, Aedes geniculatus (Oiivier), 

Orthopodomyia pulcripalpis (Rondani). 

4. Rural species (non-domestic, in ground waters usually away from coasts): all the remaining 

species. 

Some species on the British List have only been recorded once or twice, but because 

of their medical importance are worthy of further attention. Aedes aegypti (L.) is the 

principal vector of urban yellow fever abroad and although temperature requirements 

preclude it from becoming established in Britain under natural conditions, there was a 

local outbreak of yellow fever in Swansea in 1865, almost certainly from a single 

generation introduced from a ship. The species is extensively cultured in laboratories 

and escapes may occur. Larvae of Anopheles algeriensis Theobald have been recorded 

only once from three localities in Norfolk where they occurred (and persisted for some 

years) in extensive shallow puddles among thick sedges on the marshes adjoining 

Hickling Broad. This species is doubtfully indigenous but investigations by a resident 

in the area would be worthwhile as it is one of the species capable of transmitting 

malaria and the disease used to occur in East Anglia. The species has recently been 

discovered in Anglesey (Morgan, 1987). Locally contracted cases of malaria can still 

occur in the U.K. in the vicinity of airports when mosquitoes are inadvertantly 

imported in aircraft. Aedes leucomelas Meigen has only been recorded once from 

Britain (Widmerpool, Notts, May 1919) and Culex modestus Ficalbi has only been 

recorded in 1944-1945 in the Portsmouth area. 

Apart from these 'exotic' species there is still much to be learned about the larvae of 

most mosquitoes, especially on their precise feeding habits and distribution. 

The larvae of Anopheles collect their food at the surface and of Culicines below the 

water surface. Two different methods of feeding are adopted: by nibbling algae, dead 

leaves, etc. (e.g. Aedes, except A. cinereus Meigen) or by movements of the mouth 

brushes (figs 43, 44, br) which create a whirlpool bringing floating organic particles into 

the mouth (remaining genera and species). 

Mattingly (1969) has drawn attention to the interesting problem of mouthbrush 

polymorphism and particle size of food taken, which can apparently vary during a 

life-history and requires further investigation. 

40

There is an active mosquito recording scheme (organiser Dr Keith Snow, Northeast 

London Polytechnic) which prospective researchers on the family are recommended to 

support. 

The eggs of Anophelinae have floats and are laid singly (fig. 978). Eggs ofCulicinae 

lack floats and may be laid singly on soil etc. in seasonally dry pools (Aedes, fig 977) or 

in batches or rafts on the surface of the water (Culex, fig 976). Christophers ( 1945) has 

written on the structure and function of Culex egg rafts. 

The pupa (fig. 1116) is comma shaped and swims with violent lashing movements of 

the abdomen. It rests at the surface where it takes in air through respiratory trumpets 

which extend internally into the thoracic spiracles. In Anophelinae the trumpets are 

more or less conical; in Culicinae they are more or less cylindrical. 

While this Handbook was in press an important work on the larval habitats of 

mosquitoes appeared (Laird, 1988). 

Thaumaleidae 

(Figs: larva 4 7, pupa 1117) 

The 60 known species of Thaumaleidae are mostly Holarctic in distribution. Five 

genera are recognised of which only one, Thaumalea, is represented in Britain by 3 

species. 

The immature stages are aquatic. The larvae (fig. 47) resemble those ofChironomidae 

but have spiracles on the prothoracic and terminal abdominal segments and the 

thoracic prolegs are unpaired (see key). They are found where clean water flows in thin 

films over rocks so that their backs are exposed above the surface. They feed on 

vegetable debris and diatoms. Saunders (1923) describes the larva of Th. testacea 

Macquart but immature stages of the other two species are undescribed. 

Ceratopogonidae 

(Figs: larvae 48- 52, egg 979, pupae 1118- 1120) 

About 4000 species of Ceratopogonidae (biting midges) have been described 

throughout the world, and 154 species in 17 genera (several divided into numerous 

subgenera) occur in Britain. Four subfamilies are recognised of which Leptoconopinae 

does not occur in Britain. The larvae lack functional spiracles and respiration is 

cuticular or via anal blood-gills. 

The immature stages of most genera are aquatic and are found in streams, ponds, 

lakes, salt-marshes or water in tree holes. Some genera have terrestrial immature 

stages and others are semi-aquatic in wet soil, rotting wet wood or other decomposing 

vegetable matter. The adults of some genera are of medical and veterinary importance 

due to their habit of sucking vertebrate blood (e.g. Culicoides in Britain) and their 

potential role in disease transmission. Because of this, the larvae of the family, 

especially the blood-sucking genera, have attracted a certain amount of research but 

much remains to be done. The subfamilies occurring in Britain may be identified in the 

larval stages by the following key. 

Thoracic prolegs present; body with conspicuous hairs often arising from raised tubercles 

(figs 48-49), often terrestrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forcipomyiinae 

Thoracic pro legs absent; body without conspicuous body hairs or tubercles 2 

2 Posterior pro leg present with spines and hook lets (fig. 50). Usually crawling Dasyheleinae 

Posterior proleg absent, but last segment with hairs; body very smooth, whitish or 

translucent (figs 51- 52). Usually fast swimming with snake-like motion Ceratopogoninae 

Forcipomyiinae. This subfamily contains only two British genera, i.e. Forcipomyia 

(fig. 48) and Atrichopogon (fig. 49), which are mostly terrestrial (abroad, the subgenus 

41

Trichohelea of Forcipomyia is truly aquatic). The larvae of Forcipomyia have bulbous 

tips to some hairs (fig. 48, detail) within which a hygroscopic substance collects moisture 

from the atmosphere. The water flowing down the pedicel of the hair keeps the skin 

moist and facilitates cuticular respiration. These beads of moisture give the larva and 

pupa a striking appearance when first exposed. The larvae are gregarious (20-100 or 

more) in habit and pupate together (fig. 1120). They are found in dark cavities where 

the atmosphere approaches saturation and favours the development of moulds and 

other fungi on which the larvae feed. There are 4 instars before pupation. Habitats 

include under bark (F. bipunctata L., F. picea Winnertz, F. nigra Winnertz), in rotting 

tap-roots of Angelica etc. (F. radicicola Edwards), rotting fungi (F. ciliata Winnertz), 

drying horse and cow manure (F. brevipennis Macquart). F. braueri (Wasmann) and F. 

myrmecophila (Egger) occur in ants' nests. F. pulchrithorax Edwards lives in the 

granular, solidifying sap in open wounds on elm, chestnut and ash trees. Saunders 

( 1924) gives detailed descriptions of the immature stages of several species. 

Larvae of Atrichopogon (fig. 49) have the body segments flattened in cross section. 

They are found in moist soil at the water's edge and among accumulations of floating 

plants. 

The pupae of Forcipomyia and Atrichopogon retain the larval skin over the apical 

half of the body (fig. 1120). Few Diptera do this (see introductory section on pupae). 

Dasyheleinae. This subfamily has only one genus, Dasyhelea (fig. 50). 

Keilin ( 1921) reviews the larval habitats, including those of the following British 

species: D. bensoni Edwards (diplosis Keiffer, among filamentous algae in a brackish 

pool); D. dufouri (Laboulbene) (in thick sap in wounds on elm); D.fiavifrons (Guerin 

Meneville) (in sap of beech and horse-chestnut); D. versicolor (Winnertz) (in humus 

around roots of Spiraea ulmaria and Angelica, from scum on surface of aquarium 

and (as obscura Winnertz) from elm sap, hornbeam sap and a water filled hole in an 

oak tree). D. bilineata Goetghebuer has been reared from the axil-waters of teasels 

(Dipsacusfullonum L.) by Disney & Wirth (1982). I have also seen Dasyhelea larvae 

from water in an old frying-pan used as a bird bath. The identity of the species recorded 

from water-filled tree-holes by Kitching (1972) is uncertain. 

Ceratopogoninae. This subfamily is divided into five tribes. The Culicoidini contains 

Culicoides, the only genus occurring in Britain with blood-sucking adult females 

(divided into six subgenera). The larvae (fig. 52) are long, smooth, dull whitish or 

translucent, progress with a snake-like lashing motion and are mostly aquatic. 

Kettle & Lawson ( 1952) key the larvae and pupae of 28 of the British species of 

Culicoides, distinguish some other genera of the subfamily, and classify the larval 

habitats as follows (some genera from other tribes are also included): 

I. Bogland with ground cover of the mosses Sphagnum and Polytrichum penetrated by ]uncus 

articulatus (s. 1.): Culicoides impunctatus Goetghebuer (dominant), C. clintoni Boorrnan 

(=C. truncorum Edwards, of Kettle & Lawson, 1952), C. heliophilus Edwards, C. albicans 

(Winnertz), C. obsoletus (Meigen) and Ceratopogon spp. 

2. Freshwater marsh without Sphagnum and Polytrichum, but with meadow plants e.g. 

Cardamine pratensis L. and Ranunculus spp. and sometimes with abundant ]uncus spp.: 

Culicoides kibunensis Tokunaga (=cubit a/is Edwards) (dominant), C. pallidicornis 

Kieffer, C. obsoletus, C. pulicaris (L.), C. delta Edwards, C. puncta/us (Meigen), C. odibilis 

A us ten, Stilobezzia spp., Ceratopogon spp. and Serromyia spp. 

3. Areas continually under water, e.g. swamp: C. kibunensis (dominant when Carex riparia 

cover present), C. odibilis (dominant when Carex cover absent), C. pulicaris. C. puncta/us. 

C.fascipennis (Staeger) (dominant in two swamps on margins of lochs). 

4. On areas of bare mud: C. odibilis (dominant), C. kibunensis, C. pallidicornis, C. pu/icaris. C. 

stigma (Meigen) and if there is slight organic pollution C. nebeculosus (Meigen) is 

dominant. 

42

5. Coastal salt marshes: C. circumscriptus Kieffer and C. salinarius Kieffer (dominant on 

muddy sites), C. maritimus Kieffer and C. halophilus Kieffer (on vegetated sites). 

6. Dry cakes of cow dung: C. chiopterus (Meigen), C. dewulfi Goetghebuer ( = pseudochiopterus 

Downes & Kettle). 

Additional categories not included by Kettle & Lawson are as follows: 

7. Tree-holes: C.fagineus Edwards, C. truncorum Edwards, C. obsoletus (damp debris). 

8. Temporary pools in pasture: C. vexans (Staeger), C. brunnicans Edwards (small streams). 

9. Fungi (large Agaricaceae, Polyporaceae, Boletaceae): C. scoticus Downes & Kettle; C. 

obsoletus. 

10. Sap in tree wounds: C. chiopterus (on elm) (see also 6 above). 

The larvae of the remaining tribes should be sought as follows: 

Ceratopogonini: Ceratopogon and lsohelea in swampy banks of lakes, rivers and streams and in 

Sphagnum bogs. 

Stilobezziini: Monohelea in Sphagnum bogs and swampy parts of forest streams; Serromyia in 

margins of shallow waters and swamps;Stilobezzia in moist soil, often overgrown with moss 

along the margins of rivers and streams, silted up ditches, etc. 

Heteromyiini: C/inohelea in heavily vegetated overgrown meadows; sedgy boggy parts of flowing 

water in river flood plains. 

Sphaeromyiini: Mallochohelea inermis (Kieffer) and M. munda (Loew) in lakes and M. setigera 

(Loew) in rivers; Probezzia in rivers in sandy areas and among dense weeds; Sphaeromias in 

lakes (S.fasciatus Meigen in the depths). 

Palpomyiini: Palpomyia in lakes and rivers; Bezzia mostly in lakes, some in swamps and forest 

pools. 

There is plenty of scope for careful research on larval ecology and systematics in this 

important family. The biting adults of Culicoides can make life miserable for residents 

and visitors in northern temperature regions (e.g. C. impunctatus in the highlands of 

Scotland). A useful modern introductory chapter on the family is provided by Kettle 

( 1984: 137- 158) and Atchley et al. ( 1981) give a full bibliography of Ceratopogonidae. 

Keys to genera are provided by Glukhova (1977, 1979). 

Chironomidae 

(Figs: larvae 53-67, eggs 980--982, pupa 1121) 

Over 5000 species of Chironomidae (non-biting midges) have so far been described 

throughout the world. Seven subfamilies are recognised, six of which are represented in 

Britain by over 450 species in 120 genera. 

Larval Chironomidae are the most abundant Diptera in aquatic ecosystems and 

often dominate the invertebrate fauna. Their occurrence in a wide range of ecological 

conditions has led to their use as indicator organisms in classifying lakes, river 

zonation, water quality, etc. This has led to an intense study of the immature stages of 

Chironomidae in recent years. Chironomid larvae are a major source of food for 

freshwater fish and may constitute as much as 80% of their total food requirements. 

The larvae of some species (e.g. Metriocnemus hygropetricus Kieffer) play an essential 

role, along with Psychodidae, as browsers in trickling filter sewage beds. Occasionally 

larvae may occur in the domestic fresh water supply and parthenogenetic Paratanytarsus 

( = Stylotanytarsus), including apparently paedogenetic pupal forms, can complete 

their life cycles entirely within the system. (See introductory sections on larvae, and 

agricultural and medical importance.) 

Not all Chironomidae have aquatic life-histories and the larvae of terrestrial species 

are not so well known. There is much scope for research in the elucidation of lifehistories 

providing that larvae are reared through to adults, males of which can now be 

43

eliably identified by the key in Pinder (1978). A typical pupa is illustrated (fig. 1121) 

and a key to pupal exuviae is provided by Langton (1984). 

Eggs are laid in a protective gelatinous matrix and each subfamily appears to have 

a characteristic shape of egg and arrangement within the mass, e.g. linear type 

(Orthocladiinae, Diamesinae); compact type- spherical, tear or fig-shaped, or 

occasionally attached to a solid object by a gelatinous stalk (Tanypodinae, 

Chironominae) (figs 980-982). 

The life-histories ofChironomidae are reviewed by Oliver (1971) and a bibliography 

of Chironomidae is provided by Fittkau et al. (1976). Keys to larvae and pupae are 

provided by various authors in Wiederholm ( 1983, 1986). These are cited below, under 

subfamilies. This comprehensive work will also eventually cover pupae and adults, and 

reliable keys beyond genus are cited. 

The subfamilies may be distinguished in the larval stage as follows (after Cranston 

1982). 

Antenna retractile into head capsule (fig, 53, an); ligula strongly developed (fig. 53.lg) 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tanypodinae 

Antenna not retractile; ligula not strongly developed . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

2 Premandibles absent; procerci 8- 10 times as high as wide (fig. 59, pc) . . Polloaominae 

Premandibles present (fig. 54, pm); procerci rarely more than 4 times as high as wide 3 

3 Third antennal segment annulate (fig. 56) . . . . . . . . Diarwsiww (Diamesini) 

Third antennal segment not annulate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

4 Anterior part of labrum (fig. 54, la) with a transverse row of'scales' (fig. 57) . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diamesiaar (Protanypini) 

Labrum without this row of 'scales' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

5 Ventral part of the mentum (fig. 54, m) expanded laterally to form ventromental plates which 

are usually striated (fig. 55) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cllirooominae 

Ventromental plates not striated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

6 Ventromental plates well developed, extending beyond mentum by at least half of the width 

of the flattened mentum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prodiamesinae 

Ventromental plates smaller, never extending beyond mentum by as much as half width of 

flattened mentum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

7 Hypopharynx (fig. 54, h) with an apical group of elongate, serrate hairs (fig. 58) . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . Tet.&togetoninae 

Hypopharynx with a few shorter hairs . . . . . . . . . . . . Ortllocladiinae 

Tanypodinae. Larvae of this subfamily are aquatic, may be red with haemoglobin, 

and do not construct tubes or cases. They prey on small Crustacea, oligochaete worms 

and often on the larvae of other Chironomidae. Adaptations to the predaceous habit 

include the retractile antennae and rather long stilt-like pro legs, the latter giving rise to 

a rapid jerky motion (fig. 65). The pupae resemble those of mosquitoes and are freeliving 

active swimmers. Larvae of Tanypodinae are keyed (to genera) by Fittkau & 

Roback (in Wiederholm, 1983: 33- 110). 

Podonominae and Diamesinae. Larvae of these small subfamilies appear to be 

generally adapted for life in cold conditions and are found in mossy mountain springs 

and cold streams. Lasiodiamesa sphagnicola (Kieffer), however, favours wanner pools 

in Sphagnum bogs. Larvae of Podonominae feed on diatoms, are free-living and very 

strong swimmers (even as pupae). Larvae of Podonominae are keyed by Brundin (in 

Wiederholm, 1983: 25- 31) and Diamesinae (to genera) by Oliver (in Wiederholm, 1983: 

115-138). 

Orthocladiinae. Some larvae of this subfamily are terrestrial, usually in moss covered 

soil. Larvae of Bryophaenocladius have been reported as attacking the roots of greenhouse 

plants, stored potatoes, mosses, liverworts and commercial lettuce crops and are 

able to 'skip' like a cheese-skipper (Piophila) . I have seen larvae (probably Smittia sp.) 

44

eported as attacking: young plants of barley in Aberdeenshire (M.W. Shaw, pers. 

comm.); central shoots of winter corn in Lincolnshire (G. Murdoch, pers. comm.); 

winter wheat in Newcastle upon Tyne (4% of seed failed to germinate following 2 year 

ley, J.P. Rogerson, pers. comm.); and associated with rose-roots in large numbers in 

Reading. 

Many larvae of this subfamily have adapted to life in swift flowing rivers and 

streams (e.g. Rheocricotopus, Eukie.fferiella). Cardiocladius larvae are free-living in 

waterfalls and swift currents where they pupate in strong cocoons spun on rocks, stones 

and water-plants. Metriocnemus martinii Thienemann larvae are found in water filled 

tree holes (especially beech); M. ursinus Holmgren occurs in moss. Larvae of Clunio 

marinus Haliday, Halocladius spp. and Thalassosmittia thalassophila (Goetghebuer) 

are marine. Epoicocladius.flavens (Malloch) (=ephemerae Kieffer) larvae are found on 

mayfly nymphs which they do not harm; the fully grown larva spins a gelatinous 

cocoon on the thorax of the mayfly nymph in which it pupates. Keys to the known 

larvae of Orthocladiinae are provided by Cranston (1982) and Cranston, Oliver & 

Saether (in Wiederholm, 1983: 149-291 ). 

Chironominae. Most larvae of this subfamily are red in colour, due to the presence of 

haemoglobin which assists survival in low oxygen concentrations. They live in tubes of 

mud or vegetable debris. In the tribe Chironomini the larvae are generally larger and 

include detritus feeders, filter feeders, symbionts, parasites and carnivores. The larvae 

of the common Chironomus plumosus L. and C. dorsalis Meigen live in mud in small 

stagnant pools. They construct fixed tubes of mud and vegetable debris respectively, 

but C. plumosus spins a sheet of salivary secretion across the tube and by undulations of 

the body draws phytoplankton and other particles into the net (fig. 61) (filter feeder). C. 

dorsalis (fig. 66) and other Chironomus species only take food from the end of their 

tubes (detritus feeders). The larva of Glyptotendipes paripes (Edwards) is found in the 

mollusc Anodonta (Beedham, 1966). 

Larvae of the tribe Tanytarsini are smaller in size and are detritus or filter feeders. 

Rheotanytarsus species are filter feeders that construct tubes of fine silt particles 

attached to stones and plants. They spin nets across arms at the entrance of the tube and 

the natural water current brings food particles into the net, the water passing out 

through a hole at the end of the tube (figs 63- 64). 

Some larvae in the subfamily construct movable cases and adopt a mode of life 

similar to caddis larvae (e.g. Zavrelia, Stempellina and Lauterborniella). Larvae of 

Chironominae are keyed to genus by Pindar & Reiss (in Weiderholm, 1983: 293-435). 

Telmatogetoninae. Larvae of the two British species (Thalassomya frauenfeldii 

Schiner, Psamathiomya pectinata Deby) of this subfamily are adapted to marine 

conditions and live on intertidal rocks where they feed on algae which they scrape from 

the rocks. Females of Telmatogetoninae are unique in the Chironomidae in laying 

eggs individually. Larvae of Telmatogetoninae are keyed to genus by Cranston (in 

Wiederholm, 1983: 17-22). 

Marine habitats have also been invaded by larvae ofOrthocladiinae (e.g. Clunio) and 

Chironominae (e.g. Chironomus). 

Simuliidae 

(Figs: larvae 68--69, egg 985, pupa 1122) 

The family Simuliidae (black-flies) contains some 1450 species and has an almost 

cosmopolitan distribution. Two subfamilies are usually recognised, one of which 

(Simuliinae) is represented in Britain by 33 species contained in 3 genera (Simulium, 

Prosimulium and Metacnephia), but many sibling species, recognisable only on their 

45

chromosomes, are being found. The larvae are aquatic and usually found in running 

water including rapids and cascades. The three species of Prosimulium are found in hill 

streams. The commonest species of Simulium is S. ornatum Meigen, the larvae of which 

are found in all types oflowland water courses and are often abundant in small streams 

and flowing ditches. Simulium vernum Macquart and S. cryophilum Knoz are often 

abundant in many types of small streams. S. equinum (L.) is common, usually on rooted 

vegetation in large streams with a steady current and is frequently accompanied by S. 

lineatum (Meigen). S. reptans (L.) and S. tuberosum Lundstrom are common in larger 

stony rivers but the latter occurs usually above the limit of cultivation of the 

surrounding land and the former below, though there is an area of overlap. Other 

species are more specialised in their habitat and consequently less common, e.g. S. 

costatum Friederichs (spring-fed streams near source), S. noelleri Friederichs (lake or 

pond outlets). 

The larvae are filter feeders on vegetable debris and diatoms which they strain from 

the water with their cephalic fans (figs 68-69). Occasionally they may ingest small 

larvae such as Chironomidae or even early ins tars of their own kind. There are six to 

eight larval instars in our species. There is a short pharate (see Introduction) stage 

(recognised by the much darker gill-spot) when the prepupa, still inside the last larval 

skin, spins its cocoon of silk, attached to a suitable substrate, inside which it pupates. 

The pupa has long filamentous gills (fig. 1122). 

The eggs are eccentric ovoid in shape (fig. 985) and may be laid singly and loosely or 

in batches stuck to the substrate; they are white when laid but darker later. Many 

species pass the winter as eggs but some do so as slowly growing larvae. 

Most adult female Simuliidae suck blood and their biting of man and animals causes 

irritation sometimes followed by toxic and allergic reactions. In tropical Africa and 

tropical America they transmit the disease onchocerciasis (river blindness). In Britain 

they are known to transmit the nematode Onchocerca gutturosa to cattle (without 

serious results) and certain Protozoa (e.g. Leucocytozoon) among birds. This medical 

and veterinary importance has led to a considerable amount of work on their immature 

stages for the purpose of survey and control work throughout the world. The Simulium 

fauna of an area is best established by searching for their larvae and pupae in freshwater 

systems from small trickles to large rivers. Thorough surveys such as that ofCrosskey 

(1985) in the London area would be worthwhile projects and add much to our 

knowledge of the ecology and distribution of the family. 

L. Davies ( 1968) keys the British species in the larval, pupal and adult stages, but the 

keys to early stages are difficult to use and are currently under revision by the 

Freshwater Biological Association. Ladle & Bass (1975) have described the larva of a 

new Metacnephia. The Diptera Check List in the Handbook series should be consulted 

for nomenclatorial changes. 

Anisopodidae 

(Figs: larvae 70-73, egg 986, pupa 1123) 

The family Anisopodidae contains about 100 species in six genera of which 5 species 

in 2 genera occur in Britain. Two subfamilies are recognised, the larvae of which may be 

separated as follows. 

Anal segment rather truncate posteriorly; posterior spiracular disc larger and with distinct 

lobes (fig. 72); lines drawn through the axes of the diagonal posterior spiracles would 

intersect on disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anisopodinae 

One genus, Sylvicola ( = Anisopus) 

Anal segment elongated and more rounded posteriorly; posterior spiracular disc small, 

without distinct lobes; lines drawn through axes of posterior spiracles would not intersect 

on disc (fig. 73) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mycetobiinae 

One genus and species, Mycetobia pallipes Meigen 

46

Anisopodid larvae all have a perianal shield (of thickened hypodermal cells) on the 

ventral surface of the anal segment, which spreads laterally with a sinuate margin (fig. 

71, S). 

The larvae of Sylvicola species (fig. 70) are yellowish in colour but the underlying 

organs impart a reddish tinge with dark brownish thoracic markings. They are usually 

associated with decaying vegetable matter such as potatoes, beet, decaying roots of 

Angelica and burdock, mouldy decaying honeycombs, cardboard, fungi, decaying 

leaves in tree rot-holes, slime flux from tree wounds, but have also been found in cider 

and home-made wines, and liver that had been preserved in formalin for seven years 

(partly projecting and mouldy). Sylvicolafenestralis (Scopoli) has occurred in cases of 

urogenital myiasis (Smith & Taylor, 1966, Morris, R.F. 1986). Sylvicola punctatus (F.) 

frequently occurs in dung. The remaining two British species are unknown in the 

immature stages. The larvae of Sylvicola are often found in company with Scatopse 

notata (L.) (Scatopsidae), Lonchaea chorea (F.) (Lonchaeidae), Mycetophilidae and 

Sphaeroceridae. 

Larvae of M ycetobia pallipes Meigen (fig. 71) occur in slime or exudations on the 

surface or under wet bark on decaying trees. 

The eggs of Sylvicola (fig. 986) and Mycetobia are enclosed in a gelatinous mass. The 

pupae are free and found in the same media as the larvae. 

Keilin & Tate ( 1940) give detailed descriptions of the immature stages of Sylvicola 

fenestra/is and Mycetobia pallipes; Brindle ( 1962!) gives keys to species. 

Bibionidae 

(Figs: larvae 74-78, eggs 983- 984, pupa 1124) 

The family Bibionidae contains nearly 700 species in 8 genera throughout the world. 

Three subfamilies are recognized but only one of these (Bibioninae) is present in 

Britain, represented by the two genera Bibio and Dilophus. Larvae of Bibio have two 

openings to the posterior spiracles and larger body processes in transverse rows (figs 74, 

78), while those of Dilophus have three spiracular openings (fig. 77) and shorter body 

processes except for one dorso-lateral series. 

Both genera are herbivorous, often on plant roots, and live in soil, wood debris, 

dung, etc. The larvae are slow moving and gregarious, being usually found clustered 

together. 

The eggs ofBibionidae (fig. 983) are laid in masses and appear rather opalescent. The 

newly hatched larva of Bibio (fig. 76) has conspicuous long hairs but that of Dilophus is 

short haired (fig. 75). There are four larval instars. Male pupae of Dilophus have 3 

pointed processes on the head and female pupae have a single process, but this is better 

developed than the single process present in the pupae of both sexes of Bibio (fig. 1124). 

Bibio larvae are usually found in woodland soil but B.johannis (L.) occurs in soil or 

dung in open country. Larvae of both genera are occasionally pests of cereal and root 

crops (see Economic section and Freeman & Lane (1985). Morris, H.M. (1922) 

suggested that such cases were due to larvae being carried in manure applied to the plants. 

Morris, H.M. (1917, 1921-1922) gives detailed descriptions of the immature stages. 

Brindle (1962a) gives specific keys to the larvae so far known (2 of the 4 species of 

Dilophus and 8 of the 14 of Bibio). 

Mycetophilidae 

(Figs: larvae 79-86, 89-91; egg 988; pupa 1125) 

The family Mycetophilidae (fungus gnats) contains about 3400 described species 

with an almost cosmopolitan distribution. In Britain about 450 species in 65 genera and 

all seven accepted subfamilies have been recorded. 

47

Larvae of six of the seven subfamilies (Manotinae not yet described) may be 

separated as follows (after Madwar 1937). 

Larva with one pair of thoracic and 8 pairs of abdominal spiracles (8th pair with horned 

prominences in Ditomyia) (figs 79-80) . . . . . . . . . . . . Ditomyiinae 

Larva with one pair of thoracic and at most 7 pairs of abdominal spiracles, or without 

spiracles (Keroplatinae) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

2 Antennae well developed, composed of three segments (fig. 81). Bolitophilinae 

Antennae rudimentary, composed of one segment . 3 

3 Larva free; locomotory pads present (fig. 82) Mycetophilinae 

Larva enclosed in slimy tube, or in web; pads absent 4 

4 Larva without spiracles, vermiform (worm-shaped) . Keroplatinae 

Larva with spiracles, not vermiform . . . . 5 

5 Larva peripneustic (fig. I) . . . . . . . . . most Sciophilinae 

Larva propneustic (fig. I) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

6 Epicranial plates meeting as usual on ventral surface (fig. 86) . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Genus Speolepta) Sciophilinae 

Epicranial plates not meeting on ventral surface . . . . Diadocidiinae 

The larvae ofMycetophilidae are mostly found in the larger fungi and it is probable 

that even when found elsewhere the majority are feeding on microfungi or fungal 

hyphae. 

Chandler (in Stubbs & Chandler, 1978) lists fungus associations for 130 British 

species of Mycetophilidae and Hutson et al. (1980) give considerable information on 

life histories. Mad war (1937) and Lastovka ( 1971) describe some immature stages. 

There are three recognisable stages in the development of a soft fungal fruiting body 

(sporophora): I, fresh with no signs of decay; 2, decaying through age and damage 

(mostly by fungivores); 3, semi-liquid, advanced state of decay (some tougher fungi 

desiccate rather than rot and are unsuitable for fungus-gnats). 

Most mycetophilids attack the first two stages but some species will continue to 

develop in the last stage of almost any rotting fungus (e.g. Mycetophilafungorum De 

Geer). Other habits and habitats are discussed below under subfamilies. 

There is plenty of scope for research on the immature stages provided care is taken 

to identify the fungi and the adult flies correctly. Adults of all subfamilies except 

Mycetophilinae are keyed in Huston et al. (1980); other taxonomic literature is cited in 

that work. 

Ditomyiinae. There are only two genera of this subfamily in Britain, each with a 

single species. The characteristic larvae of Ditomyia fasciata Meigen (fig. 80) have 

been reared from a variety of hard polyporaceous fungi including Coriolus, 

Fomes, Daedalea, Polyporus, Bjerkandera, Trametes, lnonotus, Leptoporus. Symmerus 

annulatus (Meigen) (fig. 79) is found in rotting logs. 

Diadocidiinae. There is only one genus (Diadocidia) of this subfamily in Britain 

with three species, two of which are found in rotting wood and associated with the 

fungus Peniophora. The larva differs from that of other Mycetophilidae in having the 

epicranial plates separated ventrally. 

Bolitophilinae. This subfamily has only one genus Bolitophila which is Holarctic in 

distribution. The known larvae are gregarious and have all been found in the soft 

fruiting bodies of fungi. Bolitophila hybrida (Meigen) is very common in Paxillus 

involutus (Batsch. ex Fr.) Fr. and B. saundersi Curtis (fig. 81) is usually found in 

Hypholomafasciculare (Huds. ex Fr.) Quelet, but both species occur in other fungi. 

Some species appear to be restricted to a few closely related fungi (i.e. are 

stenophagous), e.g. Bolitophila cinerea Meigen on Hypholoma and Pholiota spp. 

48

Keroplatinae. There are seven British genera of Keroplatinae. 

The larvae of this primitive and diverse subfamily spin webs, the strands of which are 

made sticky with drops of fluid containing oxalic acid. 

Larvae of Keroplatus are flattened, somewhat luminous, and live under a large, fiat, 

mucilaginous net on the underside oflogs, usually with polyporaceous fungi. They feed 

partly on that fungus and partly on other invertebrates and pupate in a distinct dry 

cocoon. 

Larvae of Orfelia s.s. species are found in turf, grass tussocks, under logs and 

bo ulders, in worm tunnels, among mosses and liverworts. Nothing is known of the 

biology of the other subgenera. 

The la rvae of Macrocera are poorly known, but have been found in turf, rotting 

wood and caves. They are predaceous but some are scavengers at first. The remaining 

genera should be sought under logs or rotting wood, though the immature stages of 

several are unknown. 

Sciophilinae. This subfamily contains about one third of the British fauna, and is 

divided into five tribes of which four are represented in Britain. The immature stages 

a re poorly known. The larvae are found on fungi or under bark, inhabit a small 

mucilaginous tube supported by threads and, in some species, covered by a dry 

irregular, sometimes communal, net. 

Sciophila buxtoni Freeman occurs in tough lignicolous polypores, e.g. Coriolus, 

Pseudotrametes and Daedaleopsis. Extreme examples of polyphagous species are 

Sciophi/a lutea Macquart, Rondaniella dimidiata Meigen and Docosia gilvipes Haliday, 

larvae of the last species also being found in the nests of birds and mammals. Mycomya 

species have been bred from fungi associated with dead wood. Larvae of Gnoriste are 

found in mosses and some Boletina occur in mosses and liverworts as well as the more 

usual habitats such as rotting wood. Speolepta feptogaster feeds on algae and fungi in 

caves (see introductory section on caves). 

Manotinae. The only British species of this subfamily is Manota unifurcata 

Lundstrom, which is rare and has been reared from a rotting beech with Myxomycetes 

(slime mould) but the larva is unknown (and therefore not included in the key). 

Mycetophilinae. Larvae of this subfamily are mostly found in soft ground fungi but 

some, e.g. Mycetophila ornata Stephens, Dynatosoma fuscicorne (Meigen), prefer a 

wide range oflignicolous fungi. Other species are more specialised in the range of fungi 

in which they breed. Mycetophi/a a/ea (Laffoon), Exechia nigroscutel/ata Land rock and 

Cordyla fasciata Meigen are restricted to Russulaceae; Mycetophi/a signatoides 

Dziedzicki and Exechia separata Lundstrom are restricted to Boletaceae. A few species 

appear to be restricted to just one species of fungus (i.e. are monophagous) e.g. 

Mycetophila cingulum Meigen on Polyporus squamosus Fries; Trichonta falcata 

Lundstrom on Stereum hirsutum (Willd. ex Fries) and T. apicalis Strobl ( = vernalis 

Land rock) on Cafocera cornea (Batsch. ex. Fr.) Fries. Mycetophi/a blanda Winnertz is 

one of the few (see Ecology Section) Diptera that induce gall formation in fungi, in this 

case on Lactarius deliciosus L. ex Fries. 

The slug-like larva (figs 83- 84) of Phroniaflavicollis Winnertz ( =strenua Winnertz) 

lives on sodden, fallen and barkless branches, where it feeds on moulds. It bears a hard 

black conical case (figs 85, 89, 90) made from its own excrement. It leaves this case and 

spins a light silky cocoon prior to pupation. Phronia braueri Dziedzicki ( = annulata 

Winnertz) is found in simila r situations but does not form a case. Epicypta aterrima 

(Zetterstedt), on rotten wood, forms a case similar to that of P.flavicol/is. Some larvae 

(of this genus) appear to live under a mucilaginous 'blob' (fig. 91) without forming a 

case. Platurocypta species and Mycetophi/a vittipes (Zetterstedt) feed on Myxomycetes 

(slime moulds). 

49

Sciaridae 

(Figs: larvae 87- 88, egg 987, pupa 1126) 

The family Sciaridae contains over 1000 species in over 50 genera and is represented 

in most regions of the world. In Britain about 100 species in 18 genera have so far been 

recorded but others are now being discovered following a recent Handbook to this longneglected 

family (Freeman, 1983, 1987). For a long time sciarids were regarded as 

comprising a subfamily of the Mycetophilidae but they are now given family status. 

The larvae are white with a sharply contrasting shiny black head and remarkably 

uniform general appearance (figs 87- 88). The terminal abdominal segment is slightly 

lobate and is used as a leg in locomotion. There are four larval instars, the first 

metapneustic, the second and third propneustic and the fourth hemipneustic (see fig. I). 

Diagnostic features are given in the key to families. 

The larvae are usually associated with decaying vegetable matter, excrement, rotten 

wood and fungi . 

Three species are recorded as pests of mushrooms: Lycoriella so/ani (Winnertz), L. 

auripi/a (Winnertz) and Bradysia brunnipes (Meigen). The larvae tunnel into the 

mushroom to feed, but more damage appears to be caused through the transmission of 

disease and mites associated with the bacterial breakdown of the fungi (Hussey, Read 

& Hesling, 1969). Larvae may still be recognizable after reconstitution in dehydrated 

mushroom soup! 

Other species of economic importance through larvae damaging plants and seedlings 

in greenhouses include Bradysia amoena Winnertz, B. brunnipes, B. paupera 

Tuomikoski, B. tritici (Coquillett) (the mossfty of orchid growers), Ctenosciara 

hyalipennis (Meigen), Lycoriella auripila and Pnyxia scabei (Hopkins) (on cucumbers, 

Speyer, 1922). 

Larvae of Plastosciara and Xylosciara are usually found under bark or in rotting 

wood, but P. perniciosa (Edwards) is a common greenhouse pest, destroying the roots 

and stems of cucumber seedlings. Adults of this species have also occurred in numbers 

indoors, possibly due to larvae feeding in decaying peat, used in the insulating lining of 

old fashioned steel safes. Adults indoors may also originate from larvae feeding in 

overdamp compost around potted plants. 

The larvae of several species have been recorded from old nests of birds and 

mammals (Hicks, 1959- 1971; Hackman, 1963) e.g. Bradysia spp., Corynoptera spp., 

Lycoriella sagraria (Felt), L. lundstromi (Frey), Trichosia basdeni Freeman, T. 

coarctata Winnertz. Most nests contain droppings and other decaying material which 

may attract them and of course some are lined with a mixture of mud and dung. 

Occasionally mass movements of sciarid larvae have been reported in Europe, the 

larvae moving in columns 8- 25 cm wide and 2- 3 metres long. The species involved are 

Sciara thomae (L.) and S. militaris Nowicki. The former occurs fairly commonly in 

Britain, but the phenomenon has not yet been observed here and its cause or purpose is 

quite unknown. 

There is plenty of scope for research on the immature stages of this family. Thomas 

( 1930) describes the larva and pupa of Bradysia aprica (Winnertz) (as Sciara nitidicollis, 

see Freeman, 1983) from decaying celery roots. Mad war (1934) describes the larvae of 

Pnyxia scabiei and (1937) of Lycoriella auripila, Heterosciara semialata (Edwards), 

Bradysiafenestralis (Zetterstedt) and Plastosciara perniciosa. Very little has been done 

since. 

Scatopsidae 

(Figs: larvae 92- 100, pupae, 1127- 1128) 

The Scatopsidae is a little known, little worked family. About 300 species have been 

described, contained in 18 genera. Four subfamilies are recognised but larvae of only 

50

two of these are known, so a key cannot be given and when more larvae are known even 

the family key may need emendation. All four subfamilies occur in Britain and such 

biological information as is available is given under these. 

The immature stages of very few species are known. Of the 37 British species (in 15 

genera) the larvae of only four have been adequately described. 

Aspistinae. The immature stages are unknown. Adults of the only British species, 

Aspistes berolinensis Meigen, are rare and found in sandy places. In Britain the species 

has so far only been found in coastal sand dunes but continental records are from far 

inland. In Czechoslovakia adults have been reared from 'sifted litter' where it is 

thought there may be two generations a year. 

Ectaetinae. Laurence ( 1953) describes the larva of Ectaetia platyscelis Loew (figs 96, 

I 00) which he reared from a deposit of wet orange coloured detritus lying in a hole in a 

lime tree trunk. Adults of this and the other two British species of the genus (whose 

larvae remain unknown) have been reared from rotting trees. 

Psectrosciarinae. The immature stages of Psectrosciarinae are unknown. 

The subfamily is represented in Britain by three species of the genus Anapausis. 

Anapausis so/uta (Loew) is common and widespread in the adult stage and is frequently 

found swarming in large number on fences and poles; it may also occur indoors where I 

have seen specimens that were found in cracks behind a kitchen sink. A. talpae Verrall 

was discovered swarming on a willow trunk. 

Scatopsinae. The larva of Scatopse notata (L.) and Coboldiafuscipes (Meigen) have 

been found in a variety of decaying plant and animal materials, e.g. wasps' nests, bulbs 

and onions, green ginger damaged by water (Lyall, 1929), wastes from fruit and wine 

canneries, excrement and decomposing fungi. The larva of S. notata (figs 92, 97), 

described by Morris (1918), is somewhat flattened dorso-ventrally and dorsally has 

thick setae, arranged in a regular pattern, which are usually full of detritus when the 

larva is first found. It is peripneustic with one pair of prothoracic and eight pairs of 

abdominal spiracles. The larva of Coboldia is similar but the dorsal hairs are not 

arranged in a regular pattern (fig. 94). Bovien (1935) found that in C.fuscipes the length 

of the caudal spiracular processes varied with the degree of dampness of the breeding 

medium. In dry conditions they were short, but in wet conditions they were long and 

enabled the larvae to hang below the meniscus (like some other aquatic Nematocera). 

The larva of Rhexosa has not yet been found in Britain but American species (fig. 93) 

have been found in the decaying bark of dead or dying deciduous trees. Lyall ( 1929) 

gives notes on R. subnitens (Verrall). 

Apiloscatopse species have been reared from fungi: A . jfavicollis (Meigen) from 

Tricholoma pessundatum Quelet and A. scutellata (Loew) from Bjerkandera adusta. 

Parascatopse litorea (Edwards) (figs 95, 98) is a coastal species in Britain but the 

interesting larva has only recently been discovered and described from saltings in 

Poland (Szadziewski, 1979). The larvae were found in numbers (April-July) from salt 

soil covered with Salicornia patula Duvai-Jouve and Aster tripolium L. Probably the 

larvae of both British species of the genus are to be sought in salt-marshes. 

Adults of Holoplagia transversalis (Loew) have occasionally been found with ants 

(Lasius fuliginosus Latreille) and H. richardsi Edwards has been reared from rotting 

elm, but the immature stages are unknown. 

Adults of Reichertella geniculata (Zetterstedt) have been found congregated on a 

poppy seed-head but the life-history is unknown. Wehrmeister (1924) figures the anal 

papillae (fig. 99) of R. pulicaria Loew but gives no habitat details. 

Clearly, careful rearing from the habitats mentioned, especially rotting trees, should 

elucidate new life-histories in this neglected family. 

51

Cecidomyiidae 

(Figs: larvae 101- 122, 125; eggs 989- 990; pupae 123-124, 1129-1130; 

mines and galls 1289-1290, 1311- 1315) 

About 4500 species of Cecidomyiidae (gall midges) have so far been described 

throughout the world. Three subfamilies are recognised, all of which occur in Britain, 

and the larvae may be distinguished as follows. 

Anus slit-like (fig. 102) and usually ventral (dorsal in some predaceous species, e.g. 

Lestodip/osis) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Anus rqunded, terminal (fig. 101) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

2 Abdominal segment 8 with four dorsal papillae (fig. 103, dp), abdominal segments 1- 7 with 

four posteroventral papillae (pv) (sometimes imperceptible); not gall-forming . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Porricondylinae (pa rt) 

Abdominal segment 8 with two dorsal papillae; abdominal segments 1- 7 with 2 

posteroventral papillae; some are gall-forming . . . . . . . . Cecidomyiinae 

3 Lateral papillae in groups of 2; anus usually protrusible; not gall-forming Lestremiinae 

Lateral papillae in groups of 3 (fig. 103, lp) anus non-protrusible; not gall-forming . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Porricondylinae (Heteropezini) 

Cecidomyiid larvae are often brightly coloured red, orange, pink, yellow or sometimes 

white. The distinctive sterna! spatula or 'breastbone' (figs 103-116) is present 

only in final (third) ins tar larvae and is absent in some species (e.g. Contarinia geniculati 

Reuter, a salmon pink larva in the florets of meadow fox tail and cocksfoot grasses) and 

in paedo!;enetic larvae (e.g. Miastor, Mycophila). 

The spatula is best developed in soil-dwelling larvae where it is of use in tunnelling 

and excavating a pupal chamber. This can cause wear of the spatula and caution is then 

necessary in identification from this feature alone (Milne, 1961 ). 

Eggs are usually small and ovoid and about 100 are produced by the adult females, 

except in paedogenetic forms, when they are few and large. Paedogenesis is more fully 

discussed in the introductory section on Immature Stages (p. 24). 

There is still much to be done on the larvae of Cecidomyiidae, particularly on their 

description and detailed systematics. The series of books by H. F. Barnes (1946-1956) 

and Nijveldt ( 1969) is a mine of information and more specialised works are cited 

under each subfamily. Useful studies of gall midge communities, their life-histories 

and parasites are provided by Askew & Ruse (1974, on birch leaves), Hodges (1969, 

birch catkins), Milne (1960, clover), Otter (1938, knapweed), Parnell (1963, broom), 

and I. J. Wyatt (1964, mushrooms). 

Lestremiinae. Larvae of this subfamily are poorly known but have been found in 

decaying wood and vegetation, plant wounds and fungi, including mushrooms. 

Larvae of the mushroom infesting species are described and keyed by Wyatt ( 1964) 

(e.g. Lestremia cinerea, Mycophila speyeri, M . barnesi). Mycophila species are usually 

paedogenetic (i.e. with reproducing larvae, see Introduction and Porricondylinae 

below). The sterna! spatulae (of the sexual cycle) of two of the mushroom pest species 

are illustrated (figs 113- 114). Monardia ulmaria Edwards has been reared from rotten 

elm. The reddish larvae of Campylomyza ormerodi (Kieffer) (fig. 1 05) have been alleged 

to attack the tap root of red clover at ground level and the plant apex but this observation 

requires confirmation; C. pumila Winnertz has been reared from an Ascomycete 

from the United States. Adults of Aprionus species occur around old logs and stumps, 

especially beech. Peromyia species occur under bark and leaf litter and P. fungicola 

(Kieffer) (fig. 120) has been reared from a mould growing on the surface of a toadstool 

(Lactarius). 

Porricondylinae. Larvae of this subfamily are mycetophagous in decaying vegetation 

and wood and may be secondary invaders in the living tissues of higher plants. 

52

In his keys to mushroom infesting cecid larvae Wyatt (1964) includes Heteropeza 

pygmaea Winnertz and Henria psa/liotae Wyatt, which are paedogenetic. He has also 

reviewed the phenomenon of paedogenesis in the family (Wyatt 1967) including the 

well known larvae of Miastor which are fairly easily found in numbers under the bark 

of rotting birch where they often form star-shaped clusters. The mother larvae increase 

in size merely by distention of the cuticle and the daughter larvae can be clearly seen 

inside (fig. 118). The striking larvae of Parepidosis (fig. 117) are found under bark and 

leaf litter. 

Panel ius ( 1965) covers the subfamily with notes on larvae and biology where known. 

Mohn ( 1955) gives detailed descriptions of larvae. 

Cecidomyiinae. This subfamily contains the many gall-producing forms which earn 

the family its common name. Not all form galls however; some feed in the stems 

and flower heads of plants, others are mycetophagous and some are predators or 

parasitoids. Larvae of the tribe Oligotrophidi mostly live freely in flower heads or cause 

leaf rolls or swollen stems, but Craneiobia corni (Giraud) causes prominent galls on 

dogwood (fig. 1313). 

The large genus Dasineura ( 136 British species) contains many species of economic 

importance (see table in Economic Section). The white larvae of D. brassicae (fig. 109) 

cause the 'bladder pod' condition which prevents normal seed development in cabbage, 

swede, turnip, rape and radish and has increased in importance with the increased 

growth of oil seed rape. D. leguminicola (fig. 11 0) attacks the inflorescences of red and 

white clover; the larvae are yellow at first, then become salmon pink. D. trifolii (fig. Ill) 

forms galls on the leaves of clover plants which cause the leaflets to stick together; the 

larvae are white at first and later become orange. The red or orange larvae of D. 

alopecuri (fig. 112) feed and pupate in the florets of cocksfoot grass (Dactylis glomerata 

(L.)). The galls of D. ulmaria (Bremi) may be common on meadow sweet (Spiraea). 

Mayetiola destructor (Say), the well known hessian fly (figs 116, 122, 1311), attacks 

the straw of wheat and causes widespread damage throughout the wheat growing areas 

of N. Africa, the U.S.A., New Zealand and part of Europe, but fortunately is less 

serious in Britain. The pupae (figs 123, 1130) are formed inside the last larval skin 

(which is more characteristic of Cyclorrhapha - see introductory section on pupae) 

and are sometimes called 'flax seeds' because of their superficial resemblance to such. 

Rhabdophaga species (26 in Britain) (fig. 1315) are mostly associated with willows. 

Rondaniola bursaria (Bremi) forms the galls frequently seen on ground ivy ( Glechoma 

hederacea L.) (fig. 1314). 

Sylven ( 1975) deals with larval structures and habits of Oligotrophidi. 

True galls, mostly on flowers and buds but also on leaves, are induced by larvae of the 

super-tribe Asphondyiidi. 

The larvae of Lasiopterini and Oligotrophini mainly cause simple galls on twigs, 

petioles, midribs or leaves, a few occur in the seeds of Compositae and at least one 

species of Brachyneurini, Brachyneurina peniophorae Harris, forms galls in the fungus 

Peniophora cinerea (Fr.) Cook (Harris & Evans, 1979). 

Members of the largest supertribe, the Cecidomyiidi, have a very wide range of 

habits, including free living, phytophagous and mycophagous forms, gall makers, 

predators and internal parasitoids. The large genus Contarinia (72 British species) 

contains most of the species of economic importance (see economic section and Harris, 

1966), the larvae of which develop in malformed flowers of various Dicotyledons, 

especially Leguminosae (e.g. C. pisi on peas) (fig. 107); others develop in the spikelets of 

Gramineae (e.g. C. tritici on wheat (figs 108, 1312) (see also Sitodiplosis below), and 

C. merceri Barnes and C. geniculati (Reuter) on Alopecurus). Others are found in galls 

on trees or form galls in the leaves (e.g. Putoniella pruni Kaltenbach on plum) and 

inflorescences of Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons, and a few attack developing fruit 

(e.g. Contarinia pyrivora Riley on pear). 

53

Cecidomyia species are associated with conifers. C. pini (fig. 121) larvae feed in resin 

masses on a number of species of Coniferae. 

Myocecis ova/is Edwards induces a localized hypha! mat in the fungus Hypoxylon 

rubiginosum Pers ex Fr. (Evans, 1970). The bright red and orange larvae of 

Mycodiplosis species feed on rusts and mildews on a wide range of plants, including 

many agricultural crops. The commonest British species, M . saundersi Barnes, feeds on 

a rust on creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense). 

Lestodiplosis (fig. 119) is another large genus (34 British species) found in a wide 

range of microhabitats. The extremely active larvae are predaceous on mites, certain 

beetle larvae and on other cecidomyiids. Aphidoletes and Monobremia larvae are 

specialized predators on aphids and A . aphidimyza (Rondani) (fig. 125) has been used 

as an effective biocontrol agent (Harris, 1982). 

The larva of Endopsylla agilis de Meijere is an endoparasite ofPsyllidae (Horn.) and 

that of Endaphis perjidus Kieffer is an endoparasite of aphids. 

Sitodiplosis mosellana (Gehin) is another wheat blossom midge the larva of which 

can be distinguished by its colour (orange to red) from that of Contarinia tritici 

(yellow- see above) and the relative positions occupied in the wheat flower (fig. 1312). 

Mohn ( 1955) gives detailed descriptions of larvae of Cecidomyiinae. 

54

Key to families for final stage larvae of British Brachycera 

Posterior spiracles close together and more or less concealed within a terminal fissure on the 

anal segment . 2 

Posterior spiracles widely separated on the anal, penultimate or antepenultimate abdominal 

segment and not concealed (even if in a fissure) . 4 

2 Terminal fissure vertical; head capsule not strongly sclerotized, and retractile; body cylindrical 

with smooth cuticle; anterior seven segments all, or mostly, encircled by a row of 

projections which sometimes bear apical spicules a nd function as pro legs. Mainly in moist 

or wet soils, Sphagnum, etc.; inactive (figs 157- 160) . Tabanidae (p. 60) 

Terminal fissure transverse; head capsule strongly sclerotized, and non-retractile; body 

depressed with roughened cuticle 3 

3 Anal slit on the central part of the anal segment bordered with teeth-like projections and a 

row of similar projections arranged transversely in front of the anal slit (fig. 141 ); thoracic 

tergites with a more or less well defined smooth area on the median part of each tergite; 

amphipneustic; under bark of decaying trees; inactive (figs 141- 143) Xylomyidae (p. 58) 

Anal slit area without such teeth-like projections; thoracic tergites uniformly roughened 

(shagreened like shark-skin); holo- or peripneustic; inactive; terrestrial species broad a nd 

flattened (figs 126--130), in woodland debris, dung, compost heaps and other decaying 

vegetable material; aquatic species often having a tapering abdomen terminating in a 

respiratory siphon (figs 131-140). Stratiomyidae (p. 57) 

4 Posterior spiracles on the last apparent body segment . 5 

Posterior spiracles anterior to the last body segment . 11 

5 Head capsule very short and minute; body soft, broad, pear-shaped with enlarged abdomen; 

last abdominal segment without processes but with two distinct spiracles; anterior spiracle 

very small; inactive, endoparasites of spiders (the early stage larvae are free-living, active 

triungulins, elongated with long setae) (figs 177- 182) . Acroceridae (p. 64) 

Head capsule prominent; last abdominal segment usually with processes; free living . 6 

6 Head and one or more thoracic tergites strongly sclerotized; posterior spiracles on a 

sclerotized plate with projecting processes; under bark of decayed trees, sometimes within 

old burrows; inactive (fig. 144) . . Xylophagidae (p. 58) 

Head not strongly sclerotized; posterior spiracles not on a sclerotized plate . 7 

7 Anal segment with two or four, usually pointed, fleshy lobes open at end in a concave cleft 

containing the posterior spiracles 8 

Anal segment otherwise 9 

8 Lobes of anal segment subequal in size; soil dwelling (probably at least partially predaceous) 

(figs 145- 151) . Rhagionidae(p. 59) 

Lobes of anal segment with ventral pair longer and more strongly developed (fig. 206); 

mouthparts with metacephalic rods (upper rods) swollen or spatulate at tip (fig. 215); 

predaceous in damp soil, under bark, in decaying wood, some in wet sand on sea shore 

(figs 206--238) . Dolichopodidae (p. 67) 

9 Anal segment rounded at end with lateral furrows evident and sometimes a small median 

projection below the posterior spiracles (fig. 196); (or, Ocydromia, lacking lateral furrows 

and with a distinct lobe below spiracles in dung, fig. 193); terrestrial, predaceous (figs 

189- 205) Empididae (part) (p. 65) 

Anal segment usually with long float hairs, borne on obvious fleshy lobes; aquatic, 

predaceous . I 0 

10 Larvae slightly flattened dorsoventrally; slender lateral and dorsolateral tubercles of progressively 

increasing size on abdominal segments 1- 7; prolegs on all 8 abdominal 

segments; two large caudal tubercles fringed with hairs on terminal segment (figs 152- 156) 

Athericidae (p. 59) 

Larvae not dorsoventrally flattened; no lateral or dorsolateral tubercles on segments 1- 7; 

pro legs on 7 or 8 of the abdominal segments; tubercles on terminal segment smaller (figs 

201- 205) Empididae (part) (p. 65) 

11 Posterior spiracles on the apparent penultimate segment; abdominal segments not subdivided, 

the body consisting of 11 or 12 apparent segments, exclusive of the head . 12 

Posterior spiracles on the apparent antepenultimate segment; abdominal segments 1-6 

sub-divided, the body thus apparently consisting of up to 20 segments, exclusive of the 

head 13 

55

12 Thoracic segments each with two long setae, one on each side of ventrolateral margin; anal 

segment with six or more long setae; free living in soil or decayed wood; predaceous, 

ectoparasitic (figs 165-176) Asilidae (p. 61) 

Thoracic segments without, or with only weak setae; anal segment without setae; predators, 

parasites or inquilines in nests of bees and wasps or in egg cases of grasshoppers; resembling 

a bee or wasp grub; inactive (young larvae are slender, active, free-living triungulins 

with a long slender seta on each side of each thoracic segment and two very long setae on 

the anal segment, fig. 183) (figs 183- 188) . Bombyliidae (p. 64) 

13 Dorsal extension of head capsule extending into the thorax from the head posteriorly, with a 

spatulate apex (fig. 162); head capsule with two ventral projections; in soil (often sandy); 

predaceous, active with snake-like movement or 'jumps' (figs 161- 162) . 

Therevidae (p. 63) 

Dorsal extension of head capsule extending into the thorax from the head posteriorly not 

spatulate at apex (fig. 163); head capsule without ventral projections; predaceous on 

insects in household stored foods, wood or fungi, active with movements as Therevidae 

(figs 163- 164) . . Scenopinidae (p. 63) 

56

Notes on families of Brachycera 

Stratiomyidae 

(Figs: larvae 126-140, eggs 991-992, emergence of adult 1330) 

The family Stratiomyidae (soldier flies) contains some 2300 species of which 50 

species in 12 genera occur in Britain. Six subfamilies are recognised, all of which are 

represented in Britain and distinguishable in the larval stage as follows (based on 

Rozkosny, 1982). 

Last abdominal segment usually rectangular or elongated and tubelike, with a coronet of 

pinnate or plumose float-hairs at the apex. If the apical coronet is absent, then either the 

dorsal abdominal setae are in two transverse rows or the abdominal setae are flat with a 

frayed margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Last abdominal segment rounded posteriorly, without a coronet of float hairs at the apex. 

Dorsal and ventral abdominal setae arranged in one transverse row; never flat with frayed 

margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

2 Larvae with an apical coronet of setae (figs 132- 133, 135, 139- 140) . . Stratiomyinae 

Larvae without an apical coronet of setae (fig. 13 I); terrestrial, among semi-aquatic mosses 

on stones etc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clitellariinae 

3 Body setae surrounded by bristle-like hairs which form more or less distinct tufts; anal 

segment fringed with fine setae (fig. 126). Terrestrial . . . . . . . . Beridinae 

Body setae not surrounded by bristle-like hairs; anal segment without marginal fringe 4 

4 Large larvae (18- 20 mm long) with a dense covering of adpressed yellow hairs; posterior 

spiracular opening almost apical (fig. I 30) . . . . . . . . . . . Hermetiinae 

Smaller larvae (at most 12 mm long), with surface-hairs sparse or absent; posterior 

spiracular opening dorsal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

5 Medium sized larvae, with distinct ocular lobes (ol) (figs 128- 129). Terrestrial . Sarginae 

Small larvae (4·5-7·5 mm long), without ocular lobes (fig. 127). Under bark . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pachygastrinae 

Keys to genera and species of larvae and puparia of European Stratiomyidae are 

provided by Rozkosny (1982, 1983), who also gives much biological information. 

Brindle ( 1959) provides a useful key to genera, including those now placed in other 

families. The pupae of Stratiomyidae are formed inside the last larval skin (see 

introductory section on pupae). 

Beridinae. The larvae of Beris (fig. 126) live in compost, decaying vegetation, wet 

moss, etc. and B.fuscipes Meigen is the only British species unknown in this stage. The 

only other British genus is Chorisops with two species. The larvae of C. tibialis (Meigen) 

has been found among dead leaves and a puparium of C. nagatomii Rozkosny (1982, 

described since the Diptera Check List) was found in refuse washed up on a muddy 

stream bank (water meadows by River Test, P.J. Chandler). 

Clitellariinae. Larvae of the reputedly British Clitellaria ephippium (F.) have been 

recorded on several occasions by continental authors in nests of the ant Lasius 

fuliginosus (Latreille) and also at the roots of a walnut tree and in forest soil. The larval 

stage appears to last 3 or 4 years. 

Three of the four British species of Nemotelus (fig. 131) have been described in the 

larval stage by Brindle (1964b). The larvae occur in or on the mud of marshes and at 

least N. uliginosus (L.) and N. notatus Zetterstedt are found in estuarine marshes or 

inland in brine pits and similar habitats. 

Oxycera larvae (fig. 132) occur in hygropetricous habitats, i.e. in mosses growing in 

water flowing down inclined rocks or in semi-aquatic mosses in marshes. All but two 

(0. dives Loew and 0 . terminata Meigen) are keyed in the larval stage by Brindle 

(1964b). (0. nigripes Verrall is synonymized with 0. pygmaea (Fallen) by Rozkosny, 

1983). 

57

The larva of Vanoyia tenuicornis (Meigen) is unknown but should be sought along 

streams and marshes (including salt marshes) where the adults occur (often on the 

leaves of Ligustrum). 

Pachygastrinae. Larvae of this subfamily (fig. 127) are found under the bark of 

decaying trees. Some species appear to be associated with particular species of trees 

and they would be a worthy subject for detailed investigation, e.g. Neopachygaster 

meromelaena (Dufour) ( = P. orbitalis Wahlberg) (holly, willow); Pachygaster atra 

(Panzer) (elm); Zabrachia ( = Pachygaster) minutissima Zetterstedt (pine); Eupachygaster 

tarsalis Zetterstedt (beech, poplar) and Praomyia leachii Curtis (oak). Brindle 

(1962b, 1966) keys all the British species. 

Sarginae. The larva of the common Chloromyiaformosa (Scopoli) is found in dung. 

Microchrysa polita (L.) (fig. 128) occurs in dung, grass-heaps, compost, garden refuse, 

under moss on old tree trunks, etc., and is the most commonly encountered larva of the 

family. M.flavicornis (Meigen) has been found in soil under moss on a tree trunk and 

may share the wide range of habitats favoured by M . polita but M.jiavicornis is found 

in dung (pig, cow, horse). 

Four of the six British species of Sargus are known in the larval stage from dung and 

decaying grass heaps. Roberts ( 1969) has studied the structure of the larval mouth parts 

of Sargus and concludes that it is a detritus feeder. 

Brindle (1965e) keys the larvae of this subfamily. 

Stratiomyinae. The larvae of this subfamily are all aquatic and live in shallow 

standing water and in ponds or marshes, where they feed on microscopic organisms. 

Brindle (1964a) keys three of the British species of Stratiomys (figs 133- 138) and 

Rozkosny (1982) includes all four. 

A key to larvae of four of the six British species of Odontomyia (figs 139- 140) is given 

by Brindle (1964a). 

Hermetiinae. Although not included in the British Check List in the Handbook series, 

the larvae of Hermetia illucens (L.) (fig. 130) frequently come before entomologists who 

deal with economic enquiries involving food stuffs imported into Britain (see Medical 

and Veterinary Section and Smith & Chainey, 1989). 

Xylomyidae 

(Figs: larvae 141-143, pupa 1131) 

Regarded until very recently as a subfamily of Stratiomyidae, this small but widely 

distributed family contains less than I 00 species in 53 genera. Only one genus, Xylomya 

( = Solva) is represented in Britain, by 3 species. 

The larvae (fig. 143) resemble Stratiomyidae with a shagreened cuticle but are 

distinguishable at once by the shiny smooth areas on the thorax and the toothed anus 

(figs 141-143). They are predaceous or saprophagous and live under the bark of trees 

(oak, poplar, elm, walnut) and in rotting logs. 

Brindle (196Ic) keys the British species. 

Xylophagidae 

(Figs: larva 144, pupa 1132) 

This small family (until recently included in the Rhagionidae) consists of about 30 

species in one genus (Xylophagus) and is restricted to the Holarctic region. 

58

Three species of Xylophagus occur in Britain, two of which are known in the larval 

stages and keyed by Brindle (1961 b, 1966); they occur in dead wood. X. cinctus DeGeer 

(fig. 144) is restricted to pine trees but X . ater Meigen is found in deciduous trees 

including birch, oak, alder, beech and aspen. The larva of X.junki Szih\.dy is unknown 

but may well be found in conifers since the only known British adult was found in 

Glenmore Forest, near Aviemore, Scotland. 

There has been some controversy over the feeding habits of larval Xylophagus but 

they are certainly carnivorous, probably on beetle larvae. Downes (1953) records 

X. ater attacking a small staphylinid larva. 

Rhagionidae 

(Figs: larvae 145- 151, egg 993, pupa 1133) 

The Rhagionidae has a world-wide distribution with 500 species contained in some 

20 genera. Four subfamilies are recognised of which two occur in Britain. No key to 

subfamilies is given since the larvae of some genera are unknown, but Brindle (1959) 

provides a partial key including those genera now removed to other families. 

The larvae of Rhagio (fig. 145) and Chrysopilus (fig. 150) are carnivorous but are also 

said to feed on decaying vegetable material. However, from a study of the larval 

mouthparts, Roberts (1969) concludes that Rhagio is carnivorous, feeding on earthworms 

(Oiigochaeta) and soft bodied insect larvae. Brindle (1962g) keys the larvae of 

four of the six British species of Rhagio. Hobby & Smith (1962a) describe the immature 

stages of Chrysopilus cristatus (F.), which differs from Rhagio (fig. 148) in the structure 

of the head capsule (figs 149-150). Larvae of both genera are found in leaf mould and 

moss and other woodland debris. 

Ptiolina larvae feed on mosses on trees and stones. They are shining green in life and 

the anal segment has two fleshy lobes, one dorsal, one ventral (figs 147, 151 ). 

The larva of Spania has not been described but is said to be small and to mine the 

leaves ofliverworts (Pellia, etc.). 

Symphoromyia larvae occur in damp soil. Some Alaskan species have been described 

by Sommerman (1962) and were found to feed on the larvae of other soil-dwelling 

Diptera. 

Atherix and Atrichops of the Diptera Check List in the Handbooks series are treated 

here under Athericidae. 

Athericidae 

(Figs: larvae 152- 156, eggs 994-995, pupa 1134) 

Formerly included as a subfamily in the Rhagionidae this family contains some 80 

world species in about 6 genera. Two genera occur in Britain, both aquatic in the 

immature stages. 

The distinctive larvae of Atherix are found beneath and amongst stones on river 

beds. When fully grown they leave the water and burrow into light gravelly soil under 

moss on the river bank and pupate. The two British species are easily distinguished by 

the difference in the lengths of the lateral processes on the abdomen (figs 154-155). 

Atherix ibis (F.) is well known for the curious, and frequently described oviposition 

habits of the female. The flies gather in clusters on twigs and branches overhanging the 

water and remain there until they die in a mass of flies and eggs (fig. 994). The eggs (fig. 

995) ultimately hatch and the young larvae fall into the water. Mackey & Brown (1980) 

describe the pupa and provide a key to pupae for the families of aquatic Brachycera. 

Brindle (1961d) keys the species of Atherix. 

59

The larva of Atrichops crassipes (Meigen), the only other British representative of 

this family, remains undescribed, but its life history will probably prove similar to 

that of Atherix. Adults used to occur (1900-1904) on alders in a water-meadow near 

Ticehurst Road Station, Sussex, and near Milford-on-Sea, Hants, as well as a few 

localities in the New Forest (Hants). It has recently been rediscovered in some oft he old 

localities, and Gibbs (1987) records it from the Kennet Valley in Berkshire. 

Tabanidae 

(Figs: larvae 157- 160, eggs 996-997, pupa 1135) 

The large family Tabanidae (horse-flies, clegs, deer flies) contains some 3500 species 

and is world-wide in distribution. Adult female Tabanidae suck blood and some are of 

veterinary and medical importance. 

The larvae of Tabanidae are found in wet mud at the margins of ponds, lakes and 

streams, in sand on the sea shore or in tree-holes. The first two instars do not feed and 

moulting from first to second in star often takes place on the egg mass. The later ins tars 

are very active predators on worms, molluscs and larvae of other Diptera (including 

their own kind) but they do not feed on Crustacea or beetle larvae. The number of 

larval instars (fig. 157) ranges from 7 to 11 and varies, along with the time of larval 

development, even in the same species, according to a number of factors, e.g. food, 

temperature, humidity. 

The larvae can survive for a long time without food (up to several months) and in 

unfavourable environmental conditions they can hibernate/aestivate several times, 

with additional larval instars. 

Tabanid larvae can be roughly divided into three ecological groups: 

I) Hydrophilous - developing only in water (e.g. Chrysops, some Hybomitra). 

2) Semihydrophilous- with first and second instars on surface of water or moist soil and in 

third instar migrate into soil close to water (e.g. most European Tabanidae). 

3) Edaphic - living in drier soil, usually far from water (e.g. some HOI!nwtopota). 

Eggs (figs 996-997) are laid in masses which may consist of a single layer (some 

Chrysops), two or three layers (Haematopota) or three or four layers (other tabanids). 

The number of eggs laid ranges from 400 in small species to 1000 in the larger species. 

There are 28 British species representing 5 genera. Two sub-families and three tribes 

occur in Britain, which may be distinguished in the mature larval stages as follows. 

Four tubular pseudopods (ventro-lateral (vlp) and lateral pairs (lp)) on each abdominal 

segment except the last (fig. 159) . . . . . . . . . Ckysopsinae (Chrysopsini) 

At least six tubular pseudopods (2 pairs ventro-lateral, plus a lateral pair) on all but the last 

abdominal segment (fig. 158) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tabaninae 2 

2 Anal segment shorter than its own vertical height (fig. 157) . . . . Haematopotini 

Anal segment elongated, longer than its own vertical height (fig. 160) 

Tabanini 

The European Tabanidae have been monographed by Chvala et al. (1972) who 

include much biological information. Other important papers on larval Tabanidae are 

listed by Jezek (1977), who keys the last instar larvae and pupae of many species. 

Chrysopsinae. Only one genus, Chrysops, occurs in Britain with four species. The 

larvae are usually found in mud or sand at the edges of streams and brooks and 3 of the 

4 British species are described by Jezek (1970). The larva of C. sepu/cralis (F.) is 

unknown but should be sought in swampy conditions, especially peat bogs, where the 

adults have a very local distribution. 

60

Tabaninae 

Haematopotini. Only one genus, Haematopota, with 4 species occurs in Britain. 

The immature stages of the commonest species, H. pluvialis (L.) (the cleg or dun fly) 

have been studied in detail by Cameron (1934). The larvae of H. crassicornis Wahlberg 

also occur in marshy soil but the species is commoner than H. pluvialis in upland areas 

in the hilly districts of the north of England and Scotland. H. grandis Meigen and H . 

bigoti Gobert are salt marsh species in Britain but the larvae are undescribed. 

Brindle (196la) keys the larvae of three British species, including H. italica Meigen 

from salt marshes. H. italica however, included only as a dubious synonym of H. 

grand is in the British Check List, is regarded as a subspecies of H. grandis by Oldroyd in 

his key to adults in the Handbook series, and as a distinct species with larval habits 

resembling those of H. pluvialis by Chvala et al. (1972) (and the larva of H . grandis 

stated to be unknown). Clearly the genus Haematopota needs further attention by 

British Dipterists, accompanied by careful rearing from larvae but no genuine British 

adults of H. italica are known. 

Tabanini. Only two of the 13 European ( 4 British) species of Atylotus are known in 

the larval stage. A .fulvus (Meigen) has been reared from the periphery of forest ponds 

in Czechoslovakia. 

Jdek (1977) keys the last ins tar larvae and pupae of 8 of the 37 described European 

species of Hybomitra, including 4 of the 9 British species. H. distinguenda (Verrall) is a 

widespread and often numerous species whose larvae have been found in living or dead 

vegetation at the margins of marshes, forest ponds, marshy meadows, margins of 

drainage near cattle pens and in a moist rotten pine stump. H . bimaculata (Macquart), 

H . ciureai (Seguy) (accidentally indented as a synonym in the Check List) and H. 

muehlfeldi (Brauer) have all been found at the edges of ponds, usually submerged even 

during the winter months among frozen Phragmites, Carex and Juncus. 

The immature stages of only 3 of the 8 British species of Tabanus have been 

adequately described. T. autumnalis L. has been found in a wide variety of substrates 

from totally organic soil in Alnus forest to the margins of forest ponds and drainage 

ditches. T. bromius L. occurs in the periphery of forest ponds and in molehills; T. 

maculicornis Zetterstedt has also been recorded from molehills, but usually in the 

margins of peat bogs and in forest meadows near lakes and streams; T. miki Brauer 

occurs in the mud of swamps and marshy meadows (with Phragmites, Carex, Iris and 

Salix ). 

Most of the ecological information given above comes from Czechoslovakian data 

included in the references cited in Jezek ( 1977). It is strange that the life-histories of this 

important family have been so neglected by British entomologists and clearly there is 

scope for a substantial research effort here. 

Asilidae 

(Figs: larvae 165- 176, eggs 998- 999, pupa 1136) 

About 5000 species of Asilidae (robber flies) in over 400 genera and subgenera have 

been described throughout the world, of which 27 species in 15 genera occur in Britain. 

The long white larvae prefer drier habitats, e.g. sandy soil, and are predaceous, 

although the Laphriinae, which occur in decayed wood, are considered to be saprophagous 

or herbivorous. A classic work on the immature stages is that of Melin 

(1923); Brindle (1962e) keys the known larvae of the British species. A useful world 

review of the known biology of Asilidae is provided by Knutson (1972). Many larvae 

are predaceous on beetle larvae but hardly any observations on larval food have been 

made for the genera occurring in Britain. 

61

The higher classification of the adults of Asilidae based on adult structures appears 

to be very subjective, each specialist creating a different system, e.g. Leptogaster varies 

in status from tribe to separate family! For the purpose of this Handbook I follow 

Brindle (1962e) in recognising 4 subfamilies for the separation of the larval stages as 

follows. 

Mandibles absent; maxillae (mx) widely separated distally being prevented from closer 

approximation by the strongly broadened basal part; outer margin ofthe maxillae with an 

incision in which lie the maxillary palps (mp) (figs 165-166) . . . . Leptogastrinae 

Mandibles (md) present; maxillae usually closely approximated along their length, basal 

part not broadened internally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

2 Maxillae narrow, without a lateral incision (fig. 167); anal segment '"'ith a horizontal apical 

brown or white ridge (fig. 169, r) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asilinae 

Maxillae broad, with a lateral incision in which lie the maxillary palps (fig. 170); anal segment 

without an apical ridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

3 Abdominal segments 1-{i with an annular ring of 3 or 4 pairs of tubercles (fig. 171); anal 

segment with an apical sclerotised plate (figs 171 - 173) . . . . . . . Laphriinae 

Abdominal segments 1-{i with only one pair of ventral tubercles; anal segment without an 

apical sclerotised plate (figs 174-176) . . . . . . . Dasypogoninae 

Leptogastrinae. There is only one British genus, Leptogaster, with two species, the 

larvae of which occur in sandy soil or meadows with dense ground vegetation (figs 

165- 166). 

Dasypogoninae. The genera Leptarthrus ( = /sopogon) and Dasypogon ( = Selidopogon), 

each with one species, are unknown in the larval stages though L. brevirostris 

(Meigen) has been seen to oviposit on cocksfoot and the larvae should probably be 

sought in soil on chalk downland. Adults of D. diadema F. have not been found in 

Britain for well over a century but should the species still survi,·e in Britain its larvae 

should be sought on the dunes of the Welsh coast. 

Of the six British species of Dioctria only D. rufipes (De Geer) (figs 174-176) and D. 

oelandica (L.) are known in the larval stage and they occur in woodland soil (Brindle 

1968, 1969a). The larva of Lasiopogon cinctus (F.) is not uncommon in sandy soils in 

pastures, woodlands and dunes, but also occurs in richer soils. 

Laphriinae. The larvae (fig. 171) of this subfamily are found in the stumps of decayed 

trees. Laphriaflava L. (figs 172-173) is found in decayed wood of pine, spruce or birch 

stumps in Scotland. L. gilva (L.) is found locally in southern England between the bark 

and wood of pine stumps. L. marginata (L.) is also restricted to southern England 

where it occurs in pine stumps or decayed deciduous wood. 

Asilinae. All nine genera of the subfamily occurring in Britain are lrnown in the larval 

stage, though not all are known from British species or material. 

Larvae of Asilus crabroniformis (L.) are locally common in southern England in the 

sandy soils of pastures and heaths. One of the three species of Epitriptus (regarded as 

synonymous with Machimus by some workers), E. cingulatus(F.), is lrnown in the larval 

stage and occurs in the sandy soils of meadows, grassy slopes, etc. Eutolmus rufibarbis 

(Meigen) is found in similar situations. The larvae of Machimvs atricapillus (Fallen) 

and Neoitamus cyanurus (Loew) occur in sandy soils in open woodlands and the 

unknown larvae of the other rarer single species of each of these two genera will no 

doubt be found in similar situations. The larvae of Pamponerus germanicus (L.) (fig. 

168) and Philonicus a/biceps (Meigen) are found in sand dune soils and Rhadiurgus 

variabilis (Zetterstedt) occurs locally in sandy soils at theedgesofpine woods in upland 

districts, chiefly in Scotland. The larva of Dysmachus trigonus (Meigen) is unknown but 

Melin (1923) found that of a Swedish species in sandy soils on the coast and inland 

62

heaths. In the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) collections there are two pupae of D. 

trigonus from St. Merryn, Cornwall, and Croyd, N . Devon, one labelled 'in sand' (coli. 

K. G. Blair ex coli L. Parmenter). 

Therevidae 

(Figs: larva 161-162, pupa 1140) 

About 700 species of Therevidae (stiletto flies) have been described throughout the 

world, of which 13 species in 3 genera occur in Britain. 

The life histories are very poorly known but the vermiform (worm- or snake-like) 

larvae (fig. 161 ), with abdominal segments 1-6 subdivided, occur in sandy to sandyloam 

soils and are predators on a variety of arthropods and earthworms, with a 

preference (like Asilidae) for beetle larvae, especially of the families Elateridae, 

Scarabaeidae and Tenebrionidae. There are five larval stages in the life-histories so far 

studied. 

Thereva is the genus most frequently encountered in the larval stage (figs 161 - 162). 

Fox Wilson (1924) conducted experiments on the feeding habits of Thereva plebeia (L.) 

and concluded that larvae fed on leaf-mould and humus in the soil and when this was 

scarce would attack living plants, e.g. cabbage and potato and other garden vegetables. 

However, it may well be that this only occurs in the absence of suitable invertebrate 

food, as the larvae are undoubtedly voracious predators and feed on various insect 

larvae including wireworms (Coleoptera, Elateridae) and their own kind. They are also 

capable of biting man, usually in sandy areas; Smith (1979a, 1986a) summarises these 

records and one more can be added from a dry rocky limestone area on Bunster Hill, 

Dovedale (K.N.A. Alexander, pers. comm.). 

Collinge ( 1909) (overlooked by Fox Wilson) made observations on Thereva 

nobilitata F. from larvae sent in by gardeners and nurserymen from among the roots of 

various plants. He fed the larvae on Diptera larvae and small earthworms but noted 

that they preferred weevil larvae which were less active. The larvae of the remaining 8 

species of Thereva are unknown but should be sought in sandy soil; T. annulata F. is 

common on coastal sand dunes. 

Larvae of Psilocephala melaleuca (Loew) have been found in rotting stumps in the 

Windsor Forest- Ascot area of Berkshire, but have not been described. 

The larva of Dialineura ani/is (L.) is unknown, but should be sought on sandhills of 

the Welsh and Scottish coasts where adults are common. 

Scenopinidae 

(Figs: larva 163-164, egg I 000, pupa 1138) 

Some 312 species of Scenopinidae (window flies, carpet flies) have been described 

throughout the world. The family is represented in Britain by 3 species in the single 

genus Scenopinus. 

The slender snake-like larvae resemble those of Therevidae in having abdominal 

segments 1- 6 subdivided (see key) and are predaceous on the larvae and pupae of 

clothes-moths, beetles and fleas . They are frequently found in carpets but since this can 

hardly be their 'natural' habitat it is assumed that the debris in birds' nests provided 

their original larval pabulum. They have been recorded most frequently from nests of 

house sparrows, swallows, pigeons, starlings and jackdaws (Hicks, 1959). Scenopinid 

larvae are notoriously resistant to desiccation and lack of oxygen. There is one record 

of involvement in human urogenital myiasis (Thompson, J.H. et al., 1970). 

Two of the three British species, S. fenestra/is (L.) and S. glabrifrons Meigen, are 

world wide in distribution but only the larva of S. fenestra/is (fig. 164) has been 

63

described in any detail (Seguy, 1921), while Zuranska (1979) has described the 

puparium. 

Acroceridae 

(Figs: larvae 177-182, eggs I 00 I, pupa 1139) 

Some 475 species in 48 genera of Acroceridae have been described throughout the 

world. All are internal parasites of spiders (Araneae), particularly Lycosidae, but also 

of Theridiidae and Gnaphosidae. The black eggs (fig. 100 I) may be laid in flight and 

scattered on the ground in large numbers or deposited in masses on grass stems, 

horsetails, twigs or tree trunks away from the intended hosts. The first instar larva (figs 

179-181) is an active 'planidium' which seeks out and burrows into the host. These 

young larvae can jump for distances of 5 or 6 mm by bending and suddenly straightening 

the body, using caudal processes and a sucker attachment. They can also move 

along a spider's thread with a movement resembling that of a loo per caterpillar. The 

larvae of some species are known to obtain their oxygen by applying their posterior 

spiracles to the spider's lung-books. There are three larval instars and the mature larva 

(fig. 177) usually emerges posteriorly from the spider's epigastric furrow area and 

pupates free of the host, often in a protective webbing spun by the host spider before its 

death. 

Only three species (Acrocera globulus Panzer, Ogcodes gibbosus L. and 0. pallipes 

Latreille) occur in Britain and these are very rarely seen even as adults. They occur in 

scattered localities from Herefordshire southwards and may be locally abundant. 

Since spiders are so common it is strange that Acroceridae are so rarely encountered. 

Spiders are known to kill some of the larvae and the adult flies are frequently caught in 

their webs but in view of the large numbers of eggs laid (80Q-900 have been observed) 

the mortality seems high and a quantitative investigation would be worth while for 

anyone with access to a local colony. 

Bombyliidae 

(Figs: larvae 183-188, egg I 002, pupa 1137) 

Nearly 4000 species of Bombyliidae (bee-flies) in some 194 genera have been 

described throughout the world. The family is best represented in arid and semi-arid 

regions. Few species are known in the immature stages but all are parasitic on the larvae 

or pupae (or both) of various species of Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, 

Diptera and Neuroptera, or predaceous on the egg pods of grasshoppers. There are 3 

larval stages, the first being a planidium (fig. 183). As with Asilidae, the pupal stage (fig. 

1137) is better described because so often only the pupal skin is recovered after a chance 

rearing. Hull (1973) provides generic keys to the pupal stage. Eggs (fig. 1002) are said to 

be produced in large numbers. Du Merle (1975) provides a host list for the immature 

stages. 

Only 11 species in 5 genera occur in Britain. The higher classification of the 

Bombyliidae is rather unstable. Of the 12 or so subfamiles recognised 4 are represented 

in Britain but the larvae are too imperfectly known to construct a key. 

Anthracinae. The only British member of this subfamily, the very rare (Leicestershire 

only) Anthrax anthrax (Schrank), has not been described in the larval stage, though the 

pupa is known. Abroad it has been reared from the nest of Odynerus spinipes (L.) 

(Hym., Vespidae); from both Osmia nigriventris (Zetterstedt) and its parasite Stelis 

ornatula Klug (both Hym., Apidae); and from nests of Anthophora and Megachile 

(both Hym., Apidae). 

64

Bombyliinae. T. A. Chapman (1878) found pupae of Bombylius major L., the 

commonest British species, in the nest of the mining bee Andrena labia/is Kirby. Other 

bees have been recorded as hosts on the continent, e.g. A. humilis Imhoff and Colletes 

cunicularia (L.). T. A. Chapman also observed females of a small brown species of 

Bombylius (probably canescens Mikan) laying its eggs in flight over a bank containing 

Ha/ictus burrows. On the continent the immature stages of B. minor L. have been 

described from nests of Colletes daviesana Smith (Nielsen, J. C., 1903). The first stage 

larvae of B. minor feed on the pollen and honey store but in later instars attack the bee 

larvae. 

Exoprosopinae. The larva (fig. 186) of Thyridanthrax fenestratus (Fallen) has been 

described by Seguy (1932). It has been recorded from the egg pods of grasshoppers in 

the Mediterranean area but Greathead (1963) has suggested that in at least some of 

these cases it may be parasitic on Diptera associated with the egg pods. The species has 

not been reared in Britain but adults occur locally on sandy commons in southern 

England. Grasshoppers and associated Diptera in such localities could well repay 

investigation. 

Larvae of Villa species parasitize larvae of Lepidoptera (especially Noctuidae) and 

Coleoptera (Tenebrionidae). Of the three British species, only V. circumdata (Meigen) 

has been reared from a pyralid moth larva (in France). 

Phthiriinae. Phthiria pulicaria Mikan is a sand-dune species and has been reared from 

Scrobipalpula psilella (Herrich-Schiiffer) (Lep., Gelechiidae) on the continent. 

Empididae 

(Figs: larvae 189-205, eggs 1003- 1004, pupae 1146-1148) 

Over 3000 species of Empididae (dance flies) have been described throughout the 

world and many more await description. Over 350 species have so far been recorded in 

Britain. The family has usually been divided into 8 or 10 subfamilies of which 6 occur in 

Britain. Chvala ( 1983) has grouped these into distinct families: Microphoridae, Atelestidae 

(Atelestus is under Platypezidae in the Check List, larvae unknown), Hybotidae 

(including Ocydromiinae, Hybotinae and Tachydromiinae), and Empididae (including 

Oreogetoninae, Empidinae, Brachystomatinae (not British), Hemerodromiinae and 

Clinocerinae). The group is here treated as one family, since the immature stages are so 

poorly known and the available information is given under the six sub-family headings 

included in the Check List (Smith, 1976) in this Handbook series. The following key 

couplet will facilitate preliminary identification of larvae. 

Keys to the few genera so far known in the larval stages are given by Smith (1969) and 

McAipine et al. (1981). 

Larvae terrestrial, with amphipneustic respiratory system (spiracles fairly conspicuous), 

without ventral abdominal pseudopods (figs 196-200) . . . . . . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . Tachydromiinae, Hybotinae, Ocydromiinae, Empidinae 

Larvae aquatic or semi-aquatic, with apneustic respiratory system (no spiracles) and with 

ventral abdominal pseudopods (figs 201- 205) Hemerodromiinae, Clinocerinae 

Tachydromiinae. There is no adequate description of a larva of this subfamily. I have 

seen Crossopalpus curvipes Meigen reared from a cocoon in a dead snail ( Cepaea 

nemoralis L.) by R. A. Beaver and the mouth-parts and posterior spiracles, recovered 

from the cast skin, are illustrated (figs 190-192). Malloch (1917) figured the mouth parts 

of Drapetis assimilis Fallen (as nigra Meigen) which I have included for comparison 

(fig. 189). Malloch noted that the Drapetis larva occurs under bark or in decaying wood 

65

and makes a tough cocoon in which it pupates. Be ling ( 1888) gives a brief description of 

the larva of Platypalpus major (Zetterstedt) found in soil under moss in a wood. The 

rarity or absence of males in some species of Platypalpus has led to the suggestion that 

they may be entirely parthenogenetic (P. major (Zetterstedt)) or at least so over part of 

their range (e.g. P. candicans (Fallen) in N. Europe, P. cursitans (F.) in central and 

southern Europe). 

There are some records of reared adults which indicate where the larvae, which 

almost certainly are all predaceous, should be sought, e.g. Crossopalpus, dung, 

fungi (C. nigritellus Zetterstedt in young plasmodium of Fuligo septica Gmelin 

(Myxomycetes)); Elaphropeza ephippiata (Fallen), woodland soil (G. C. Varley); 

Tachypeza nubila (Meigen), under bark, in fungi (e.g. Bjerkandera, Amanita, Paxillus, 

Hypholoma, Daldinia). 

The remaining genera should be sought where adults are known to occur, especially 

in soil and decaying wood, or soil under grass-tufts (Stilpon) sand on the sea shore, 

rivers or lakes (Chersodromia, some Tachydromia). 

Hybotinae. The immature stages are unknown but the larvae of Hybos probably live 

in soil around woodland margins or scrubland. The larvae of Syndyas should be sought 

in cold Sphagnum bogs. Syneches muscarius (F.), the only British species of the genus, 

should be sought in wet meadows though only one locality is yet known in Britain (The 

Moors, Wool, Dorset). 

Ocydromiinae. Ocydromia glabricula (Fallen) females are viviparous and scatter 

young larvae while in flight over dung, in which they develop (Hobby & Smith, 1962c). 

It is probable that the other British species of the genus, 0. melanopleura Loew, is 

viviparous as Chvala ( 1983) has seen small dead larvae attached to the tip of the 

abdomen of dried female specimens. 

Bicellaria, Trichina and Trichinomyia occur in moist shady places, in deciduous 

woodland and their larvae are probably in the soil. Euthyneura, Oedalea and Leptopeza 

have all been reared from rotten wood and probably Oropezella occurs there too, but 

the larvae of all remain undescribed. 

Empidinae. The larvae of Empis (fig. 196) and Rhamphomyia (fig. 198) are predators, 

probably mostly on other Diptera larvae in woodland soil under leaf-litter (Hobby 

& Smith, 1961a, b, 1962b). Larvae of Rh. sulcata Meigen may occur in large numbers 

in freshly ploughed pasture soil (Smith, 1968). On the continent Rh. dentipes 

Zetterstedt has been reared from a beech stump and Dr B. R. Laurence has reared Rh. 

crassirostris (Fallen) from a pupa found under moss and liverworts on a tree stump. 

The larvae of Hilara may be distinguished from Empis and Rhamphomyia by the 

larger posterior lobe (fig. 197) which is curved towards the tip; they are found in moist 

woodland soil under leaf litter, in mole casts and in decaying wood. 

Hemerodromiinae. The larvae of this subfamily (except Phyllodromia (see below)) are 

aquatic and live in mosses in rivers and streams including hygropetricous habitats e.g. 

mosses growing in the water flowing down vertical rock faces or on the tufa (which they 

burrow into) deposited by lime-rich waters. The larvae have 7 pairs of retractable 

pseudo pods on the abdominal segments but the arrangement and length of processes 

on the anal segment varies between genera and species (figs 202-205). 

Hemerodromia unilineata (Zetterstedt) (fig. 202) larvae occur most commonly in 

mosses in deeper water where the current is slow. The larvae of Chelifera trapezina 

(Zetterstedt) are found in very fast flowing water, e.g. where the water runs down 

sloping artificial weirs. The striking pupae of these two genera have the spiracles of 

the prothorax and first seven abdominal segments modified into long slender gills 

(fig. 1146). 

66

The larva of Phyllodromia is terrestrial and the anal segment has a large posterior 

lobe resembling Hilara. The immature stages of other British genera are unknown. 

Brindle (1964c, 1969b) keys the immature stages (including Clinocerinae). 

Clinocerinae. The larvae of this subfamily, like the Hemerodromiinae, are aquatic, 

but have 8 pairs (fig. 201) of abdominal pseudopods. 

Vaillant (1967) has studied the ecological requirements of Wiedemannia in French 

rivers and streams and proposes seven ecological zones. He found that the immature 

stages of many species may be distributed along the same watercourse, depending upon 

the elevation, rate of flow, abundance of other aquatic fauna, and especially the maximal 

and minimal temperatures of the water throughout the year. Brindle (1969b) found 

larvae of W. rhynchops (Nowicki) in rivers and streams with a wide range of current 

speeds but they were fewer in numbers than Hemerodromiinae. Wiedemannia larvae 

have been found to feed on Simulium larvae (in Algeria). 

The larva of C/inocera stagna/is (Haliday) has been found in a small shallow lake, 

also among filamentous algae on stones in a slow moving stream (in company with 

Wiedemannia Iota Walker and probably feeding on chironomid larvae (Brindle 1973)). 

Hinton (1950) showed that the pupa of Clinocera is adapted to survive both in and 

out of water, providing a certain level of relative humidity obtains. C. bipunctata 

(Haliday) pupates in mosses just above the water level and if the water level rises the 

pupa wriggles up through the mosses to a position just above the new level. Pupae of 

W. rhynchops have been found in similar situations and presumably react in a similar 

way. Brindle ( 1969b) suggests that the differences in pupation sites ofHemerodromiinae 

and Clinocerinae are correlated with the degree of development of the pupal spiracles 

(i.e. long gills in the former and of normal length in the latter). 

Brindle ( 1964c, 1969b, 1973) provides keys to the then known genera and species 

of the subfamily. Vaillant (1952) has described the aquatic immature stages of 

Dolichocephala ocellata (Costa) (fig. 204) from France and provides a revised key to 

genera for the sub-family. 

Dolichopodidae 

(Figs: larvae 206--223, 226; eggs 1005- 1006; cocoons 224, 228, 1142, 1145; 

pupae 225, 227, 1141- 1145; stem mine 1291) 

Some 4500 species of Dolichopodidae have been described throughout the world. 

The immature stages are not well known but the larvae appear to be predaceous and are 

found in damp soil, sand, rotting wood, under bark, in sap exudations on trees, and in 

cattle dung; some are stem-miners and some are aquatic, including the inter-tidal zone 

of the sea shore. Pupation usually takes place in a cocoon of sand, mud or a piece of 

wood (figs 224--228, 1142-1145). There are 267 British species in 38 genera. The family 

is divided into nine subfamilies in Britain but the immature stages are too poorly known 

to provide a key. Keys to genera for the larvae so far described are given in McAipine et 

al. ( 1981 ). A useful 'spot' character for distinguishing most Dolichopodidae from other 

Brachycera larvae (especially Empididae with which they are often found), is the 

swollen posterior tip to each of the 'rods' of the mouthparts (fig. 215). Other larval and 

pupal differences are discussed by Dyte ( 1967). 

Sciapodinae. Only the genus Sciapus occurs in Britain, represented by 8 species, one 

of which is known in the immature stages. Larvae of Sciapus platypterus (F.) were 

found in soil under leaves in a forest of beech trees in April by Beling who gave a brief 

description, later translated by Lundbeck (1912). 

67

Dolichopodinae. Of the 53 species of Dolichopus occurring in Britain only 16 are 

known at all in the larval stages and these mostly from continental material. Few are 

adequately described. Early rearings by Beling, Brauer and others are summarised by 

Lundbeck (1912). Dolichopus claviger Stannius, D. discifer Stannius, D. /atelimbatus 

Macquart, D.lepidus Staeger, D./ongicornis Stannius, D. popular is Wiedemann and D. 

ungulatus (L.) have all been reared from soil in meadows or woods. In addition larvae 

and pupae of D. popular is have been found under moss on old 'stubs' of beeches and D. 

ungulatus has been found in hollow poplars. Vaillant (1950) described the egg (fig. 

1006), larva and pupa of D. griseipennis Stannius reared from eggs laid in moist soil 

and the same species has been reared from wet grit (Dyte, 1959) and old cow dung 

(Laurence, 1953). Dyte (1959) has reared D. nubilus Meigen from intertidal mud in 

estuaries and from the muddy bank of a freshwater stream and he illustrates the pupa 

(fig. 1141). Dyte also records rearing D. atratus Meigen, D. pennatus Meigen, D. 

signatus Meigen and D. trivia/is Haliday from freshwater mud or moist soil. Nielsen 

et al. ( 1954) found larvae of D. p/umipes (Scopoli) (fig. 207) in numbers from a range of 

half-dry to wet soil in Iceland. 

No larvae of the 22 British species of Hercostomus have been described but H. 

cretifer Walker has been reared from moss in a river bank by B. R. Laurence; H. 

nigriplantis Stannius has been reared from debris in the fork of a tree some 6 feet above 

the ground (Dyte, 1959) and the late Dr B. M. Hobby and myself have reared H. 

cupreus Fallen from woodland soil. 

Of the 4 species of Tachytrechus occurring in Britain the immature stages of 

Tachytrechus notatus (Stannius) have been described by Vaillant (1949) from larvae 

found on wet rocks, in company with those of Lianca/us virens (Scopoli) in Algeria. 

Lundbeck (1912) described the pupa ofT. insignis (Stannius) which was found in a 

cocoon made of sand grains at the border of a lake in Denmark. 

The immature stages of Hypophyllus and Poeci/obothrus are unknown. 

Hydrophorinae. The larvae and cocoons containing the pupae of Hydrophorus 

oceanus (Macquart) (figs 208- 210, 223- 225) occur in intertidal mud in estuaries or in 

sand on the sea shore (Tsacas, 1959; Dyte, 1959). However, since the adults of this 

species also occur inland the immature stages may be found on the stones of freshwater 

habitats. Probably larvae of the other 8 British species will be found to occupy similar 

habitats. 

The immature stages of See/Ius notatus (F.) are unknown but should probably be 

sought at the water's edge although the adults can be found in wet and dry places. 

The immature stages of Liancalus virens are found in mosses on partly submerged 

wet rocks, and under waterfalls, etc., and are described by Vaillant (1948). The larva 

(fig. 213) is metapneustic and the pupa (fig. 1143) is hemipneustic. The prothoracic 

spiracles of the pupa are produced into two very long horns which project through a 

narrow opening at the anterior end of the cocoon (fig. 1142). Hinton (1950) found that 

the pupae, within their cocoons, can survive prolonged submergence if the water is well 

aerated and also prolonged periods of drying (2 days). 

The immature stages of Orthoceratium and Thinophilus are unknown but should be 

sought on the seashore or salt-marshes. 

Aphrosylinae. The one British genus, Aphrosylus, contains 4 species normally found 

on the sea shore. The larvae (fig. 214) have not been adequately described but have 

been reared from the littoral region, though some (e.g. A . mitis Verrall) may be 

estuarine. They are carnivores and sometimes A. celtiber Haliday lays eggs on 

limpets and in the shells of barnacles. Hinton (1967b) has studied the structure of the 

respiratory horns of the pupa of Aphrosylus (fig. 1144) in relation to those of other 

Dolichopodidae. 

68

Medeterinae. The larvae of Medetera (fig. 216) are found under the bark of trees and 

logs, usually in the mines of Scolytidae and other beetles on whose larvae and pupae 

they feed. About 10 of the 27 British species have been reared from such situations but 

identifications of the older records are unreliable. R. A. Beaver ( 1966) has described the 

immature stages and life history of M . nitida (Macquart) and M . impigra Collin in 

association with the elm bark beetle Scolytus scolytus F. There is scope for much more 

research on other species of trees and their associated beetles and Medetera. Teskey 

( 1976) provides a useful summary of recent work on this topic. Krivosheina ( 1974) 

describes and keys larvae of some Russian species including 5 that occur in Britain. 

The larvae of Thrypticus are plant-miners in the stems (fig. 1291) ofMonocotyledons 

associated with wet environments, e.g. Eleocharis and Scirpus (Cyperaceae), 

Muhlenbergia and Phragmites (Gramineae) and ]uncus (Juncaceae). The female flies 

have a sharp sclerotised ovipositor for piercing the food plant and the larvae and pupae 

have secondary structural changes associated with the non-carnivorous life-style in this 

specialised habitat (e.g. peripneustic larvae with reduced mouth parts and without anal 

lobes; pointed abdominal structures on pupae; no cocoon formed). No larvae of the 7 

British species have yet been described but Liibben (1908) has reared T. smaragdinus 

Gerstaecker and Dyte (1959) reviews work in America; another compact research 

project awaiting investigation. 

The immature stages of Cyrturella albosetosa Strobl are unknown but its only known 

British locality is Chippenham Fen, Cambs. 

Rhaphiinae. On the continent the larva of Rhaphium crassipes (Meigen) has been 

found in soil in a beech forest and Rh. elegantulum (Meigen) has been reared from 

a pupa found in sand at the edge of a pond (Lundbeck, 1912). None of the remaining 

23 species of Rhaphium occurring in Britain are known in the immature stages but 

McAlpine et al. ( 1981) illustrate a Nearctic species (fig. 217). 

Vaillant (1949) has described the larva of Syntormon zelleri Loew from wet rocks in 

company with Liancalus and Tachytrechus in France. The immature stages of the 

remaining 11 British Syntormon species are unknown. 

Machaerium maritimae Haliday develops in the intertidal mud in estuaries (figs 

226--228). 

The larva of Systenus has a prominent pair of pro legs on the first abdominal segment 

(figs 219-220). Krivosheina (1973) describes and keys the larvae of S. scholtzii (Loew), 

S. pallipes Roser and S. tener Loew which are found in the accumulations of sap on tree 

trunks and in the humid rotten wood of tree holes. Lundbeck (1912) summarises the 

other early rearing records which includeS. scholtzii from a beech fungus (by Verrall) 

and other British records. 

Achalcus melanotrichus Mik has been reared from rotten debris in lime, elm or horse 

chestnut trees. Bathycranium and Nematoproctus are unknown in the immature stages. 

Neurigoninae. The larva of Neurigona resembles Thrypticus in lacking anal lobes but 

unlike that genus is predaceous and has well developed mouthparts. Lundbeck ( 1912) 

gives a translation of Beling's brief description of the larva of N. quadrifasciata (F.) 

which was reared from soil under leaves in a forest of beech trees. The immature stages 

of the 3 other British species are unknown. 

Diaphorinae. Dyte (1959) has reared Argyra argentella (Zetterstedt) and A . confinis 

(Zetterstedt) from mud, and the former from wet decaying sawdust near which dung 

had been dropped. Crisp & Lloyd (1954) reared A. leucocephala (Meigen) from mud 

but no larva has been adequately described. Dyte also notes that two American species 

of Diaphorus have been reared from human faeces but nothing of the life histories of the 

4 British species of the genus or of the genera Chrysotus (19 spp.) or Melanostolus (I sp.) 

is known. 

69

Campsicneminae. Campsicnemus curvipes (Fallen) has been reared from mud (Crisp 

& Lloyd, 1954) and Nielsen et al. (1954) found larvae of what is probably C. armatus 

(Zetterstedt) (fig. 222) in the very wet soil of swamps and bogs near hot springs under 

mosses and grasses in Iceland. Nothing is known of the life-histories of the other 9 

British members of the genus or any of the remaining 9 genera of the subfamily. 

70

Key to families for final stage larvae of British Cyclorrhapha 

Larva distinctly sclerotized, flattened dorsoventrally, with prominent segmentation and 

with obvious long processes 2 

Larva less distinctly sclerotized or flattened dorsoventrally, with or without processes 4 

2 Tergal plates distinct (7 visible body segments), with thin striated lateral plates; first two 

segments and last segment with long filamentous processes; inactive, in moist decaying 

vegetable material, leaf-litter, etc. (figs 229- 230) . Lonchopteridae (p. 76) 

Tergal plates distinct but without thin striated lateral margins and with lateral and dorsal 

processes not restricted to the first two and last segments . 3 

3 Posterior spiracles each on a short tuberculate dorsal process situated near the anterior 

margin of the last abdominal segment, this process terminating in three lobes each of 

which bears a spiracular opening; sometimes active; in decaying organic material often of 

animal origin (including carrion) and contaminated by urine or excrement (some Phoridae 

and Platypezidae may key out here but the lateral processes are usually unbranched and 

the posterior spiracles closer together) (figs 903- 908) . Fanniidae (p. 133) 

Posterior spiracles each ending on a short slender spiculate tuberculate process arising 

caudally on the last abdominal segment; in the sap of tree wounds (fig. 593) . 

Periscelididae (p. I 04) 

4 Posterior spiracles on a prominent large sclerotized plate; endoparasites of Hemiptera 

Homoptera; inactive (some Tephritidae may key out here but are not parasites and have 

fan-like anterior spiracles) (figs 247- 251) . Pipunculidae (p. 79) 

Posterior spiracles otherwise . 5 

5 Anterior spiracles more dorsally situated on the prothoracic segment and therefore 

closer together; mandible with longitudinal axis at oblique or right angles to rest of 

cephalopharyngeal skeleton and usually with two or more pairs of equally sized teeth; 

mainly in leaf-mines (figs 650-668) . 

Agromyzidae (p. Ill) 

Anterior spiracles more lateral in position, or absent; mandibles normally in same plane 

as rest of cephalopharyngeal skeleton and if toothed the teeth are fewer and unequal in 

size 6 

6 Posterior spiracles each with numerous pore-like openings; endoparasites in insects or 

mammals 7 

Posterior spiracle each with three slit-like openings (occasionally with up to six similar 

openings) I 0 

7 Posterior spiracles usually dome-shaped, either with circular wart-like protuberances each 

bearing several spiracular pores (some Tachinidae, e.g. Pelatachina, fig. 720, may key here, 

but are parasites of Lepidoptera), or with clusters of pores radiating from the ecdysal scar, 

or with a small stellar process near each spiracular plate, or with a pair of large laterally 

directed anal vesicles; endoparasites of bees and wasps; inactive (figs 282- 292) . 

Conopidae (p. 85) 


8 Openings of posterior spiracle arranged m three radiating groups; endoparasites of 

Hemiptera-Heteroptera . . . Tachinidae (part) (p. 11 8) 

Openings of posterior spiracle arranged circularly but not extending completely round the 

spiracular plate, the inner side of the plate more or less devoid of openings . 9 

9 Posterior spiracles on dorsal surface of a transverse cleft of the terminal abdominal segment 

and are occluded within the cavity when opposing surfaces are brought together; 

endoparasites of sheep and deer (figs 683-692) Oestridae (p. 115) 

Posterior spiracles on evenly rounded terminal extremity of body where they are unprotected; 

endoparasites of cattle, horses and deer (figs 693- 702) Hypodermatidae (p. 116) 

I 0 

Posterior spiracles close together on a fused process of varying length, from short to an 

elongate retractile tube (figs 252-281) . Syrphidae (p. 80) 

Posterior spiracles not on a fused process and, if appearing fused, then lacking spicules, 

tubercles or dense pubescence . 11 

11 Neck region of larva with an incomplete U-shaped collar or ring (figs 395, 648, r) . 12 

Neck region of larva without such a collar or ring . 13 

12 Larva more slender, anterior segments more obviously tapering towards head; numerous 

and obvious papillae laterally and ventrally on body; free living, feeding on aphids, 

coccids, etc., active (figs 385- 395) Chamaemyiidae (p. 91) 

71

Larva short and broad, last segment broad and rounded, anterior segments not so tapering 

towards head; papillae smaller and confined to anterior segments; in wax cells of hive bees 

feeding on pollen paste, inactive (figs 647-649) . Braulidae (p. 11 0) 

13 Anterior spiracle simple, unbranched; larva oval in outline with branched lateral 

appendages or more or less parallel-sided, somewhat depressed, with or without short 

dorsal and lateral processes 14 

Anterior spiracle branched or absent . 15 

14 Posterior spiracles with four openings arranged radially around the ecdysal scar (fig. 241 ); in 

fungi; inactive (figs 241- 246) Platypezidae (p. 78) 

Posterior spiracle with four openings arranged in two pairs, one behind the other (figs. 232); 

polyphagous saprophages; in fungi, dung, carrion, etc.; parasitic or predaceous on 

molluscs, spiders, millipedes, and other insects (figs 231- 240) Phoridae (p. 76) 

15 Margins of each posterior spiracular plate with a complete ring of branched setae; in 

decaying seaweed, etc. on beaches, active (figs 406-412) . Coelopidae (p. 93) 

Margins of posterior spiracular plates without setae or setae present as isolated groups or 

tufts . 16 

16 Posterior spiracles on short processes ending in a sharp apex (Diastatidae may key 

here) . 17 


17 Anterior spiracles absent; aquatic, in plant stems, or as leaf-mines; or terrestrial and 

carnivorous; inactive or slightly active (figs 613-616) 

. Ephydridae (part) (Notiphilinae) (p. 106) 

Anterior spiracles present; terrestrial, in leaf-mines; inactive (figs 633- 634) . 

Drosophilidae (part) (Scaptomyza) (p. I 08) 

18 Posterior spiracles on the inner side of a short process; other processes or tubercles may 

occur on the last segment; in decaying organic material of animal origin; active (figs 

552- 563) . Piophilidae (part) (p. 101) 

Posterior spiracles not on inner side of a spiracular process . 19 

19 Posterior spiracles on elongated processes forming a pair of diverging branches from a 

cylindrical elongated base, or at least the branches are united at the base (in Canacidae, 

couplet 23, the spiracular branches are not forked or diverging but are on elongated 

processes); mouth-hooks with accessory sclerites (small sclerites below mouth-hooks) 20 

Posterior spiracles on the surface of the last segment of the abdomen, or on short processes 

which are not united at the base; mouth-hooks with or without accessory sclerites 

(Limnophora, Muscidae, fig. 949, has the posterior spiracles on diverging processes which 

are united basally, mouth-hooks with accessory sclerites, but occurs among moss in 

running water) 27 

20 Mouth-hooks united by a sclerotized ventral arch (fig. 508, va); thoracic segments longer and 

narrower than the abdominal segments; dark coloured active larva with the body retractile, 

usually in ditches, ponds, etc., terrestrial, aquatic or semi-aquatic, feeding on snails 

and other molluscs (figs 475- 518) Sciomyzidae (p. 96) 

Mouth-hooks not united by a sclerotized arch; thoracic segments not longer and narrower 

than the abdominal segments; not dark-coloured, active, retractile larva . 21 

21 Spines or setae present on at least the posterior body segments, apart from any on the 

segmental borders 22 

Cuticle smooth, without spines or setae on the surface of the body segments, although 

tubercles may be present 25 

22 Posterior part of body obviously swollen, bulbous in shape; anterior spiracles with a more or 

less elongated cylindrical central axis from which arise lateral processes; in decaying 

organic material such as dung, carrion, etc.; active (figs. 447-474) . Sepsidae (p. 95) 

Posterior part of body not obviously swollen; anterior spiracles usually more fan-shaped, 

sometimes elongated . 23 

23 Each posterior spiracle at the end of an elongated cylindrical process which projects from a 

tubular siphon derived from the last abdominal segment; ventral pseudopods often 

present; aquatic on plants, often anchored by the posterior pseudopods, or in semi-aquatic 

habitats which are contaminated with organic material 24 

Each posterior spiracle much shorter, without a basal tubular siphon derived from the last 

segment; in decaying organic material, such as fallen leaves (in which they may mine) or in 

birds' nests, occasionally phytophagous in roots and stems (figs 396-405) 

Lauxaniidae (p. 92) 

72

24 

25 

26 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

Posterior spiracular process not forked, spiracles united (figs. 645- 646) Canacidae (p. 110) 

Posterior spiracular process forked; spiracles not united (figs. 618-624) . 

. Ephydridae (part) (p. 106) 

Anterior spiracles with a basal cylindrical part from the distal end of which arise several finer 

filaments, or anterior spiracles absent; saprophagous, in decaying fruit, or fruit-based 

food products, or other vegetable material, dung, fungi, etc.; active (figs 635-638) . 

. Drosophilidae (part) (p. 108) 

Anterior spiracles present but otherwise formed 26 

Anterior spiracles with a very long slender central axis from which arise short lateral 

processes; posterior spiracles on an elongated siphon or process; body narrow, with 

ventral pseudopods; in sap from tree wounds, etc.; inactive (figs 590--591) . 

Aulacigastridae (p. 104) 

Anterior spiracles with a long but broader central process, the distal end broadened and 

bearing the spiracular openings; no lateral processes; body broader, with ventral 

pseudopods; in larval tunnels of beetles (Scolytidae, etc.); inactive (figs 579-585) 

Odiniidae (p. 103) 

Mouthparts usually with accessory sclerites (fig. 911 , ob, ar) by mouth-hooks; posterior 

spiracular slits usually straight or sharply bent about midpoint (figs 925, 930) (sinuous in 

Mesembrina, figs 913- 914); under bark, under moss, in soil, etc.; inactive 

Muscidae (part) (p. 134) 

Mouthparts without accessory sclerites by mouth-hooks (fig. 919); in doubtful cases then 

posterior spiracles with strongly sinuous slits (figs 956, 960) . 28 

Posterior spiracles with three strongly sinuous slits whose axes lie approximately parallel to 

the spiracular margins (figs 913, 916) Muscidae (Muscinae) (p. 134) 

Posterior spiracles with straight slits, or if openings are sinuous then their axes lie tangential 

to the outer spiracular margin . 29 

Each posterior spiracle with an obvious spine or lobe . 30 

Each posterior spiracle without such a spine or lobe 32 

Cephalopharyngeal skeleton vestigial, unpigmented, except the small mandibles; in 

decaying wood of fallen trees; inactive (fig. 578) . Clusiidae (p. 103) 

Cephalopharyngeal skeleton normal and pigmented . 31 

Posterior spiracles with the slits short, oval in shape, and arranged almost at right angles to 

each other: 

(a) in plant roots and stems (figs 361- 372) Psilidae (p. 90) 

(b) associated with trees Lonchaeidae (part) (p. 101) 

(c) in seaweed (figs 373- 379) . Helcomyzidae (part) (p. 91) 

Posterior spiracles with the openings radiating from the ecdysal scar at distinctly less than 

right angles, or irregularly or peripherally arranged: 

(a) in root-nodules of legumes or decaying organic material; inactive (figs 338- 352) . 

Micropezidae (p. 89) 

(b) in roots and bulbs (figs 336-337) Otitidae (part) (p. 88) 

(c) with bifid mouth-hooks in ]uncus, Carex, etc.; or mining leaves of water lilies (figs 

835- 838; 849- 851) . Scathophagidae (part) (Cordilura, Hydromyza) (p. 129) 

(d) in decaying wood (figs 607-609). . Diastatidae (p. 108) 

Anterior spiracle bicornuate (fig. 359), posterior spiracles each on a distinct process (fig. 

356); saprophagous . . Tanypezidae (p. 90) 

Anterior spiracle otherwise, or if bicornuate (some Scathophagidae, fig. 840), then posterior 

spiracles not on raised processes . 33 

Posterior spiracles united, the three spiracular openings of each weakly or strongly bent; 

endoparasitic in horses; inactive (figs 703- 711) . Gasterophilidae (p. 117) 

Posterior spiracles separate 34 

Posterior spiracles in a distinct deep depression (fig. 781); in decaying organic matter of 

animal origin, carrion, etc.; active (figs 768, 785) . . Sarcophagidae (p. 125) 

Posterior spiracles not in a sunken depression 35 

Apex of each posterior spiracular process separated into three, on each of which is an 

opening: 

(a) in excrement, carrion, or ants' nests (figs 639-644) . 

(b) in refuse in birds' nests (figs 586-589) . 

(c) plant feeders or predators of root aphids (figs 669-682) 

Apex of each posterior spiracular process normal . 

. Milichiidae (p. 110) 

Carnidae (p. 104) 

Chloropidae (part) (p. 113) 

36 

73

36 Anterior spiracle with a more or less elongated central axis from which arise short or longer 

processes laterally; posterior spiracular openings short, elliptical; in carrion, dung, nests, 

etc., usually associated with decaying organic material (figs 519- 530) . 

. Sphaeroceridae (p. 99) 

Not as above . 37 

37 Posterior spiracular openings rather sinuous, all openings more or less parallel to each other 

and to the outer margin of the spiracle; mouth-hooks strongly curved near base, rest of 

cephalopharyngeal skeleton united; under bark; inactive (figs 353- 354) . 

Megamerinidae (p. 90) 

Not as above . 38 

38 Posterior spiracles with three very short elliptical openings (some Anthomyiidae may key 

here, but are included in other half of couplet) 39 

Posterior spiracles with more elongated, slit-like openings 40 

39 Anterior spiracles fan-like: 

(a) phytophagous, esp. in Gramineae (figs 669-682) Chloropidae (part) (p. 113) 

(b) predaceous on bark beetles or phytophagous in plants (figs 531 - 538) 

Pallopteridae (p. I 00) 

(c) in water-loving Gramineae (figs 594-606) Anthomyzidae (part) (p. 105) 

Anterior spiracles with central axis elongated: 

(a) in Gramineae (figs 564-577) . Opomyzidae (p. 102) 

(b) in water-loving Gramineae (figs 594-606) Anthomyzidae (part) (p. 105) 

40 Posterior spiracles on the surface of the last segment, not at all raised on short processes 41 

Posterior spiracles on the end of more or less obvious, though always short, processes 42 

41 End of last abdominal segment with obvious tubercles arranged in a more or less circular 

sequence around the posterior surface; spiracular scar (button) usually in the rather 

narrow but strongly sclerotized spiracular border (peritreme); in decaying organic matter 

of animal origin, carrion, dung, wounds of animals, etc.; active maggots (figs 786-825) . 

Calliphoridae (p. 127) 

End oflast segment with less obvious tubercles; spiracular border without the spiracular scar 

which is always situated inside the border; in plant stems, roots, fruits, flower-heads, 

sometimes causing mines or galls (figs 293- 314) Tephritidae (p. 86) 

42 Endoparasitic in insects, woodlice (lsopoda), etc 43 

Free living larvae 44 

43 Endoparasitic in insects (mainly) (figs 712- 755). Tachinidae (part) (p. 118) 

Endoparasitic in woodlice (figs 756-767) . Rhinophoridae (p. 124) 

44 Body, including last abdominal segment, without obvious papillae or tubercles: 

(a) in root nodules of legumes (Rivellia) ; in fungi , soil or dead wood (P/atystoma) (figs 

315- 321) . Platystomatidae (p. 88) 

(b) in decaying vegetable matter or dung (figs 322- 337) . Otitidae (part) (p. 88) 

(c) under bark, in dung, plant roots and stems, conifer cones, fruits, etc. (figs 539- 547) 

. Lonchaeidae (part) (p. 101) 

(d) in fungi , carrion, dung, decomposing matter (figs 413- 446) . 

. Heleomyzidae (part) (p. 94) 

(e) in decaying seaweed on beaches (figs 373- 379) . Helcomyzidae (part) (p. 91) 

Body, including last segment, with a ring of papillae or tubercles around the spiracular field 

and with others on other segments; cuticle may have spines or hairs 45 

45 Anterior spiracles (fig. 638) consisting of long filaments situated at the tip of an often long 

basal stem; in decaying or fermenting organic matter (figs 625-638) 

Drosophilidae (part) (p. 108) 

Anterior spiracles otherwise . 46 

46 Slits in posterior spiracles small, at right angles to each other and well separated basally; in 

fungi, dung, carrion, rotting wood and other decomposing material (figs 413- 446). 

. Heleomyzidae (part) (p. 94) 

Slits in posterior spiracles larger, usually at less than 90° to each other and more 

approximated basally 47 

47 Cephalopharyngeal skeleton without a distinct sclerite (ventral arch) beneath the mouthhooks 

(figs 548-551 ); sucking blood of nestling birds . 

. Piophilidae (part) (Neottiophilinae) (p. 101) 

Cephalopharyngeal skeleton with a distinct (often sub-triangular) ventral sclerite 48 

74

48 Anal fleshy lobes long, more equal in size, arranged with 8 evenly spaced around the discal 

plate, plus 2 more ventrally; in fungi, carrion (figs 380--384) . . Dryomyzidae (p. 91) 

Anal lobes otherwise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

49 Anal lobes usually separate and simple; in dung, plant stems or leaf mines in docks, reeds, 

water-lilies, orchids, etc. (figs 829- 854) . . . . . . Scathophagidae (part) (p. 129) 

Anal lobes sometimes joined basally or individual lobes bifurcate; in stems or roots of plants, 

leaf-mines, fungi or rotting wood (figs 855- 878) . . . . . . Anthomyiidae (p. 130) 

Families not included in the key 

Hippoboscidae (p. 139) and Nycteribiidae (p. 140) larvae (prepupae) pupate soon 

after the female deposits them. Larvae have a large sclerotized spiracular plate and a 

distinct spiracular field and the spiracular openings are connected by branching tubular 

structures (fig. 967). 

The immature stages of the following families are undescribed (see under each family 

for known habits): 

Acartophthalmidae (in fungi, dung, carrion) (see comment below) 

Asteiidae (in fungi, reeds, wood-detritus) 

Camillidae ( in mammal nests, bird-guano) 

Chyromyidae (in bird and bat-guano) 

Stenomicridae (in water holding leaf-bases ofGramineae etc) 

Tethinidae (saline habitats, shores, dunes etc) 

Trixoscelidae (bird-guano) 

As this book goes to press a very important work on the immature stages of 

Cylorrhapha has appeared (Ferrar, 1987) and the immature stages of Acartophthalmus 

bicolor Oldenberg have been described from carrion (Ozerov, 1987). 

75

Notes on families of Cyclorrhapha 

Series Aschiza 

Lonchopteridae 

(Figs: 229- 230, puparium 1149, pupa 1150) 

This small family has only 37 described world species, all belonging to the single 

genus Lonchoptera. Seven species occur in Britain of which two are known in the 

immature stages. The larvae have been found under logs, among dead leaves and in 

decaying vegetable matter generally. They have also been found between the leaves of 

Brussels sprouts and on the moist surface of swede turnips, especially during wet 

weather. The transport of vegetables coupled with parthenogenetic reproduction in the 

adult may explain the cosmopolitan distribution of L.furcata (Fallen). 

The larva (figs 229- 230) is of a striking appearance, flattened ventrally with an 

arched back and long paired processes at each end. The larva of L. lutea Panzer has 

been described by Lubbock ( 1862) and de Meijere ( 1900) and that of L. furcata by 

Nielsen et al. (1954). No other species are known in the larval stage. Whitton (1956) 

describes the respiratory system, which is amphipneustic. 

Phoridae 

(Figs: larvae 231- 240; egg I 007; puparia 1151 ,1152, 1154; pupa 1153) 

The Phoridae (scuttle-flies) is a large family with about 3,000 species so far described 

throughout the world. The life-histories are poorly known but the larvae show a very 

wide range of habits from polyphagous saprophages and fungus feeders to specialised 

predators, parasitoids and true parasites. Some 300 species in 22 genera occur in 

Britain. The subfamilies are ill-defined even in the adult stage and no larval key is 

offered but for convenience the immature stages are discussed under the 3 subfamilies 

recognised in the Check List (Smith, 1976). Disney (1979, 1983) reviews the biology of 

the British Phoridae and cites the original records for most of the comments below. 

Much careful work is needed in working out life-histories of this neglected but 

biologically important family now that good Handbooks to adults (Disney, 1983, 1989) 

are available. 

Aenigmatiinae. The single British genus Aenigmatias is known to parasitize the 

pupae of ants, particularly wood ants (Formica spp.). The immature stages have not 

been adequately described and the identities of the three British species have been 

confused in recorded rearings. 

Metopiniinae. This subfamily includes the large genus Megaselia (figs 231- 233) 

with over 200 British species and a wide range of life-histories. Megaselia rufipes 

(Meigen) is the most frequently met of the polyphagous sa prophage species with M. 

giraudii (Egger) a close second (records of both species as parasitoids are probably 

incorrect). The larvae of M. ha/terata (Wood) and M. nigra (Meigen) are known fungus 

feeders but other species occurring in fungus may be predators or parasites of other 

fungivorous Diptera. M. aequalis (Wood) and M. ciliata (Zetterstedt) feed on slug eggs; 

M . melanocephala (von Roser), M. nasoni (Malloch) and M. pulicaria (Fallen) feed on 

spider eggs; M.fuscinervis (Wood) attacks snails ( Vitraea); M. brevicostalis (Wood) has 

been reared from deal snails (Helix and Cepaea). M. jlavicoxa (Zetterstedt) and 

M. obscuripennis Wood parasitize larval Sciaridae (Trichosia, Bradysia); M. paludosa 

(Wood) parasitizes Tipulidae larvae. The larvae of some non-British species of 

Megaselia are parasitic on millipedes and predaceous on coccids. 

76

The two British Pseudacteon species are parasitoids of adult worker ants; P. 

brevicauda Schmitz on Myrmica ruginodis Nylander and M . scabrinodis Nylander; P. 

f ormicarum on Lasiusflavus (F.), L. niger (L.), Formica sanguine a Latreille and possibly 

other genera. 

Phalacrotophora species parasitize the pupae of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae). 

The immature stages are undescribed for the genera Beckerina, Gymnophora, 

Metopina, Plectanocnema and Woodiphora. However, Metopina occurs in buried 

carrion (see Smith, 1986b) and Woodiphora retroversa (Wood) has been associated with 

a Cossus (Lepidoptera) excavation in a tree (Disney, 1983). The genus Plastophora of 

the Check List is now included in Megaselia. 

Chonocephalus is a genus of about 40 species mainly found in the tropics and subtropics 

with 3 species in the Palaearctic Region. The larvae (fig. 234) of a few species 

have been reported in rotting fruits and rotting palm spadices and may thus come to the 

notice of economic entomologists. C. heymonsi Stobbe has occurred in a London 

hothouse. 

Phorinae. The larvae (fig. 235) of Anevrina (4 British species) occur on vertebrate 

carrion and in the soil, particularly in mole nests. 

Borophaga incrassata (Meigen) (figs 236-237) parasitizes the larvae of Bibio marci L. 

(Bibionidae) (Morris, 1922) but the immature stages of the other 5 British species are 

unknown though B. irregularis (Wood) has been reared from pupae under ash logs. 

Chaetopleurophora larvae have been found in dead snails. 

Conicera tibialis Schmitz is the 'coffin fly' that breeds in coffined bodies and appears 

on the surface of the ground above the body after a year or more. This and other species 

have also been reared from other carrion. In addition C. dauci (Meigen) has been reared 

from fungi. Further information on the biology of Conicera in carrion, including 

human cadavers, is summarised by Smith (1986b). 

Some species of Diplonevra breed in carrion; D.funebris (Meigen) has been reared 

from wasps' ( Vespula) nests; D. pilosella Schmitz has been reared from a wounded 

earthworm; D. nitidula (Meigen) adults have been seen swarming over a dead 

earthworm, and have been reared from digested sewage sludge. 

The tropical and sub-tropical genus Dohrniphora contains over 100 species. One 

species, D. cornuta (Bigot), has been spread by man and is now well established in 

Britain. The larvae (fig. 239) are found in sewage, compost, dead insects and snails, 

rotting ships' cargoes of rice, bran, cow peas, etc., vertebrate carrion, etc. and will 

attack the immature stages of other species that compete with it for food (e.g. Psychoda 

alternata in trickling filter sewage beds, Kloter et al., 1977). 

Gymnoptera longicostalis Schmitz breeds in bumble-bee nests (Bombus) and G. 

vitripennis (Meigen) in wasps' nests but both species have been reared from the same 

caterpiller of Cossus cossus (L.) (goat moth). 

The larva of Phora holosericea Schmitz has been found preying upon root aphids 

some 20-40 cm below the soil surface (in Russia, Yarkulov, 1972). Apparently each 

larva consumes 80-85 aphids during its development. Nothing is known of the lifehistories 

of the remaining 8 species of Phora. Early records of P. aterrima F. from 

carrion are misidentifications (of adults) of Conicera. 

Larvae of Spiniphora live in dead snails but S. bergenstammi (Mik) (fig. 240) is 

frequently found by environmental health officers in milk bottles. The puparia (fig. 

1154) are so firmly cemented to the inside of the bottle that they can survive the normal 

washing process. S. bergenstammi has also been reared from an old nest of a blackbird. 

Several species of Triphleba breed in vertebrate carrion; T. antricola (Schmitz) also 

breeds in bat dung in caves; T. lugubris (Meigen) breeds in wasps' nests; T. minuta (F.) 

breeds in the fungus Gymnopilus junonius (Fries) ( = Pholiota spectabilis Gillet); T. 

gracilis (Wiedemann) has been reared from puparia found under the bark of rotting 

larch and spruce logs. 

77

The life-history of Hypocera is unknown. The genus Citrago is now included in 

Triph/eba. 

Platypezidae 

(Figs: larvae 241- 246, cocoon 1156, puparium 1157) 

Some 200 species of Platypezidae (flat-footed flies) have been described throughout 

the world. In Britain there are 31 species (including Ate/estus, see below) in 12 genera 

representing three subfamilies. All those Platypezidae known in the immature stages 

are fungus feeders. Kessel et al. ( 1973) survey what is known of the immature stages and 

key 10 genera. 

Opetiinae. The immature stages and life-histories of this subfamily are unknown. 

Opetia nigra Miegen occurs in woodlands though the female is rarely seen. The genus 

probably belongs in the Empidoidea and discovery of the larva may resolve this problem 

(Disney, 1987). The three tiny species of Microsania are rarely seen except in the 

smoke of bonfires to which they are particularly attracted. The two species of Ate/estus 

are usually beaten from the foliage of trees in the spring but this genus has recently been 

placed in a separate family, the Atelestidae (Chvala, 1983). Some rearing data are 

provided by Chandler ( 1973, and in Stubbs & Chandler, 1978) and Brindle ( 196le) keys 

the few British species known in the larval stages. 

Callomyiinae. The striking larvae of Callomy ia amoena Meigen (fig. 245) feed on the 

surface of bark encrusting fungi (Corticium spp.) in damp situations. The host fungi of 

the other 3 species in the genus are not known. Members of the genus Agathomyia (fig. 

246) appear to develop internally in the tougher Polyporaceae. A . unico/or Oldenberg 

and A.fal/eni (Zetterstedt) have both been reared from Bjerkandera ( Poly porus) adusta 

Fries and A. antennata (Zetterstedt) probably develops in Coria/us versicolor Fries, 

which the adults frequent. The host fungi of the remaining 6 British species of 

Agathomyia are unknown. 

Platypezinae. Protoclythia species attack soft fungi, chiefly the honey fungus 

Armil/aria me/lea Quelet from which both British species (P. modest a (Zetterstedt) and 

P. rufa (Meigen)) have been reared. Two of the four British species of Platypeza (figs 

241- 244) also breed in the honey fungus but in addition P.fasciata Meigen has been 

reared from a puff-ball (Lycoperdon py riforme Schaeffer) and a Boletus sp. Dusek 

(1962) gives a good illustrated description of the larva and puparium of P.fasciata. 

Plesioclythia dorsalis (Meigen) breeds in field mushrooms (Agaricus spp.) but on the 

continent it has also been reared from the giant puff-ball (Langermannia gigantea 

(Persoon) Rostkovius) and the cep (Boletus edulis Bulliard). I have also seen them 

in boxes of chocolates perhaps attracted by a fungal 'bloom' or more likely having 

wandered from nearby mushrooms in searching for a pupation site! 

Paraplatypeza atra (Meigen) has been reared from Pluteus cervinus Quelet. 

Orthovenafurcata (Fallen) breeds in Polyporus squamosus Fries, and adults have also 

been seen on or near other fungi (Pleurotus sapidus Sacc. and C/itopilus prunulus 

Quelet). 

Polyporivora infumata (Haliday) and P. picta Meigen have been reared from Coriolus 

versicolor. 

In spite of these rearings very few larval descriptions or studies of host fungus 

specificity have been published and there is scope for a research project here, perhaps 

coupled with other fungivorous Diptera, e.g. Mycetophilidae. Peter Chandler will be 

describing the immature stages of most of the above in his forthcoming volume in the 

Fauna ent. Scand. series. 

78

Pipunculidae 

(Figs: larvae 247- 25 I, puparium I I 55) 

The family Pipunculidae contains about 600 species throughout the world. In Britain 

74 species in 8 genera have so far been recorded but the family needs further careful 

study. 

The larvae of pipunculids are endoparasites of Hemiptera-Homoptera, especially 

Cicadellidae (leaf-hoppers), Cercopidae (frog-hoppers) and Delphacidae. The biology 

of the family is poorly known and very few larval descriptions have been published, but 

classic work by Perkins (1905) in Hawaii has established their value in the biological 

control of the sugarcane leaf-hopper (Perkinsiella saccharicida Kirkaldy). Other 

economically important leaf-hoppers are attacked by Pipunculidae in other parts of the 

world. Except for Eudorylas each genus is confined to a single host-family and many 

species are host specific, though some may range over several genera. Clausen (1940), 

Coe (1966) and Askew (1971) review the biology of the family. Much careful rearing, 

coupled with a refined taxonomic study of the adults, is badly needed in this family 

which presents problems similar to those in the parasitic Hymenoptera. 

Three subfamilies are represented in Britain. 

Chalarinae. The genus Chalarus confines its attentions to Cicadellidae of the 

subfamily Typhlocybinae. Several of the 8 British species have been reared but early 

records are undoubtedly marred by misidentifications. Waloff (I 97 5) records C. spur ius 

Falh!n from Eupteryx notata Curtis. 

Verrallia species (fig. 247) confine their attentions to the family Cercopidae. Unlike 

other Pipunculidae this genus appears to attack adult Homoptera to the exclusion of 

the nymphal stages. V. aucta Fallen has been reared from the common British froghoppers 

Philaenus spumarius L. and Neophilaenus lineatus (L.). Whittaker (1969) and 

Waloff(I 975) have studied the biology of V. aucta in these two frog-hopper species and 

what is probably V. setosa Verrall in Neophilaenus campestris (Fallen). V. pilosa 

Zetterstedt has been reared from a puparium found in a bird's nest, probably from a 

parasitized frog-hopper that had strayed or fallen in. No reliable rearing data are 

available for the remaining 3 British species. 

Nephrocerinae. Nephrocerus flavicornis Zetterstedt is the largest British pipunculid 

which has led to some speculation on the identity of the homopteran host capable of 

sustaining its larva. Early in the century, when the only three British records of the 

species were from the New Forest it was thought that the rare and restricted New 

Forest cicada (Cicadetta montana (Scopoli)) was the probable host. Subsequent 

records of N.flavicornis suggest that our second largest homopteran, Ledra aurita (L.), 

may be the true host since it shares a predilection for oak woods and is fairly widely 

distributed from the New Forest to Suffolk. 

Pipunculinae. Tomosvaryella ( = Alloneura) has seven British species and Waloff 

(I 975) has reared three of them from Cicadellidae: T. sylvatica (Meigen) from Jassargus 

pseudocellaris (Flor), Errastunus ocellaris (Fallen) and Arthaldeus pascuellus (Fallen); 

T. palliditarsis (Collin) from Diplocolenus abdomina/is (F.); and T. kuthyi (Aczel) from 

Psammotettix confinis (Dahlbom). On the continent Coe (1966) records T. sylvatica 

from Arthaldeus pascuellus and an unidentified Tomosvaryella sp. from Opsius sp. 

(both hosts are Cicadellidae). 

The only rearing records of Dorylomorpha (I I British species) are D. rujipes Meigen 

from Cicadula quadrinotata (F.) and D. xanthopus (Thomson) from an adult 

Psammotettix conjinis (Waloff, I 975). 

The genus Pipunculus contains seven species including two of the commonest 

British members of the family, P. campestris Latreille and P. thomsoni Becker. Nevertheless 

breeding records are few. In Germany P. campestris has been reared from 

79

the Cicadellidae Macrosteles laevis Ribaut, Arthaldeus pascuel/us and Cicadula 

quadrinotata (Coe, 1966). Waloff (1975) adds Eusce/is p/ebejus (Fallen), Psammotettix 

confinis and Elymana su/phurel/a (Zetterstedt) as hosts of P. campestris and also records 

P. thomsoni from Elymana su/phurel/a. 

Cephalops species (13 British) select Delphacidae as hosts and rearing records are 

comparatively numerous. Coe ( 1966) records C. semifumosus (Kowarz) from Ditropis 

pteridis Boheman and Conomelus anceps Germar; C. oberon Coe from D. pteridis; 

C. subultimus Collin from D. pteridis; and (from Germany) C. ultimus (Becker) from 

Eurysa lineata Perris. Waloff (1975) records C. curtifrons Coe from Stenocranus 

minutus (F.) and C. semifumosus from the two hosts recorded by Coe (1966) and 

in addition Javesel/a pellucida (F.), Megame/odes venosus (Germar), Laodelphax 

elegantulus (Boheman), Dicranotropis hamata (Boheman), Javesel/a sp., and 

De/phacodes fairmarei (Perris). Rothschild (1964) describes the immature stages of 

Cephalops semifumosus Kowarz (fig. 248) and May ( 1979) those of C. curtifrons Coe. 

The latter appears to be specific to Stenocranus minutus in which 35% parasitism may 

occur. 

Eudory/as species (21 British) (fig. 249) parasitize Cicadellidae. Waloff (1975) 

discusses the biology and lists hosts (mostly Psammotettix confinis, Errastunus ocellar is 

and Arthaldeus pascuel/us) for E.fascipes (Zetterstedt), E.jenkinsoni Coe (=E. obliquus 

Coe), E. obscurus Coe, E. subfascipes Collin and E. subterminalis Collin. Coe (1966) 

lists some rearing records of Eudory/as from named cicadellid hosts in Germany. 

Syrphidae 

(Figs: larvae 252- 281, eggs I 008- 1012, puparia 1158- 1164, 

pupa 1162, leaf mines 1292) 

About 5,000 species of Syrphidae (hover-flies) have been described throughout the 

world. Of these some 242 species in 68 genera occur in Britain. 

The larvae of some Syrphidae, especially aphidophagous species of the subfamily 

Syrphinae and the so called rat-tailed maggots (Eristalini), are quite well known but 

elsewhere knowledge is very irregular. 

The following key to subfamilies, and tribes ofMilesiinae, is based on Hartley (1961) 

with indications where the extra tribes recognised in the Check List (Smith, 1976) are 

there included. Notes on genera and species follow the tribal arrangement in the Check 

List. Keys to some genera and species for larvae with descriptions are provided by 

Dixon (1960) and Hartley (1961). For substantial, well illustrated, work on aphidophagous 

species see also Bhatia (1939) and Scott (1939). The continental works ofDusek & 

Laska (1967) and Goeldlin de Tiefenau (1974) are also very useful. Wood inhabiting 

species are keyed (in Russian) by Krivosheina & Mamaev (1967). Other work is cited 

below. Stubbs & Falk (1983) provide a useful summary of habitats of the early stages 

and key the adults. 

Partial key to subfamilies and tribes of larval Syrphidae 

(Modified from Hartley, 1961) 

With piercing mouthparts. Posterior spiracles sessile, slits more or less radial and usually 

straight on slight ridges (except Xanthogramma where slits are convoluted but still 

distinctly radial); prothoracic spiracles very small. Prolegs vestigial or absent, without 

crochets; body often flattened and usually pointed anteriorly; usually with colour pattern 

which is lost on death. Predaceous, mainly on aphids (includes Syrphini, Chrysotoxini, 

Bacchini, Melanostomatini and Paragini. Pipizini also key out here) . . Syrphinae 

Without piercing mouthparts. Posterior spiracles on a telescopic breathing tube; or if sessile 

with the slits basically more or less circumferential, usually convoluted and sometimes 

subdivided or as numerous small apertures, not on raised ridges; prothoracic spiracles 

80

present or absent. Pro legs with crochets present or absent. Shape varied; never with colour 

pattern but sometimes with brownish cuticle . . . Milesiinae 2 

2 Anterior end pointed. Posterior spiracles with slits subdivided and radial. Prolegs well 

developed with few stout crochets. In nests of bees and wasps (figs 271- 276) Volucellini 

Anterior end truncate or rounded. Posterior spiracles with slits undivided or if divided then 

the pro legs are absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

3 Body more or less hemispherical and flattened ventrally; pro- and mesothorax very reduced 

and only visible ventrally. Prolegs absent; pubescence usually as a lateral fringe; dorsal 

surface reticulated; metapneustic. In ants' nests (figs 269- 270) . . . Microdontini 

Body more or less cylindrical, pro- and mesothorax well developed and similar in size to 

other segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

4 Abdomen abruptly tapering to a long telescopic breathing tube; anterior spiracles elongate 

and retractile.ln stagnant foul water, liquid manure, rock pools, etc. (fig. 281) Eristalini 

Abdomen gradually tapering or truncate; if forming a distinct tail then the anterior spiracles 

are squat and not retractile . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

5 Metapneustic. Small white larvae (less than 10 mm) with long pubescence posteriorly; 

posterior spiracles convex or stylet-like on telescopic breathing tube. Larvae aquatic, 

piercing plant roots to obtain oxygen (figs 258- 259) ( Chrysogaster) . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chrysogasterini (part) 

Amphipneustic (but anterior spiracle often very difficult to see). Larva otherwise . . 6 

6 Body short (less than 8 mm) and flattened with abdomen gradually tapering posteriorly but 

not forming a distinct tail; prolegs and crochets present. Under wet decaying bark 

(Sphegina). In wet decaying manure etc (Neoascia) . 

Chrysogasterini (part) 

Body longer (more than 10 mm) and more or less cylindrical or if short and flattened then 

truncate posteriorly and without prolegs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

7 Abdominal pro legs large and partially fused in segmental pairs, with crochets of each pair 

confluent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Callicerini 

Prolegs separate or absent, crochets never confluent (includes Cheilosiini, Eumerini, 

Merodontini, Sericomyiini, Xylotini, Myolepta, Hammerschmidtia, Cheilosia) . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Milesiini (s.lat.) 

Syrphinae 

Syrphini. The majority of genera and species in this tribe feed on aphids. The 

common Syrphus ribesii (L.) (fig. 253), S. vitripennis Meigen and S. torvusOsten Sacken 

are widely polyphagous, eating a great variety of aphids and occur on many trees, 

shrubs and herbs. Other genera with similarly polyphagous species include Epistrophe 

(fig. 254) (see Rotheray, 1986b) Dasysyrphus (fig. 255), Episyrphus, Leucozona, 

Metasyrphus (s.s.), Scaeva and Sphaerophoria. Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer) is found 

abundantly on cabbages and would be a good species for use in demonstration and 

teaching. Some are more specialist feeders, e.g. Metasyrphus s.g. Lapposyrphus on 

conifer aphids (Adelges); Melangyna cincta Fallen on Phyllaphisfagi on Fagus silvatica. 

The rare Eriozona syrphoides (Fallen) has been found to feed on the aphid Cinaria 

pineae (Panzer) in established (40 years old) spruce monocultures in Czechoslovakia 

(Kula, 1983). It would be a useful study to rear Syrphini and identify their aphid prey to 

establish the degree ofspecificity in habitat and in feeding, as Dusek & Laska (1966) 

have done in Czechoslovakia. The eggs, host range and oviposition behaviour have 

been studied by A. E. F. Chandler ( 1968). Some, e.g. Sphaerophoria, feed on other small 

Homoptera as well as Aphididae. Parasyrphus nigritarsis (Zetterstedt) attacks the eggs 

and larvae of certain chrysomelid beetles (Schneider, 1953); other members of the 

genus are unknown as larvae and would well repay investigation. Papers by Rotheray 

( 1986- still appearing) should be studied. 

The larval habits of some genera are unknown, but are probably aphidophagous, e.g. 

X anthogramma has been found under turf and stones and in ants' nests (Lasius spp.). 

Chrysotoxini. Chrysotoxum larvae appear to be of the aphidophagous type but the 

feeding habits are unknown. They have been found under compost heaps, stones, etc. 

81

and Dixon (1960) reared C. verralli Collin from a larva found in an ants' nest (Lasius 

niger (L.)). 

Bacchini. Larvae of Baccha have been found feeding among colonies of aphids: 

Uromelanjaceae (L.) on Centaurea scabiosa L. and Brachycaudina napelli (Schrank) on 

Aconitum. 

Melanostomatini. Lucchese (1942) describes the larva of Xanthandrus comtus 

(Harris) which attacks caterpillars of Acroclita naevana Huebner and larvae of other 

small 'quasi-gregarious' tortricid moths. 

Melanostoma species normally feed on aphids but M. mellinum (L.) has also been 

recorded attacking torpid adults of the flies Musca domestica L. and Paregle cinerella 

(Fallen) on umbels of Daucus carota L. When deprived the same species has been 

reported to take 'tortrix' larvae as prey. In the U.S.A. a non-British species has 

been reared on both aphids and decomposing chickweed, the latter being the more 

successful! 

Platycheirus species are aphid feeders. Dixon (1960) describes the larvae of several 

species, but gives no information on plant hosts or aphid food. P. scutatus (Meigen) 

is common on potatoes, cabbages, etc. and P. peltatus (Meigen) shows a strong 

preference for brassicas. P. ( Pachysphyria) ambiguus Fallen appears to specialize on 

aphids which curl up the leaves of Prunus (Dusek & Laska, 1966). 

Lundbeck (1916) described the larva and puparium of Pyrophaena granditarsa 

Forster and the puparium of P. rosarum (F.), both of which he found in flood refuse in 

fens (in Denmark). The feeding habits remain unknown but they are thought to be 

aphidophagous. 

Paragini. The larvae of Paragus species (fig. 256) are aphidophagous. 

Milesiinae 

Pipizini. The larvae of Pipiza species (fig. 257) seem to prefer aphids which secrete a 

waxy flocculence, e.g. woolly aphid (Eriosoma). Pipizella larvae confine their attention 

to subterranean aphids feeding on the roots of plants. 

Heringia heringi (Zetterstedt) attacks the blister gall-forming aphid Schizoneura 

lanuginosa Hartig on elm (especially Ulmus procera Salisbury) and has been reared 

from an aphid gall on Salix, but the immature stages have not been adequately 

described. 

The larvae of Neocnemodon usually feed on aphids of the family Pemphigidae (e.g. 

Eriosoma) on deciduous trees, but N. latitarsis (Egger) and N. vitripennis (Meigen) have 

been found attacking the woolly aphid Dreyfusia piceae (Ratzeburg) (Adelgidae) on 

silver fir (Abies alba Miller). 

Triglyphus primus Loew larvae have been found feeding on aphids (Cryptosiphum 

artemisiae Buckton, =gallarum Kaltenbach) on Artemisia vulgaris L. 

Cheilosiini. Cheilosia larvae are phytophagous. Smith (1979b) summarises the plant 

associations which are with the stem bases and roots of higher plants (especially 

Compositae) or leaf mines in Crassulaceae and some fungi. Some additional information 

is provided by Stubbs (1983) and Rotheray (1988a,b and in prep.) but 

host-plant information is still lacking for 20 of the 32 species occurring in Britain. 

The leaf-mining species is C. semifasciata Becker (fig. 1292) which attacks Umbilicus 

rupestris (Salisbury) Dandy (wall pennywort) and Sedum telephium L. (orpine). The 

species in fungi are closely related, e.g. C. scutellata (Fallen) and C. soror Zetterstedt 

(from truffles); C. scutellata and C.longula (Zetterstedt) in Boletus and allies (Leccinum, 

Suillus and Gyroporus). 

82

The larvae of Portevinia maculata (Fallen) live in the underground portion of the leaf 

bases of Allium ursinum L. (ramsons or wild garlic) (Dr M. C. D . Speight, pers. comm.). 

The common Rhingia campestris Meigen breeds in cow dung but nothing is known of 

the immature stages of the rare Rh. rostrata (L.). 

The larvae of Ferdinandea cuprea (Scopoli) have been found in the sap of wounds on 

tree trunks especially trees infested with the goat moth (Cossus cossus L.) around the 

roots of which puparia have been found. It seems likely that the much rarer F. ruficornis 

(F.) breeds in similar situations. 

The early stages of Chamaesyrphus are unknown but should be sought in the 

Caledonian pine woods where the adults occur among Calluna. 

Chrysogasterinae. The larvae of Myolepta resemble the 'rat-tailed' maggots of the 

Eristalini but with a shorter anal siphon or 'tail'. They occur in wet tree rot-holes of 

beech and poplar. 

The larvae of Chrysogaster are aquatic or semi-aquatic. Some species, e.g. C. hirtella 

Loew (figs 258- 259), have the posterior spiracles adapted as a stylet for piercing aquatic 

plants in order to obtain oxygen but other species do not, e.g. C. solstitialis (Fallen) 

(fig. 260). 

Orthonevra larvae (fig. 261) are found in mud containing decaying wood and other 

vegetation at the edge of ponds and streams in wooded areas. Lejogaster larvae have 

been found in the decaying vegetation of a floating mat of Typha and other plants in a 

pond. The posterior spiracles of these two genera are not modified into piercing sty lets. 

Larvae of Brachyopa live in sap runs or under dead bark, those of Sphegina in 

decaying wood and those of the rare Hammerschmidtia probably in dead wood of birch 

and aspen around which the adults have been found. 

Lundbeck (1916) found larvae and pupae of Neoascia geniculata (Meigen) in flood 

refuse and it is assumed that they probably occur in marshy soils. 

Callicerini. Coe (1938, 1939) found larvae of Callicera (figs 265-268) in a wet decaying 

cavity in the fork of a pine, some of which took five years to pupate. The posterior 

spiracles have straight slits and the anal papillae are very long. It is assumed that the 

other two members of the genus have similar life-histories; all are rare. 

Pelecocerini. The immature stages of our only species, Pelecocera tricincta Meigen, 

are unknown. 

Eumerini. The larvae of Eumerus tuberculatus Rondani and E. strigatus (Fallen) are 

well known pests of Narcissus bulbs and are known as small narcissus flies or lesser bulb 

flies (the large bulb-fly being Merodon). E. strigatus larvae (figs 262-264) also attack 

Iris, parsnip roots, onions and on the continent have attacked potatoes. The two 

species are not easily distinguished in the larval stages (Hodson, 1932a). The immature 

stages of the remaining two British species are unknown but presumably have similar 

habits and could well repay investigation. Larvae of other families(e.g. Scathophagidae) 

also occur in Narcissus bulbs (see index). 

Microdontini. The remarkable larvae of Microdon (figs 269- 270) live in ants' nests 

where they feed on the minute pellets of food discarded by the ants. The biology of M . 

mutabilis (L.) is described by Donisthorpe (1927) and that of M. eggeri Mik by Syms 

( 1935). 

Volucellini. Volucella larvae (figs 271- 276) are scavengers in the nests of bumble bees 

(Bombus), social wasps (Vespula) and the hornet (Vespa). When wasps nest in roof 

spaces it is not uncommon for Volucella larvae (usually V. inanis L., which lacks the 

long anal papillae of other species, fig. 271) to leave the nests and appear (via light 

83

fittings) in the upstairs rooms of houses whence they may be sent in to entomologists for 

identification by environmental health officers. I have seen larvae of V. pellucens, which 

had obviously dropped from such a situation, served in a restaurant meal! 

The classic and beautiful work on Volucella is by Kiinckel d'Herculais ( 1875- 1881) 

but an illustrated key to species is provided by Hartley ( 1961 ). 

Sericomyiini. Sericomyia species have larvae of the 'rat-tailed maggot' type similar to 

those ofEristalini. S.lappona (L.) has been found in disturbed peat lying in water at the 

end of a derelict cutting (Hartley, 1961). 

The immature stages of Arctophilafulva (Harris) are unknown, but a female has been 

seen ovipositing in deep, water-filled horse hoof prints along a shaded muddy path near 

a stream (Stubbs & Falk, 1983). 

Xylotini. Xylota larvae resemble those of Syritta (see below) and have been found in 

very wet decomposing silage, wet sawdust of an old saw pit, exudate and rot-holes of 

yew (Taxus baccata L.), and wet decaying beech stumps (Fagus sylvatica L.). 

Larvae of Xylotomima nemorum (F.) have been found overwintering under bark of 

recently felled logs and branches lying in wet situations. 

The short-tailed larvae of a non-British species of Brachypalpus has been found in the 

decaying wood of willow trees (on the continent). 

The very rare Caliprobola speciosa (Rossi) has been reared from a rotten beech 

stump. 

Syritta pipiens (L.) (figs 277- 278) breeds in various kinds of decaying organic matter 

such as manure heaps and the edge of silage clamps where they may occur in very large 

numbers. They may also be found as saprophages in rotting bulbs (they do not attack 

healthy bulbs) where they could be confused with Eumerus larvae (see above). 

The puparium of Tropidia se ita (Harris) was found among flood refuse by Lundbeck 

( 1916) and an American species has been reared from human excrement near the mouth 

of a sewer and also in masses of rotting potatoes. 

Pocota has a short-tailed larva which has been found in rot-holes high above the 

ground in various trees (Aubertin, 1928). Criorhina berberina (F.) has been reared from 

the slimy decay at the base of a fallen birch (Betula) trunk. The larva appears to be of 

the short-tailed type, whereas the larvae of some North American species are rat-tailed. 

The early stages of Blerafallax (L.) are unknown but females have been seen laying 

eggs in sap exuding from beech and oak trees. 

Merodontini. Merodon equestris (F.) is the large bulb fly (or Narcissus fly), the larvae 

(figs 279- 280) of which attack narcissi and various other bulbs and can be a major pest 

to growers (see also Eumerus, the lesser bulb flies, above). Larvae have also been found 

in bulbs of the blue-bell (Endymion nonscriptus (L.)). Hod son ( 1932b) gives an account 

of the biology. Eggs (fig. 1012) are laid on the neck of the bulb or on its dying leaves. 

Eristalini. The genera of this tribe have larvae of the rat-tailed maggot type (fig. 281 ), 

which may be separated by the following simplified key (Hartley, 1961 and Dolezil, 

1972 provide keys to some species): 

Pubescence absent on dorsum of last six abdominal segments. Anterior spiracles especially 

long and pointed. Exclusively in tree rot-holes high above the ground and rarely seen until 

trees are felled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M a/Iota 

Pubescence usually present on dorsum of abdominal segments. Anterior spiracles shorter. 

Larvae usually found in aquatic or semi-aquatic situations with high organic content 

occasionally in more accessible tree rot-holes . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

2 Abdominal prolegs with stout well sclerotized crochets in two distinct semicircular rows; 

anterior spiracle pale brownish . . . . . . . . . . Myathropa 

84

Abdominal pro legs with crochets in more than two distinct rows which are not semicircular 

on first three abdominal segments; if crochets tend to be in two rows then the anterior 

spiracles are dark brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

3 Tracheal trunks undulating (as seen through cuticle) . . Helophilus 

Tracheal trunks straight . . . Parhelophilus, Anasimyia, Lejops, Eristalis, Eristalinus 

Mallota cimciciformis (Fallen) is another tree hole breeder, usually in elm or horsechestnut, 

usually at a considerable height from the ground, and therefore rarely 

encountered until trees are felled . 

Larvae of Myathropajiorea (L.) are found in rot holes and leaf-filled water pockets 

in trees, especially beech, and also in wooden water butts with an accumulation of 

decaying leaves at the bottom. 

Helophilus pendulus (L.) usually breeds in farmyard drains, very wet manure, 

decomposing silage etc. (sometimes in company with Eristalis). H. hybridus Loew and 

species of Parhelophilus and Anasimyia occur in ponds with a dense stand of Typha 

(reed mace). The larva of the rare Lejops vittata (Meigen) is unknown but should be 

sought in coastal marshes with growth of Scirpus maritimus among which adults have 

been found. 

Eristalis tenax (L.) breeds in places with a high animal sewage content such as 

farmyard drains. It also breeds in the liquid putrefaction from carcases and (because of 

the bee-like adult) is the so called oxen-born bee of the ancients, which is shown coming 

from a lion carcase on the tin of a well known brand of golden syrup, accompanied by 

the quotation (from Samson) 'Out of the strong came forth sweetness' (see also Medical 

& Veterinary section). E. pertinax (Scopoli), E. nemorum (L.), E. arbustorum (L.) and 

E. intricarius(L.) breed in organically polluted (cattle droppings, etc.) drains and pools. 

Larvae of E. abusivus Coli in have been found in mud at the edge of a moorland pond. 

The immature stages of other species require investigation. 

Eristalinus sepulchralis (L.) occurs in ponds with a large amount of decayed 

vegetation, but usually with little sewage contamination. E. aeneus (Scopoli) occurs in 

seashore pools containing rotting seaweed. 

Series Schizophora 

Acalyptratae 

Conopidae 

(Figs: larvae 282- 292, eggs 1013- 1016, pupa 1165) 

About 800 species of Conopidae in 47 genera have been described throughout the 

world and 25 species representing 7 genera in 2 sub-families occur in Britain. The 

British representatives of the family are internal parasites of adult bees and wasps. The 

immature stages are poorly known and only 4 British species in 4 genera have been 

described in the larval stage. The biology and known host records for world species are 

reviewed by Smith (1966) and other papers are cited below. Smith & Peterson (1987) 

provide keys to genera for the eggs and larvae so far described. 

Conopinae. Larval mouthparts and posterior spiracles of Conops vesicularis L. , 

recovered from the puparium, are described by Dusek (1964) (fig. 285). This species 

parasitises Bombus muscorum (L.). Host records for other British Conops species are 

C.jiavipes L. on Bombus lapidarius (L.) and Osmia, and C. quadrifasciatus De Geer also 

on Bombus lapidarius. The hosts of C. strigata Wiedemann and C. ceriaeformis Meigen 

are unknown. 

85

The hosts of the two British species of Leopoldius are unknown but the adults often 

occur on ivy blossom among wasps ( Vespula) and on the continent L. coronatus 

Rondani has been seen ovipositing on and has been reared from Vespula germanica 

(F.). 

Physocephala rufipes (F.) is parasitic on Bombus species. De Meijere (1912b) reared 

this species from Bombus pascuorum (Scopoli) ( = agrorum (F.)) and B. lapidarius and 

described the immature stages. Cumber (1949) reared it from six species of Bombus in 

the London area and found that up to 13% of individuals of some species were 

parasitized. P. nigra (De Geer) is parasitic on Bombus muscorum. 

Myopinae. De Meijere ( 1912b) described the immature stages of Zodion cinereum (F.) 

(figs 286--287) which he reared from Hylaeus quadricinctus (F.), Ha/ictus rubicundus 

Christ and Lasioglossum nigripes Lepeletier (=H. nylanderi Perez). In Russia the 

species has been recorded from the honey-bee, Apis mellifera L. (Zimina, 1968). 

The larva of Myopa is unknown and the hosts of the 10 British species are 

unrecorded. However, in the British Museum (Natural History) collection there is a 

specimen of M . fasciata Miegen labelled 'Host: Andrena cetii Schrank = marginata 

Fab.' 'England: Devon, Bovey Tracey, ix.l9, R. C. L. Perkins (BM 1942-95)'. On 

the continent unidentified or non-British members of the genus have been reared or 

associated with species of Eucera, Bombus, Andrena, Colletes and Vespula. 

The larva of Thecophora (figs 289- 292) has been described only for a Nearctic species 

(Smith, 1966) associated with various Ha/ictus and Lasioglossum species. In Britain 

T. atra (F.) and T. fulvipes Robineau-Desvoidy, and on the continent T. pusilla 

(Meigen), have all been found among Ha/ictus colonies. In Russia two (non-British) 

species are recorded from the honey-bee, Apis mellifera (Zimina, 1968). 

De Meijere (1912b) described the larva of Sicusferrugineus (L.) (fig. 288) which has 

been recorded from seven species of Bombus on the continent. 

Tephritidae 

(Figs: larvae 293-314, eggs 1017- 1020, puparia 1166--1168, 

mines 1293- 1295, galls 1316--1317) 

The Tephritidae ( = Trypetidae) (fruit flies) contains some 4,500 species and of all the 

families ofDiptera is said to cause the most economic damage to plants. 

The larval habits ofTephritidae fall into four major groups as follows: 

I. Developing in flower heads (mostly Compositae-thistles, sow-thistles, hawkweeds, etc.), 

e.g. Urophora, Myopites, Xyphosia, Trupanea, Ensina, Noeeta, Tephritis, etc. 

2. Leaf-miners, e.g. Euleia, Trypeta, Vida/ia, Myoleja. 

3. Developing in stems or roots, e.g. Oxyna, Campiglossa, Cerajocera, Dithryca, Platyparea, 

Platyparella. 

4. Developing in fruits, e.g. Rhagoletis, Anomoia, Ceratitis, etc. 

Some of the non-British pest species are included below as they are frequently found 

in imported fruit and sent to entomologists for identification. There are 76 native 

British species representing 33 genera and 3 subfamilies. 

A useful summary of the biology of fruit flies is provided by Christenson & Foote 

(1960). Phillips (1946), Varley (1937), Persson (1963), Dirlbeck & Dirlbeck (1962), 

Kandybina (1977) and G. H. Berg (1979) are useful for the identification of some 

Tephritid larvae that occur in Britain and further information, full host plant lists and 

some keys (to puparia) are provided in the British Handbook to the family (White, 

1988). Although the host plants of most British species are known the immature stages 

of many are still inadequately described or unknown. Since White (1988) gives such a 

detailed treatment of the family my comments on host-plants and biology are restricted 

86

to the more frequently encountered genera and species, including those of economic 

importance. 

Trypetinae 

Ceratitini. Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), the well-known Mediterranean fruit fly, 

is not a native British species but its larvae (figs 293- 296) occur in cherries, plums, 

peaches, apricots, pears, oranges and tomatoes imported into this country. Other 

non-British Tephritidae, e.g. Dacus, Anestrepha, occurring in imported fruits may be 

identified with the work of Berg (1979) and British records are discussed by White 

( 1988) (see also Rhagoletis cerasi (L.) below). 

Trypetini. Anomoia ( = Phagocarpus) purmunda (Harris) larvae are found in the fruits 

('haws') of hawthorn but also occur in the berries of Berberis, Pyracantha and 

Cotoneaster. Platyparella discoidea (F.) is said to occur in the stems of Campanula 

latifolia L. Platyparea poeciloptera (Schrank) is the horticulturalist's asparagus fly, the 

larvae (figs 297- 299) of which damage the stems of asparagus (Lesne, 1913) (fig. 1293) 

though no attacks have been reported in Britain since the 1930s. Euleia heracleii (L.) is 

the celery fly, of economic importance to horticulturalists, the larvae of which, in 

addition to celery (Apium graveolens L.) also mine the leaves of parsnip (Peucedanum 

sativum Bentham & Hooker), Heracleum sphondylium L., Sium latifolium L., Angelica 

sylvestris L. and other Umbelliferae. Acidia cognata (Wiedemann) larvae mine the 

leaves of Tussilago far far aL. and Petasites ovatus Hill. 

Trypeta and Vidalia species mine leaves of Artemisia, Eupatorium , Senecio, etc. 

Rhagoletis alternata (F.) larvae occur in the fruits ('hips') of wild and cultivated roses. 

R. cerasi (L.) is the European cherry fly and its larvae (figs 304-306) are frequently 

found in imported cherries. Larvae of Gonioglossum wiedemanni (Meigen) are found in 

the berries of Bryonia dioica. 

Euphrantini. The larva of Euphranta toxoneura (Loew) is one of the very few 

tephritids that departs from the phytophagous habit and lives as a predator/brood 

parasite in sawfly galls of the genus Pontania (Kopelke, 1984, 1985). 

Terelliini. Larvae of Chaetostomella cylindrica (Robineau-Desvoidy) occur in the 

flower-heads of Centaurea. Chaetorellia and Cerajocera larvae (figs 311-312) are found 

in the flower-heads of Centaurea and the latter also in Arctium. The larva of Cerajocera 

ceratocera Hendel has a very characteristic anal plate (fig. 312). 

Larvae of Orellia falcata (Scopoli) are found in the root-stock of Tragopogon 

pratense L. 

Terellia species occur in flower-heads as follows: T. colon (Meigen) in Centaurea 

scabiosa L.; T. ruficauda (F.) in Cirsium; T. vectensis Collin on Serratula tinctoria L.; 

T. winthemi (Meigen) on Carduus acanthoides L. 

Xyphosia miliaria (Schrank) occurs in flower-heads of Cirsium . 

Myopitinae 

The larvae of Urophorajaceana (Hering), the knapweed gall fly (figs 307- 310), form 

galls (fig. 1317) in the flower-heads of Centaurea nigra L. and this was the subject of a 

classical ecological study by Varley (1947). For many years U.jaceana was erroneously 

recorded as U. solstitialis (L.) which inhabits galls on Carduus nutans L. U. cuspidata 

(Meigen) and U. quadrifasciata (Meigen) also occur in the flower-heads of Centaurea. 

U. spoliata (Haliday) lives in the flower-heads of Serratula tinctoria, U. stylata (F.) in 

galls in flower-heads of Cirsium vulgare (Save) Ten. and U. car dui (L.) forms galls on the 

stems of Cirsium. 

87

Our two Myopites species form hard galls in the flower-heads of Pulicaria dysenterica 

L. and !nu/a crithmoides L. Ensina sonchi (L.) occurs in the flower-heads of a range of 

plants including Hypochaeris , Sonchus, Picris, Leontodon, Tragopogon, Aster, etc. 

Tephritinae 

Dithrycini. The larva of Dythryca guttularis (Meigen) forms a gall at the stem base of 

Achillea millefolium L. Noeeta pup illata (Fallen) is found in the swollen flower-heads of 

Hieracium spp. 

Tephritini. lcterica westermanni (Meigen) occurs in the flower-heads of Senecio spp. 

The food-plant of Acinia corniculata (Zetterstedt) is probably Centaurea nigra (on the 

continent it has been reared from the related C.jacea). 

Oxyna jlavipennis (Loew) larvae live in fleshy galls on the roots of Achillea 

millefolium L. and those of 0. nebulosa (Wiedemann) in galls on the rootstock of 

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L. 0. parietina (L.) larvae live in galls on the stems of 

Artemisia spp. 

Campiglossa grandinata (Rondani) lives in a gall on the stems of Solidago virgaurea 

L. and C. argyrocephala (Loew) forms a rosette gall in the flowerhead of Achillea 

ptarmica. 

Sphenella marginata (Fallen) is found in the swollen flower-heads of Senecio species. 

Paroxyna are mostly found in flower-heads: P. absinthii (F.) on Artemisia; P. 

loewiana Hen del on Solidago virgaurea (L.); P. plantaginis (Haliday) on Aster tripolium 

L.; P. product a (Loew) on Sonchus, Hypochoeris, Crepis, Taraxacum , Leontodon, etc. 

Larvae of Tephritis species occur in flower-heads ofCompositae. 

Trupanea amoena (Frauenfeld) occurs in flower-heads of Lactuca, Picris and 

Sonchus. T. stellata (Fuessly) is found in flower-heads of Anthemis, Artemisia, Aster, 

Centaurea, Crepis, Hieracium, Matricaria and Senecio. 

Acanthiophilus helianthi (Rossi) occurs in flower-heads of Centaurea. 

Platystomatidae 

(Figs: larvae 315- 321) 

This is one of the largest families of Acalyptratae with over I ,000 species of which 

about 60 occur in the Palaearctic region but only 2 species representing 2 genera occur 

in the U.K., neither of which is known in the immature stages. 

Platystoma seminationis (L.) has been reared from a fungus (Tricholomopsis rutilans 

Quelet). The larva of the European P. lugubre (Robineau-Desvoidy) was briefly 

described by Perris (1856) who found it on soil beneath a piece of dead wood (figs 

315- 316). Hennig (1945) described larval details from a puparium of P. euphorbiinum 

Enderlein from the Canary Isles (figs 317- 319). 

Larvae of Rivellia species (figs 320-321) have been found feeding on the root nodules 

of various leguminous plants in Zaire (Seeger & Maldague, 1960) and other countries, 

but the life-history of the only British species, R. syngenesiae (F.), is unknown. 

Otitidae 

(Figs: larvae 322- 337, eggs 1021-1022, puparia 1169) 

Over 500 species of Otitidae have been described throughout the world. The little 

that is known of their biology is summarised by Alien & Foote (1967). The immature 

88

stages have been found in decaying or damaged vegetable substances and in animal 

faeces. Twenty-one species in 11 genera representing two subfamilies occur in Britain. 

Ulidiinae. The larvae of Physiphora demandata (F.) (figs 322-324) have been found 

in corn silage, clover fodder, rotting narcissus bulbs and dung (Alien, E. J. & Foote, 

1967). The immature stages of Ulidia erythrophthalma Meigen and our two Homalocephala 

species are undescribed but puparia of H. albitarsis Zetterstedt have been 

found under the bark of dead and dying coniferous trees in Sweden. 

Otitinae. The larva of Myennis octopunctata (Coquebert) (figs 325- 328) was 

described by V os de Wilde ( 1935) from larvae found under the bark of dead trees. 

Seioptera vibrans (L.) has been reared from manure, decaying fruit, vegetables, 

narcissus bulbs, onions and dung. The larvae (figs 329- 331) have been described by 

Lobanov (1958) and Alien & Foote (1967). The immature stages of Herina (7 British 

species) are unknown. 

The larva of Ceroxys urticae (L.) (figs 332-335) has been found in manure and 

decaying vegetation and is described by Lobanov (1964). 

Melieria species are unknown in the immature stages, as is the larva of Tetanops 

myopinus Fallen. The adult ofT. myopinus is rarely seen in this country but occurs in 

coastal areas and has been seen resting on marram grass (Smith, 1955b). In North 

America T. myopaef ormis (Roder) (figs 336--337) is an important pest of sugarbeet 

(Gojmerac, 1956) and T. luridipennis Loew has been reared from decaying narcissus 

bulbs. Lobanov ( 1972) has described the larva ofT. sintenisi Beck er. 

The immature stages of Otites guttata (Meigen) and Dorycera graminum (F.) 

are undescribed but the latter is said to oviposit on the 'ovaries' of Tamus (Seguy, 

1934). 

Micropezidae 

(Figs: larvae 338- 352, puparia 1170-1171) 

The Micropezidae contains some 450 species of which 9 species representing 3 genera 

in 3 subfamilies occur in Britain. The larvae are saprophagous in decaying vegetation 

and some are phytophagous on the root nodules of leguminous and other plants. 

Micropezinae. The larva of Micropeza corrigiolata (L.) (figs 338-342) has been 

described by M tiller (1957). They bore into the root nodules of leguminous crops, e.g. 

field pea (Pisum arvense L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and alfalfa (Medicago 

sativa L.). The immature stages of M. lateralis Meigen are unknown. 

Taeniapterinae. The immature stages of the only British species, Rainieria calceata 

(Fallen), are unknown but larval details from a puparium of the Nearctic R. antennaepes 

(Say) found in the crotch of a large American elm have been described (Steyskal, 1964) 

and are illustrated here (figs 343- 345). 

Calobatinae. The larvae of Calobata cibaria (L.) (figs 346--347) and C. petronella (L.) 

(fig. 351) have been described by Brindle (1965a) from specimens found in a well 

decayed grass heap. Lobanov (1960) has also described the larva of C. petronella 

from 'refuses and strongly mineralized aggregations of swine manure' from which 

the third instar migrates into drier adjacent soil areas with decreased organic content 

for the pupose of hibernation. An interesting feature of the third stage larva of the 

Nearctic species C. vittata (Walker) is the presence of 4 slits in the posterior spiracle 

(fig. 352). The immature stages of the remaining 4 British species of the genus are 

unknown. 

89

Megamerinidae 

(Figs: larvae 353- 354, puparium 1172) 

Only 13 species of this family are known, 11 in the Oriental region and 2 Palaearctic 

species of which Megamerina dolium (F.) occurs in Britain. 

The larvae live under the bark of dead and dying broad-leaved trees together with the 

larvae of other xylophilous Diptera and are apparently predaceous or necrophagous. 

Hennig (1943b) has described the larva of M . dolium (figs 353- 354). 

Tanypezidae 

(Figs: larvae 355- 360) 

Twenty species ofTanypezidae have been described (mostly Neotropical) of which 

the only Palaearctic species, Tanypeza longimana Fallen, occurs in Britain. The larval 

stages (figs 355- 360) have been reared in the laboratory on watermelon rind and pulp 

from eggs laid by a gravid female from a densely shaded colony of yellow skunk 

cabbage (Lysichitum americanum Hulton & St. John, Araceae) in the U.S.A. (Foote, 

1970). None of the larvae formed puparia so it is not certain if they are naturally 

saprophagous. The species is rare in Britain and has been found among streamside 

vegetation. 

Psilidae 

(Figs: larvae 361-372, egg 1023, puparium 1173) 

There are about 170 species ofPsilidae worldwide of which 55 are Palaearctic and 26 

of these species, representing 3 genera, occur in Britain. The larvae are phytophagous, 

usually boring in the roots of plants, and some are pests. Some species develop under 

the bark of trees. 

De Meijere (1947) described a larva found in the base of a stem of ]uncus as Loxocera 

albiseta (Schrank) (figs 361-363) but Brindle (1965d) suggests that this description 

could in fact refer to another Loxocera species, possibly L. ichneumonea (L.) ( = aristata 

(Panzer)). It would be a useful exercise to rear any psilid larvae found in ]uncus to settle 

this point, and perhaps elucidate the life-history of other species of the genus which 

remain unknown. 

Psi/a rosae (F.) is the carrot fly (Ash by & Wright, 1946) which is a well-known pest in 

most fields, allotments and gardens where the larvae (figs 364-367) mine into the tap 

roots of carrots and render them unsaleable. Parsnips, turnips and the crowns and 

basal stems of celery are also attacked as well as wild Umbelliferae (e.g. Anthriscus, 

Heracleum). In carrots P. rosae larvae are yellow but from other plants they are white. 

Hard man et al. (1985) provide a bibliography of P. rosae. Psi/a nigricornis Meigen is the 

chrysanthemum stool miner which can be a serious horticultural pest. Under glass 

P. nigricornis and P. rosae may attack lettuce following chrysanthemums and celery 

respectively. P. nigricornis may also attack outdoor crops of lettuce (Margaret E. John 

pers. comm.). Osborne (1961) differentiates the larvae and puparia of the two species 

and notes that P. bicolor Meigen and P.limbatella (Zetterstedt) have also been found to 

attack chrysanthemums but unfortunately no larval descriptions of any of these other 

species of Psi/a occurring in Britain are available. See also Napomyza (Agromyzidae). 

The larvae of Chyliza vittata Meigen (figs 368- 372) occur in the stems of orchids (V os 

de Wilde, 1935). Other species of Chyliza have been reared from orchids but the larvae 

are undescribed, e.g. C. extenuatum (Rossi) from bulbs of broomrape (Orobanche) ; 

C. scutellata F. from stems of the bird's-nest orchid (Neottia nidus-avis (L.)) and 

apparently the larva also causes woody galls on the stems of Spiraea. Several species of 

Chyliza have been reared from tree bark, sap or resin in North America and Winter 

90

( 1988) describes the larva of C. fuscipennis (Robineau-Desvoidy) from resinous 

wounds on conifers in Britain. 

Helcomyzidae 

(Figs: larvae 373-379, egg 1024, puparia 1174) 

This is a very small family of 12 species found in the Holarctic region and sub 

Antarctica (Falkland Is., Tierra del Fuego, S. Chile and Argentina). The larvae develop 

in rotting sea weeds on the sea shore. Two species representing 2 genera occur in Britain. 

The larvae of Helcomyza ustulataCurtis (figs 373-375) live in small fairly dry seaweed 

(wrack) beds lying on the sand in the high tide position (Egglishaw, 1960b). Earlier 

descriptions of the supposed larva of this species were erroneous (see Egglishaw, 1960b; 

Smith, 1981 ). 

The immature stages of Heterocheila buccata (Fallen) (figs 376-379) are described by 

Backlund ( 1945a) and Egglishaw (1960a). The latter gives a full account of the biology 

and ecology of the species. Larvae of H. buccata are found only among the deep 

stipes of the wrack string (Laminaria) which are often partly buried in damp sand. 

Apparently they do not occur among Fucus or the larger wrack beds. 

Dryomyzidae 

(Figs: larvae 38(}.-384, eggs 1025-1027, puparium 1175) 

This little-known family is confined to the Holarctic region and only 15 species have 

been described of which two, representing one genus, occur in Britain. The immature 

stages are associated with putrefying matter including excrement, carrion and rotting 

fungi , usually in woodland. An exception to this is the remarkable North American 

species Oedoparena glauca (Coquillett), the larva of which is a predator of intertidal 

barnacles (Burger et al., 1980). 

The larva of Dryomyza ana/is Fallen (figs 38(}.-384) is described by Smith (1981) 

from a dead pheasant and the species has also been reared from dead shrews (Disney, 

1973) and a dead fox (Smith, 1975). J. K. Barnes (1984) also describes the immature 

stages and biology in the U .S.A. where it has been successfully reared in the laboratory 

on hamburger, dead annelids, molluscs, insects, vertebrates and rotting fungi. 

However larvae failed to reach maturity when fed on rotting grass, decayed pumpkin 

flesh, decaying lettuce or cow manure. The egg (figs 1025- 1026) bears dorsolateral 

flanges and is particularly well adapted to survive on the type of substrate chosen for 

oviposition. 

D.flaveola (F.) has been reared from human and cow dung but only the egg (fig. 

I 027) has been described (Hinton, 1960, 1981 ). It has long anterior horns as do some 

Drosophilidae. 

Chamaemyiidae 

(Figs: larvae 385-395, eggs 1029-1030, puparia 1176-1179) 

The Chamaemyiidae (silver flies) contain about 183 species with a cosmopolitan 

distribution. The larvae are important predators of aphids and Coccoidea 

(Homoptera) including many of the pest species. Twenty-five species representing 4 

genera in 2 subfamilies occur in Britain. 

Chamaemyiinae. Larvae of Chamaemyia feed on coccids living on grasses 

(Gramineae=Poaceae). In Russia, Tanasijtshuk (1970) has reared C. geniculata 

(Zetterstedt) (fig. 385) from a puparium found in the ovisac of a scale insect on cereal 

grass roots, and C. juncorum (Fallen) (fig. 386) from larvae feeding on scale insects 

91

(Balanococcus sp.) on Festuca ovina L. (and possibly a Metadenopus sp. on F. ovina 

subsp. sulcata). Collin (1966) found C. polystigma (Meigen) to be predaceous upon 

Pseudococcus phalaridis Green. The immature stages of the remaining British species of 

the genus are unknown but those of C.jlavipalpis Haliday should be sought on sandy 

coasts where the adults occur. 

Acrometopia wahlbergi (Zetterstedt) is unknown in the immature stages but is 

probably predaceous on coccids or aphids on grasses among which the adults are 

usually found. 

The larvae of Parochthiphila coronata (Loew) (figs 387-389) were found feeding on 

the scale insect Pseudococcus aberrans Goux in the leaf sheath of couch grass by 

Tanasijtshuk (1963) in Russia. The same author suggests that other members of the 

genus should be sought among scale insects in cereal leaf-sheaths and describes a new 

Russian species from such a situation in reeds. 

Leucopinae. Tanasijtshuk (1959), from a study of Leucopis species in the Crimea, 

divides the genus into three biological groups: 

I. The eggs are deposited in the colonies of different species of aphids living openly. The larvae 

crawl on twigs and leaves of the plant and feed on aphids. They pupate either on the plant 

or in the soil and hibernate as puparia. The number of generations per year is never less 

than two. L. melanopus Tanasijtshuk (fig. 391) belongs to this group. 

2. The eggs are deposited inside aphid galls. Both the feeding oflarvae on aphids, and pupation, 

take place inside the galls. The number of generations per year and hibernation habits 

unknown. L. palumbi Rondani (not British) belongs to this group. 

3. The eggs are deposited in the ovisacs of coccids. The larvae develop and pupate in the 

ovisacs. There are two generations per year but hibernation habits are unknown. So far 

only the subgenus Leucopomyia is placed in this group. 

A review of the British species including their known biology and habits is given by 

Smith (1963). 

All the British species of Leucopis (s.s.) (fig. 390) have been reared as follows: 

Leucopis albipuncta Zetterstedt from a bright yellow larva found feeding on aphids on a 

poppy (specimen in BM(NH)); L. atritarsis Tanasijtshuk among aphids on nettles; L. 

griseola (Fallen) (fig. 392) from larvae feeding on the aphid Eriosoma ulmi (L.) on elm; 

L. melanopus Tanasijtshuk (fig. 391) feeding on Dactynotus sp. on Lactuca viminae, on 

Brachycaudus car dui (L.) on Carduus, Aphis laburni Kaltenbach on Genista hispanica L., 

Myzus persicae Sulz on henbane and on aphids from sage (all in the Crimea); 

L. morgei Smith from larvae feeding on the aphid Myzus ornatus Laing on Cydonia 

speciosa Sweet; L. puncticornis Meigen feeding on Brachycaudus cardui on Cirsium 

vulgare, Microlophium evansii (Theobald) and Aphis urticata Gmelin on Urtica dioica L. 

Leucopis ( Neoleucopis) obscura Haliday feeds on Pineus ( Adelges) pini (Gmelin in 

Linnaeus) on Scots pine and the other two British members of this subgenus appear to 

do the same. 

Leucopis (Leucopomyia) silesiaca Eggers has been reared from among Eriococcus sp. 

on grass and from a hibernating egg mass of Eriopeltis festucae (Fonscolombe). 

Tanasijtshuk (1965) describes the larva (figs 393- 395). 

Leucopis (Lipoleucopis) praecox de Meijere feeds on Pineus pinion pine trees. 

Lauxaniidae 

(Figs: larvae 396-405, egg 1028, puparium 1180) 

About 1500 species ofLauxaniidae ( =Sapromyzidae) have ben described throughout 

the world. Miller (1977) estimates that of these about 5% have been reared but the 

immature stages of only about I 0 species have been described. The larval stages appear 

to be mostly saprophagous being found in fallen leaves, straw, rotting wood and birds' 

92

nests but a few are phytophagous in root collars, stems, leaves of clover, the ovaries of 

Viola and the leaf-like phylloclades of Opuntia cacti. No species appears to have any 

economic importance which probably explains the neglect of so large a family. I have 

seen probable lauxaniid larvae from rotting tissue at the base of winter barley stems 

and from the petiole of oil-seed rape but these appeared to be saprophagous (J. A. 

Whiteway, pers. comm.). In Britain 46 species occur representing 11 genera. The 

immature stages and biology are reviewed by Miller & Foote (1975, 1976), and Miller 

(1977). 

The immature stages of Trigonometopusfrontalis (Meigen) are unknown but may be 

associated with reeds (Phragmites) among which the adults occur. 

Minettia inusta (Meigen) has been reared from the nest of a mole; M. lupulina (F.) 

from mines in leaflitter (Acer, Prunus, Alnus) and M. plumicornis (Fallen) from rotting 

leaves. The remaining seven British species have not been reared and only Minettia 

lupulina (Holarctic) has been described in the immature stages (Miller & Foote, 1976) 

and is illustrated here (figs 401-402). 

Sapromyza apicalis (Robineau-Desvoidy) has been reared from garden earth; S. 

basalis Zetterstedt from deciduous leaf litter; S. obsoleta Fallen from rotting vegetable 

matter and S. sordida Haliday from wrens' nests. Larval habitats of the remaining six 

British species are unrecorded and none of the larvae have been described. Some larval 

details of the European S. quadripunctata (L.) are very poorly illustrated by Perris 

( 1852) who found the larva in rotting straw. 

Peplomyza litura (Meigen) has been reared from a larva mining the withered leaf of 

crab apple and the larval mouthparts are here illustrated from a puparium among A. H. 

Hamm's material in the Hope Entomological Collections at Oxford (fig. 400). 

Aulogastromyia anisodactyla (Loew) and the rare Cnemacantha muscaria (Fallen) 

are unknown in the immature stages. 

Six of the 10 British Lyciella species have been reared as follows: L. a./finis 

(Zetterstedt) from a rotting birch stump; L. decempunctata (Fallen) from thrush and 

blackbird nests and thistle (Carlina) heads; L. decipiens (Loew) from rotting leaves; L. 

pallidiventris (Fallen) under rotten bark, garden earth and flood refuse; L. rorida 

(Fallen) from rotting leaves, under bark of decayed tree trunk, earth, moss on rocks; 

L. subfasciata (Zetterstedt) from rotting tree leaves. L. rorida (figs 396--399) is the only 

British species for which the immature stages have been described (Hennig, 1952). 

Tricholauxania praeusta (Fallen) has been reared from rotting tree leaves and() cow 

dung. 

Larvae of Calliopum aeneum (Fallen) have been found in Viola ovaries; leaves, stems, 

bases and root-collars of clover (Trifolium); rotting tree leaves and crab apple leaflitter. 

C. simillimum (Collin) has been reared from a robin's nest. Nothing is known of the two 

remaining British Calliopum species and none has been described in the immature 


Lauxania cylindricornis (F.) has been reared from witches' broom on black spruce 

(Picea mariana (Miller)) in Canada and Teskey (1976) gives a brief unillustrated 

description of the larva. 

Of the 5 British species of Homoneura only H. notata (Fallen) has been reared from 

larvae found in rotting tree leaves. Several Nearctic species have been reared from 

similar sources (Acer, Prunus, Alnus, etc.) and the larva of H. americana (Wiedemann) 

(Nearctic) is illustrated here (figs 403-404). 

Coelopidae 

(Figs: larvae 406-412, puparium 1181) 

The small family Coelopidae (seaweed flies) contains 20 species in about 10 genera 

and is represented in all regions except the Oriental. The larvae develop in decaying 

93

sea weeds on seashores. Although adults may sometimes occur inland in large swarms, 

attracted to particular chemicals (e.g. trichlorethylene), it is doubtful if they ever breed 

away from their special seashore niche (Oidroyd, 1954). Only 3 species in 2 genera 

occur in Britain. 

The immature stages of Malacomyia sciomyzina (Haliday) are unknown but this 

species undoubtedly breeds in rotting seaweed where the adults occur sparingly in 

mostly southern coastal localities. 

Egglishaw (1960a) and Burnet (1961) have studied the biology of the two British 

species Coelopa frigida (F.) (figs 406-409) and C. pilipes Haliday (figs 41 0--412). Larvae 

of both species occur in wrack banks rather than the wrack string, though rarely 

together and then only a few of C. pilipes will be present. C.frigida larvae, however, are 

never found among a large number of C. pilipes. 

In spite of several detailed studies on wrack fauna (e.g. Backlund, 1945b, 

Egglishaw, 196Q-1961) the establishment of the precise ecological requirements of each 

species of the several families involved (Coelopidae, Helcomyzidae, Sepsidae 

(Orygma)) still needs refinement and the subject is an excellent one for the purposes of 

research, teaching and demonstration. 

Work on Coelopa genetics, started at Newcastle in the late 1950s by Dr Ursula Phi lip, 

was continued by Dr Barrie Burnet who is now at Sheffield. Genetic and other studies 

are also in progress at Nottingham and yielding information on the biology of the 

immature stages ofCeolopidae (e.g. Butlin & Day, 1984). 

Heleomyzidae 

(Figs: larvae 413-446, puparia 1182-1183) 

This is a cosmopolitan family of over 500 species in some 65 genera of which 56 

species in 16 genera occur in Britain. The classification and nomenclature of the family 

has been considerably revised since the British Check List appeared. Gorodkov (in 

Soos & Papp, 1984) should now be consulted. Following Gorodkov the genera are 

grouped here under 3 subfamilies but since so few immature stages are known his tribal 

classification is omitted. 

The fungus hosts of the family are fully listed by Chandler (in Stubbs & Chandler, 

1978). Hackman (1963, 1967) records adult Heleomyzidae found in the burrows and 

nests of small mammals and Hicks (1959- 1971) lists those found in birds' nests. An 

interesting review of the larval habits ofNearctic Heleomyzidae is given by Garnett & 

Foote ( 1967). A key to some species (in Russian) is provided by Lobanov (1970c). 

Heleomyzinae. The larvae of this subfamily are presumably saprophagous and have 

been recorded from carrion, faeces, mammals' burrows and birds' nests; they also 

occur in caves. 

Heleomyza serrata (L.) (figs 413--418) has been reared from the fungus Fistulina but is 

usually found in other media, e.g. birds' nests, caves and soil. 

Neoleria ruficauda (Zetterstedt) visits fungi and carrion and N. inscripta (Meigen) 

(figs 419--423) although an uncommon fly was reared in numbers from a dead fox 

(Smith, 1975). 

Scoliocentra villosa (Meigen) (figs 424--428) has been reared from dead hens at the 

entrance to a fox-hole (Skidmore, 1967) and Seguy (1934) records the fly from bat 

roosts and rabbit holes. The adult has been found in every month of the year, frequently 

in caves, which has earned it the common name of cave-fly. 

Oecotheafenestralis (Fallen) (figs 429--434) is another carrion feeding species found 

in mammal burrows and caves. 

Suillinae. Larvae of this subfamily mostly develop in fungi but on the Continent 

Suillia lurida Meigen is a pest of onion and garlic and is figured here (figs 435--436) as it 

94

may be imported. S. humilis (Meigen), S. pa/lida (Fallen) and S. ustulata (Meigen) have 

been reared from truffles (Tuber). S. bicolor (Zetterstedt), S. fuscicornis (Zetterstedt) 

and S. variegata (Loew) are polyphagous on many agarics, boleti, etc. Other species 

appear to be more restricted in the range of their fungus hosts but some have been 

reared from other pabula, e.g. S. ustulata from dead elder stem and S. variegata from 

roots of Aster. 

Heteromyzinae. Heteromyza oculata Fallen has been reared from an unidentified 

lignicolous fungus. 

Tephrochlamys .flavipes (Zetterstedt) is recorded from several agarics, soft 

polypores, Tuber and bird and mammal nests; T. tarsalis (Zetterstedt) (figs 437-441) 

from several agarics and birds' nests; T. rufiventris (Meigen) (figs 442-446), one of the 

commonest species of the family, from Hypoxylon fragiforme and a wide range of 

decaying animal or vegetable matter. 

Trixoscelidae 

This small family was formerly included in the Heleomyzidae and is still regarded as 

such by some workers. It contains some 70 species mostly found in the Holarctic and 

Afrotropical regions. Nothing is known of the immature stages but Trixoscelis 

canescens (Loew) was reared from a blackbird's nest by the late E. B. Basden and Dr 

A. G. Irwin has reared a species from soil derived from feral pigeon guano. Two of the 

four British species (T. obscurella (Fallen) and T. marginella (Fallen)) appear to have a 

coastal distribution (seep. 9). 

Chyromyidae 

Another small family (about 40 species) which is represented in most regions and in 

Britain by 6 species in 3 genera. The immature stages are undescribed but the larvae are 

said to develop in guano near the nests or roosting places of birds, in mammal burrows 

and under the bark of trees. Dr A. G. Irwin has reared a Chyromya from damp 

droppings of Daubenton's bat. 

Ardo ( 1957) regards Chyromya minima (Becker) as restricted to sand-dunes and 

Se guy ( 1934) regards C. .flava (L.), C. oppidana (Scopoli) and Gymnochyromyia inermis 

Collin as cave-dwellers (troglobionts) and birds' nests dwellers (nidicoles). Hicks 

( 1959) records C. flava and G. inermis from birds' nests ('owl'; and wren, hedgesparrow, 

blackbird, greenfinch, etc., respectively). Adults of Aphaniosoma socium 

Collin and A. propinquans Collin are recorded from sea-shore flowers (Convolvulus and 

Matricaria). 

Sepsidae 

(Figs: larvae 447--474, eggs 1031-1033, puparia 1184-1185) 

This family contains some 240 species in 21 genera and is well represented in all the 

zoogeographical regions. Their wide distribution is undoubtedly due to their close 

association with animal faeces in which they mostly breed. Twenty-seven species in 6 

genera are known from the British Isles. 

The larvae of several species have been described by Hennig (1949), Schumann 

(1962), Brindle (1965b), Mangan (1977) and Ozerov (1986). Pant's (1979) Handbook to 

adults includes a substantial section on the life histories and immature stages. 

Orygma luctuosum Meigen (figs 447--450) breeds on the sea-shore in the smaller drier 

beds of decomposing wrack and was until recently included in the Coelopidae. 

95

Saltella sphondylii (Schrank) (figs 451-453) breeds in cow dung. 

Little is known of the biology and immature stages of the 11 British species of 

Themira, but probably most develop in mud alongside ponds and streams, especially 

if this is enriched with dung or sewage effluent. T. putris (L.) (figs 454-456) and 

T. nigricornis (Meigen) have been recorded from human excrement and the former 

breeds in the sludge and seepage from sewage works and can produce vast numbers 

of adults which may become a nuisance by invading nearby houses. Larvae of 

T. annu/ipes Meigen occur in soil especially if enriched by cattle droppings, sewage 

overflows, etc. T. minor Haliday occurs in cow dung and trampled dung and soil from 

cattle feeding pens. T. /eachi (Meigen) probably breeds in cow dung upon which the 

females may frequently be seen and it has been reared from manured soil, human 

excrement and grass cuttings. T. nigricornis has also been reared from garden soil and 

dung (human and chicken) and T. putris has been reared from birds' nests. Adults of 

T. biloba Anderson, recently added to the British List (Pont, 1986) were swept off 

guano on a coot's nest. T. lucida Staegar and T. superba Haliday seem also to be 

associated with waterfowl droppings though the immature stages are unknown. 

Abroad several species have been reared from the dung of cows, pigs, humans and 

small mammals. 

The rare Meroplius minutus Wiedemann ( =stercorarius Robineau-Desvoidy) (figs 

457-460) has been reared from human faeces, cow, pig and (accumulations of) rabbit 

dung. 

Nemopoda nitidu/a (Fallen) (figs 461-465) has been reared from human excrement, 

dead snails, carrion and (mainly rotting) fungi. 

All Sepsis species (figs 466-474) breed in mammal dung, preferably cow dung, but 

also including horse dung (S. fu/gens Meigen, S. violacea Meigen), chicken dung 

(S. vio/acea, S.fulgens), pig dung (S.fu/gens, S. punctum (F.), S. vio/acea), human faeces 

(S. punctum), sewage and pig swill (S.fu/gens), sheep dung (S. cynipsea (L.), in upland 

areas), small mammal droppings (S. punctum, S. neocynipsea Melander & Spuler, the 

latter also allegedly in small mammal carrion). 

The eggs ofSepsidae (figs 1031-1033) have long respiratory horns (Orygma has 2) 

often much longer than the egg itself. All are plastron bearing (except Saltella) and are 

adapted for atmospheric respiration and for extracting dissolved oxygen from ambient 

water when the egg is submerged (Hinton, 1960, 1961, 1981 ). 

Sciomyzidae 

(Figs: larvae 475-518, eggs 1034--1036, puparia 1186-1189, cover) 

Over 470 species of Sciomyzidae (snail killing flies) have been described throughout 

the world. C. 0. Berg & Knutson ( 1978) provide a useful summary of the state of 

knowledge of the biology and systematics of the family which has increased rapidly 

over the past 30 years. 

The discovery that their larvae feed on living aquatic and terrestrial molluscs gave 

them a medical and veterinary significance in the possible control of schistosomiasis (in 

Africa, South America and the Far East) and other snail-borne diseases. The natural 

food of over 200 species is now known and the immature stages of many species have 

been described in detail. 

The larval morphology reflects their mode of life. Free-living larvae have wart-like 

tubercles on the body and elongate lobes on the anal segments. Aquatic forms have 

conspicuous branched float hairs on the posterior spiracular plate. Larvae living as 

parasitoids have a mostly transparent integument without conspicuous tubercles but 

with a transverse patch of spinules on each segment of the body. 

Sixty-five species in 23 genera representing 3 subfamilies occur in Britain. Rozkosny 

(1967) provides keys to larvae and puparia of some genera and species. 

96

Salticellinae. Salt ice/la fascia la (Meigen) (figs 475-479) was the first species of the 

family to be associated with molluscs when Perris (1850) reared adults from puparia 

found in the shells of Theba pisana (Miiller). Knutson, Stephenson & Berg (1970) 

described the immature stages and recorded them from several species of snails found 

on dunes or in dry habitats (e.g. Theba pisana, He/ice/la candicans (Pfieffer), H. virgata 

(de Costa) and H. hortensis (Miiller), all Helicellidae) on which they may feed as 

solitary, internal parasitoids or they may be saprophagous on dead tissue. 

Phaeomyiinae. Nothing is published on the biology or immature stages of the two 

British species of Pe/idnoptera, but Dr Peter Baily has recently reared a species from 

millipedes in Portugal. 

Sciomyzinae 

Sciomyzini. Co/obaea bifascie/la (Fallen) has a highly specialized parasitoid larva 

which feeds as a solitary individual and each larva consumes only one snail. One or two 

eggs are laid across the sutures of the shell of exposed Lymnaea palustris Miiller or 

L. trunculata Miiller. The larva enters the shell and feeds on the mucus, extra pallial 

fluid, or the less vital tissues. Later the vital tissues are consumed, the snail dies and the 

larva consumes the decaying tissues; then, after about 25 days, it pupates within the 

shell. The adult emerges some two or three weeks later. Although more than one egg 

may be laid only one larva feeds and it is thought that it kills any other larvae as they 

enter the shell. 

C. puncta/a (Lundbeck) has been recorded from Planorbis a/bus Miiller, Lymnaea 

peregra (Miiller) and young P. corneus (L.). C. pectoralis (Zetterstedt) and C. distincta 

(Meigen) (fig. 480) have been reared from Anisus vortex (L.) and A. spirorbis (L.) 

respectively. 

Of the 16 species of Pherbellia occurring in Britain the life histories and immature 

stages of9 species have been described (Bratt et al. 1969). Eggs are laid in mosses, etc. 

and the larvae seek out and may eat up to 4 snails during their development. 

Most of the common species of Pherbellia feed on hygrophilous and exposed aquatic 

snails, whereas the uncommon species eat terrestrial snails. 

Some snails eaten in natural conditions are indicated as follows:- Terrestrial species: 

Pherbe/lia dubia (Fallen) (figs 482-483) (Cochlicopa, Discus, Hygromia, Oxychilus, 

Retine/la); P. knutsoni Verbeke (Coch/ice/la, He/ice/la); P. scute/laris (von Roser) 

( C/ausi/ia). Aquatic and hygrophilous species: Pherbe/lia dorsal a (Zetterstedt) 

(Planorbis); P. schoenherri (Fallen) (fig. 481) (Succinea); P. scute/laris and P. ventralis 

(Fallen) (figs 484-485) (Lymnaea). Full lists including snails eaten or rejected in laboratory 

conditions are given by Bratt et al. (1969) and 0. Beaver (1972) gives further 

information on some British species. 

The larvae of Pteromicra species are polyphagous predators of small aquatic and 

hygrophilous, non-operculate snails and may kill and consume up to 3 snails during 

their development. The common P. angustipennis (Staeger) (figs 486-489) feeds on 

Planorbis contortus (L.), young P. planorbis (L.), P. vortex (L.), Hygromia hispida (L.), 

Succinea sp., Segmentina nitida (Miiller), and Lymnaea truncatu/a (Miiller). Pteromicra 

glabricu/a (Fallen) feeds on Planorbis vortex, P. contortus, young individuals of 

Physa fontina/is (L.), Planorbis planorbis, Lymnaea palustris, L. peregra (Miiller), L. 

truncatula, and the terrestrial snails Discus rotundatus (Miiller) and Succinea sp. 

Pteromicra /eucopeza (Meigen) larvae have been found in Planorbis contortus, and 

Pteromicra pectorosa (Hendel) feeds on Segmentina nitida and Planorbis vortex . The 

immature stages of Pteromicra are fully described by Rozkosny & Knutson (1970). 

All known larvae of Sciomyza feed on terrestrial snails of the family Succineidae and 

the immature stages are described by Foote (1959). The two British species are known 

to attack living snails of the genus Oxyloma (in Alaska). Sciomyza simplex Fallen 

97

(figs 490-492) is probably a predator (several attacking more than one snail) rather 

than parasitoid (one snail per larva) but the feeding status of S. dryomyzina Zetterstedt 

is not yet clear. 

The larva of Tetanura pallidiventris Fallen (figs 493-494) feeds on terrestrial snails of 

the genera Cochlicopa, Discus and Retinella and may have some use as a biological 

control agent as one of the host snails, Cochlicopa lubrica (Miiller), is an intermediate 

host of the sheep lancet fluke, Dicrocoelium dendriticum (Rudolphi) (Trematoda). 

Knutson (1970a) describes the immature stages and biology. Eggs are laid directly onto 

the retracted soft parts of the host snail. The puparia vary in shape according to 

whether they were formed inside or outside of the host's shell; and those formed inside 

vary further with the shape of the host shell. A puparium formed in the elongate shell of 

Cochlicopa lubrica is illustrated (fig. 1188). 

Tetanocerini. Larvae of Antichaeta feed exclusively on the eggs of snails and appear 

to be the only insects to do so (though the phorids Megaselia aequalis and M . ciliata 

feed on slug eggs and that large and enterprising genus may well possess an as yet 

undetected snail egg predator). The eggs (fig. 1036) are enclosed in a gelatinous substance 

and are deposited on egg capsules or egg masses of the snails. A. anal is (Meigen) 

larvae feed on the eggs of Lymnaea truncatula (and in the laboratory on L. stagna/is (L.) 

and Succinea sp.) and A. brevipennis (Zetterstedt) (figs 495-498) feeds on egg masses of 

Succinea sp. (and in the laboratory in egg capsules of Lymnaea truncatula). Knutson 

( 1966) describes the immature stages and detailed biology of the genus. 

Coremacera tristis (Harris) ( =marginata F.) (figs 499-503) has been reared on a 

number of terrestrial snails in the laboratory (Knutson, 1973). 

Dictya umbrarum (L.) was reared by Lundbeck (1923) from floating puparia and is 

presumed to attack aquatic snails as do the larvae of some Nearctic species described by 

Valley & Berg (1977). 

Larvae of the genus Elgiva (figs 504--506) attack aquatic pulmonate snails of the 

families Lymnaeidae, Physidae and Planorbidae. The larvae are air-breathers and float 

just beneath the surface film of quiet waters and they forage in and on Lemna mats. 

They quickly kill snails and commence feeding and when replete move on to other 

snails; each larva may killl2- 23 snails during its development. The puparia (fig. 1187, 

cover) are well adapted for flotation and have the posterior spiracles uplifted. Knutson 

& Berg (1964) describe the immature stages and biology of the genus. 

The larvae of Hydromya dorsalis (F.) (figs 507-509) are found in shallow, flowing 

water where they kill and feed upon aquatic pulmonate snails, especially Lymnaea spp. 

(Knutson & Berg, 1963). 

Knutsonia species (except K. lineata) are also predators of aquatic pulmonate snails 

and a larva may consume as many as 40 snails during the 21-77 days of its development. 

The larvae of both British species, K. albiseta (Scopoli) and K. lineata (Fallen) (figs 

510--511) are described by Knutson & Berg (1967) but they were unable to rear K. 

lineata on gastropod molluscs and it has since been established (Foote & Knutson, 

1970) that this species is exceptional in feeding only on bivalve clams (Pisidium}, a habit 

also shared by the genus Renocera (see below). During the 37- 53 days of larval life 

K. lineata killed and ate 21- 31 individual clams (1 ·5-4·0 mm in greatest diameter). 

The larvae of Limnia, Pherbina and Psacadina are predaceous on hygrophilous and 

exposed aquatic snails at the shoreline or on the water surface. Knutson, Rozkosny & 

Berg ( 1975) describe the immature stages of Pherbina and Psacadina. Pherbina cory leti 

(Scopoli}, one of the commonest European sciomyzids, is illustrated here (figs 512- 

514). 

The larva of Renocera striata (Meigen) is an aquatic predator of sphaeriid clams. The 

other two British species may also be presumed to be so as Foote ( 1976) has shown that 

the habit is shared by American species. Renocera and Knutsonia lineata (discussed 

above) are the only insects known to kill and feed on bivalve molluscs. The only other 

98

insect found associated with clams is the larva of the chironomid Glyptotendipes paripes 

(Edwards) found between the shell and mantle of Anodonta cygnea L. (Beedham, 1966). 

Sepedon larvae are predators of aquatic snails and the two British species are 

included in Neff & Berg ( 1966). 

British representatives of the genus Tetanocera include one slug-killing species, T. 

elata (F.) (fig. 515), and two North American species also share this habit (Knutson, 

Stephenson & Berg, 1965; Rozkosny, 1965; Stephenson & Knutson, 1966). Other 

members of the genus range over the usually snail-killing habits of the family as 

follows: T. ferruginea Fallen (figs 516-518), T. hyalipennis von Roser, T. robusta 

Loew (aquatic snails); T. arrogans (Meigen), T. silvatica Meigen, T. unicolor Loew 

(hygrophilous and exposed aquatic snails); T. phyllophora Melander (terrestrial snails). 

The biology of T. punctifrons Rondani requires description and further elucidation 

(0. Beaver, 1972). 

The biology and immature stages of Trypetoptera punctulata (Scopoli) remain 

unknown. 

Nothing is known of the immature stages of the two British species of Dichetophora 

or of Ectinocera borealis (Zetterstedt). 

The immature stages of Euthycerafumigata (Scopoli) are unknown but the larva may 

attack slugs as the European species E. chaerophyli (F.) appears to do (Knutson, 1970b) 

(see also under Tetanocera above). 

Much is known of the biology and life-histories of this fascinating family but much 

detail still needs to be added, particularly on which species of snail are selected as food 

in the field rather than in the laboratory. 

Techniques for laboratory rearing are described by Willomitzer (1970) and 

Willomitzer & Rozkosny ( 1977). The distribution of the family in Britain is given by 

Stephenson & Knutson (1970). 

Sphaeroceridae 

(Figs: larvae 519-530, eggs 1037-1042, puparia 1190-1193) 

About 1000 species of Sphaeroceridae have been described from all regions of the 

world. Many anthropophilic species have a wide distribution having been introduced 

by man into continents in which they are not endemic. Their propensity for breeding in 

dung no doubt enabled the flies to follow caravan routes overland and shipping routes 

in the holds of cargo ships carrying cattle and other domestic animals. The larvae are 

generally saprophagous and in addition to dung will develop in mud, forest litter, fungi, 

decaying vegetable refuse, seaweed, in caves, in the runs of mammals, in the nests of 

birds, mammals and insects, and in carrion. 

Some 114 species in 33 genera and 3 subfamilies occur in Britain. The immature 

stages are not well known and there are more descriptions of the distinctive puparia 

(figs 1190-1193), (Goddard, 1938; Okely, 1974) than any other stage. Puparia are 

frequently found during archaeological excavations (see section on fossils). Some 

larvae have been described by Schumann (1962), and Pitkin (1987) reviews and 

reproduces illustrations of most of the described immature stages of the family in his 

Handbook to the British species. Carrion and dung frequenting species of possible 

forensic significance are discussed by Smith (1986b). An American species has been 

involved in a case of human intestinal myiasis (Micks & McKibben, 1956). 

The following comments are confined to actual field rearing records since the adults 

are frequently found on media in which they do not necessarily breed. Pitkin (1987) 

should be consulted for a review of adult habits. In the laboratory boiled grass-cuttings 

have proved a successful medium on which to rear larvae when their natural pabulum is 

unknown. 

99

Sphaerocerinae. Sphaerocera curvipes Latreille (fig. 519) is a common species that has 

been reared from cow dung and human excrement. lschiolepta pus ilia (Fallen) has been 

reared from human excrement and dead snails. Lotobia pallidiventris (Meigen) has been 

reared from cow-dung. 

Copromyzinae. Lotophila ( = Copromyza) atra (Meigen) (figs 520-522) has been 

reared from cow-dung. Crumomyia nitida has been reared from horse-dung and fungi; 

C. pedestris (Meigen) has been reared from dead snails. Copromyza similis (Collin) 

has been reared from cow-dung, C. equina Fallen from horse and cow-dung and C. 

stercoraria (Meigen) from human excrement. 

Limosininae. The following species breed in cow dung: Coproica acutangula 

(Zetterstedt) (figs 523-524), C. lugubris (Haliday), C. vagans (Haliday), Elachisoma 

aterrima (Haliday), Halidayina spinipennis (Haliday), Chaetopodella scutellaris 

(Haliday) (figs 525- 526), Limosina silvatica (Meigen), Opalimosina collini (Richards), 

0 . denticulata (Duda), Spelobia clunipes (Meigen), and Telomerina pseudoleucoptera 

(Duda). Of these, Coproica vagans and Limosina silvatica (fig. 527) have also been 

reared from human excrement and horse dung respectively. 

Leptocera caenosa (Rondani) breeds in human excrement and is particularly 

associated with water closets where it can occur in large numbers causing a considerable 

nuisance and health hazard (Fredeen & Taylor, 1964).1t has also been reared from 

wasps' nests. 

Leptocera fontinalis (Fallen), Spelobia palmata Richards, S. nana (Rondani) and 

S. luteilabris (Rondani) have been reared from dead snails. Spelobia parapusio (Dahl) 

(fig. 528) has been reared from fungi. Apteromyia claviventris (Strobl) and Minilimosina 

fungicola (Haliday) have occurred in a nest of the ant Lasius fuliginosus (L.). The 

former species has been found in roots of rhubarb and, along with Pullimosina 

heteroneura (Haliday), has also been reared from damaged narcissus bulbs. Kimosina 

empirica (Button) has been reared from a dead seal, rabbit corpses, a dead human and 

in sewage disposal tanks. 

Terrilimosina racovitzai (Bezzi) is a cave-dwelling species that may also occur 

indoors in cellars and has bred in a blocked drain (see introductory section on caves). 

Thoracochaeta zosterae (Haliday) (figs 529- 530) breeds in seaweed as do other 

members of the genus; Egglishaw (1961) describes the immature stages in detail. 

Pallopteridae 


This is a small poorly studied family of only 44 species contained in 8 genera of which 

11 species in 2 genera occur in Britain. 

The immature stages of Palloptera usta (Meigen) and P. ustulata Fallen (figs 531- 

535) were described by Morge ( 1956) from larvae found under the bark of dead coniferous 

and deciduous trees in Europe where they were preying upon the larvae of 

Cerambycidae and Scolytidae (Coleoptera). Morge ( 1967) has found that the larvae 

may exert a considerable control of mass outbreaks of bark beetles, especially in 

mountain forests. Larvae of a North American species have also been reported from 

the galleries of scolytid beetles and those of a Canadian species prey upon cecidomyiid 

larvae in Douglas fir cones (Teskey 1976). 

Smith (1957a) found larvae of P. ustulata under poplar bark and puparia of P. 

quinquemaculata Macquart (figs 536-538) in soil under fool's parsley (Aethusa cynapium 

L.) and dandelion (Taraxacum). 

Nye ( 1958) found third ins tar larvae of Palloptera quinquemaculata overwintering in 

basal tillers of Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) (Gramineae) and Stubbs (1969) records 

rearing and adult associations with Compositae and Umbelliferae. 

100

Nothing is known of the life-history of the rare Eurygnathomyia bicolor (Zetterstedt}, 

so far recorded only from Yorkshire. 

Lonchaeidae 

(Figs: larvae 539-547, cover, egg 1043, puparia 1195- 1196) 

Some 300 species in I 0 genera representing the two subfamilies of this family have 

been described from all forested regions of the world except New Zealand. Of these, 29 

species in 3 genera in two subfamilies occur in Britain. They are not well known in the 

immature stages but Smith (1957b}, Morge (1963) and Mamaev et al. (1977) illustrate 

some of the species occurring in Britain. 

Dasiopinae. The larvae of some Dasiops species live in galls formed on grasses and 

others are found under the bark of dead or dying trees, but no British species appear to 

have been reared. 

Lonchaeinae. Earomyia schistopyga Collin feeds on the seeds of conifers and some 

continental species are important pests. Other continental species of Earomyia live in 

male cones of spruce or in floscules of Cirsium. The lonchaeid larva recorded by 

Red fern ( 1968) from Cirsium vulgare heads may belong to this genus, though it was 

apparently predaceous. 

Most Lonchaea species (figs 539- 547, cover) develop under the bark of dead and 

dying trees or in decomposed wood: e.g. L. britteni Collin, beech; L. fugax Becker, 

poplar; L. limatula Collin, beech; L. palposa Zetterstedt (figs 540-542}, birch, 

hawthorn, poplar; L. sylvatica Beling, poplar. Some species appear to be more or less 

specifically associated with particular tree species, e.g. L. collini Hackman (figs 

543- 544) is usually found on pines and is a facultative predator of scolytid beetles; 

L. peregrina Becker occurs under bark of Salix and poplars. Lonchaea chorea (F.) 

( = flavidipennis Zetterstedt) is a synanthropic species which develops in various 

decaying organic matter and it has been recorded from beetroot, but it is possible that 

only diseased plants (e.g. eelworm infested) are attacked and that the larvae are introduced 

in 'manure' (Farsky, 1879; Cameron, 1913). I have also seen L. chorea reared 

from 'stratified Rosa canina seed' (K. M. Harris). 

Setisquamalonchaeafumosa Egger has been reared from parsnips, turnips, and from 

the stems of parsley and henbane. 

Piophilidae 

(Figs: larvae 548-563, egg I 044, puparia 1197- 1199) 

The family Piophilidae as now understood (McAipine, 1977) includes the former 

families Neottiophilidae and Thyreophoridae and contains 67 world species in 23 

genera and 2 subfamilies. Thirteen species representing 4 genera and both subfamilies 

occur in Britain. The subfamilies are separated in the key to families (p. 71). 

Neottiophilinae. Only two British species of this subfamily are known, the 

Palaearctic Neottiophilum praeustum (Meigen) and the Holarctic Actenoptera hilarella 

(Zetterstedt). 

Keilin (1924a), Tate (1954) and Zumpt (1965) describe the larva of N. praeustum (figs 

548- 551) which is an ectoparasitic bloodsucker on nestlings, usually of the smaller 

passerine birds forming more open nests e.g. greenfinch, chaffinch, linnet, blackbird, 

song-thrush, carrion-crow, etc. (with one record from a falconiform, the sparrowhawk). 

Unlike Protocalliphora which also attacks nestlings, Neottiophilum is entirely 


dependent on blood to complete its development and if present in sufficient numbers 

may kill the nestlings. 

The life-history of Actenoptera is unknown. 

Piophilinae. Centrophlebomyiafurcata (F.) (figs 560-563) has not been recorded in 

Britain since 1910 when Yerbury found adults at Porthcawl, Glamorgan. Previously he 

had found adults on a dead donkey, Mt Edgcumbe Park, Cornwall in April 1889. In 

Europe other 'Thyreophoridae' are associated with large skeletons, e.g. horses, 

donkeys, mules and more rarely on dogs but none had been seen since 1850, in spite of 

two World Wars, and were thought to be extinct. However, as the flies usually appeared 

on carcases at cold times of the year as the snows melted, it was thought the entomologists, 

not normally in the field then, may have overlooked them. This may well be the 

case as Freidberg (1981) has rediscovered C.furcata in Israel on the carcases of goats, 

cows and sheep during November to January. Eggs are laid on bones and the larvae 

feed and develop in the marrow. Freidberg has proposed the name 'bone-skipper' for 

this species since the larvae have the same skipping habit as Piophila. Other species have 

since been discovered in Kashmir and Russia. 

The larva of Piophila casei (L.) (figs 552- 554) is the well-known 'cheese-skipper', a 

common stored product pest on cheese, ham and bacon and consequently of cosmopolitan 

distribution. The common name refers to the habits of its skipping escape 

mechanism which the larva effects by arching its body and grasping the small anal 

papillae with its mouthparts. When the grip is released the larva is flung into air to a 

height of 2 or 3 inches and may cover a horizontal distance of several inches. Several 

species of Piophila (including casei) feed on carrion in the larval stages and are usually 

late arrivals in the fauna! succession. However this may vary with the species and site of 

the corpse and can give the larvae a forensic significance (Smith, 1986b ). The species 

most frequently associated with human corpses is P. foveolata Meigen ( =nigriceps 

Meigen) which is usually found in slaughter-houses, meat factories and poultry farms. 

P. vulgaris Fallen (fig. 559) feeds on dead snails. 

There may have been some confusion of the species of Piophila associated with 

carrion in the early literature and it is worth identifying and recording any Piophilidae 

found on carrion especially if the time of demise of the corpse can be established. A key 

to larvae is provided by Brindle (1965c) and Smith (1986b) but the anterior spiracles 

(figs 554-558) afford a ready means of identifying the most common species. However, 

as always, it is best to rear samples through to the more readily identifiable adult stage 

during research projects. 

Opomyzidae 

(Figs: larvae 564-577, eggs I 045-1046, puparia 1200-120 I) 

A small family of over 40 species mostly found in the temperate regions of the 

northern hemisphere with a few species in East and South Africa. Fourteen species in 

two genera occur in Britain. Some larvae and life-histories are described by Thomas 

( 1933-1938) and Nye ( 1958). The known larvae live in the stems of Gramineae. 

Of the eight British species of Geomyza three are known in the immature stages. 

Larvae of G. balachowskyi Mesnil (figs 567- 568) overwinter in the basal tillers of 

Holcus lanatus L. and H. mollis L.; they pupate in April and adults emerge in May and 

there is probably a second generation. Geomyza tripunctata Fallen larvae (figs 564-566) 

overwinter in the basal tillers of Lolium multiflorum Lamarck and to a lesser extent in L. 

perenne L., Dactylis glomera/aL., Poa trivia/is L., P. annuaL. and wheat. They pupate 

in March, emerge in April and oviposit in early May. A second generation emerges in 

July, oviposits in August, giving rise to the overwintering larvae. Geomyza venusta 

(Meigen) is found in Bromus. 


Larvae of three of the six species of Opomyza have been reared. Opomyza petrei 

Mesnil (figs 569- 571) overwinters in Holcus /ana/us and Anthoxanthum odoratum L.; 

O.florum (F.) (figs 572-575) can be a serious pest of cereals, particularly winter wheat 

(especially in Russia). It differs from other members of the family in overwintering in 

the egg stage which hatches at the end of March and the larva bores into wheat tillers. 

Pupation occurs during May and the adult emerges in early June. Oviposition occurs 

again in October and early November. Eggs are laid on the soil close to the winter 

wheat. The wild hosts are not known. Opomyza germinationis (L.) (figs 576-577) overwinters 

as a third instar larva in the basal tillers of Festuca, Lolium, Poa, Agrostis, 

Phleum, Alopecurus, Phalaris and, to a lesser extent, in Holcus. 

Clusiidae 

(Figs: larva, 578, puparia 1202-1205) 

Over 200 species of Clusiidae have been described from most regions of the world. 

Ten species representing 4 genera occur in the British Isles. Little is known of the 

immature stages which all appear to develop in rotting wood. The larvae are said to be 

able to skip in a manner similar to Piophilidae. 

Clusiaflava (Meigen) has been reared from a dry beech stump (Smith, 1950). There 

are also two puparia in the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) from a rotten birch stump. 

Unfortunately, the caps containing the mouthparts have not survived from any of the 

puparia available so I am unable to figure them. The characteristic 'horned' puparium 

is illustrated (fig. 1202). 

Clusiodes albimana (Meigen) (figs 1203, 1205) has been reared several times from old 

logs and mossy tree stumps but in the puparia examined the ventral part of the cap, with 

the mouth parts, has been missing. 

There is a specimen of Clusiodes gentilis (Collin) with a puparium, 'bred from a log' 

by H. Oldroyd in the British Museum (Nat. Hist.), but the half of the puparial cap with 

the mouth parts is missing. However, Se guy ( 1934) gives an outline of the mouthparts 

which are illustrated here (fig. 578). Also in the BM (NH) collections is a specimen of 

Clusiodes ( Columbiella) verticalis (Collin) with a puparium (fig. 1204), from 'old grass 

heap, back cottage garden'. 

Odiniidae 


Some 63 species in 10 genera of Odiniidae are known throughout the world. Of 

these the larval habits of only I 0 species are known and all are associated with 

wounded, dead or dying trees. These have mostly been associated with the galleries 

of wood boring beetles (Buprestidae, Curculionidae, Scolytidae, Tenebrionidae, 

Oedemeridae), but some occur in the galleries of Diptera larvae (Hesperinidae, 

Pachyneuridae) and Lepidoptera (Cossidae, Gelechiidae). Most are considered to be 

saprophagous, or possibly feed on frass or dead insects. An American species (Odinia 

conspicua Sabrosky) is apparently predaceous on Tenebrionidae (Col.) in decayed 

poplar. The Asian species Turanodinia coccidarum Stackelberg was reported to have 

been reared from egg-masses of Pseudococcus comstocki Kuwana. 

Seven species occur in Britain, all belonging to the genus Odinia, four of which have 

been reared. 

The larva of Odinia xanthocera Collin (figs 582- 585), described by V os de Wilde 

( 1935), is associated in Europe and North America with the weevil Cryptorhynchus 

lapathi (L.), which mines twigs of Alnus, Salix and Populus. Odinia meijerei Collin (figs 

579- 581) is found on diseased elm trees in the tunnels of Scolytus (Lewis, 1979). Larvae 

of 0. pomona Cogan have been found under bark on apple. Odinia ornata Zetterstedt 


occurs in beetle galleries on spruce in the USSR. Odinia hendeli Collin occurs in elm 

with larvae of Oedomeridae (Col.). Odinia maculata (Meigen) has been found in oak 

infested with Cossus (goat moth) larvae. 

Krivosheina ( 1981) reviews the systematics and biology of the Palaearctic species. 

Carnidae 

(Figs: larvae 586-589, egg 1047, puparia 1207- 1208) 

Some 70 species of Carnidae have so far been described and include some of the 

smallest Acalyptrates. They are mainly Palaearctic or Nearctic, some Holarctic in 

distribution with very few occurring in other regions. The larvae live in birds' nests 

where they are saprophagous to semi-parasitic (Carnus, I British species) or 

saprophagous (Meoneura, 12 British species). Very little is known of the immature 


The larvae of Carnus hemapterus Nitzsch are found in the nest debris of a number of 

birds including starling, hedge-sparrow, blackbird, kestrel and great spotted woodpecker. 

The tiny adults are blood sucking parasites of birds and break off their own 

wings after settling down in the plumage of nestling birds. De Meijere (1912a) and 

Engel (1930) give partial descriptions of the immature stages (figs 1047, 1207). 

Meoneura species are associated with birds' nests as follows: M. lamellata Collin 

(crow, great tit, magpie, sand-martin, starling, 'thrush', etc.); M. neottiophila Collin 

(kestrel, sparrow-hawk, stock-dove, wren); M . obscurella (Fallen) (blackbird, 

sand-martin, 'finch', 'thrush'); M. lacteipennis (Fallen) and M. vagans (Fallen) 

(sand-martin); M. seducta Collin (herring-gull). 

Meoneura species are also believed to develop in animal excrement and carrion on 

which adults are sometimes found. In France M. exigua Collin has been reared from a 

damaged puparium of Sarcophaga. 

Acartophthalmidae 

Only three species in one genus (Acartophthalmus) of this family are known, two 

Holarctic and one Palaearctic. The two Holarctic species occur in Britain. Adults have 

been found on decaying fungi, dung and carrion. Ozerov ( 1987) found eggs on carrion 

and reared larvae on meat in the laboratory. 

Periscelididae 

(Fig. 593, larva) 

About 20 species of Periscelididae are known from the Nearctic, Palaearctic and 

Neotropical regions. Four species of Periscelis occur in Britain. 

The life-histories and immature stages were unknown until very recently, when it was 

established that the larvae develop in the sap of tree wounds. The larva superficially 

resembles a Fannia (Fanniidae) and is illustrated (fig. 593) here from a figure appearing 

in Teskey ( 1976). Dr Tony lrwin has found larvae of Microperiscelis annulata (Fallen) 

in ash seepage in Norwich. 

Aulacigastridae 

(Figs: larva 590-591, egg 1048, puparium, 1210) 

This is a small and little-known family of about 4 species in 3 genera represented in 

the major zoogeographical regions except the Australian and Pacific. Only one species 

occurs in Britain. 


The larvae of Aulacigaster /eucopeza (Meigen) develop in sap fluxes exuded from 

tree wounds. Robinson, I. ( 1953) describes the immature stages. At pupation the 

prothoracic spiracles are completely everted and protrude from the surface of the slime 

flux in which the puparium is submerged. 

Stenomicridae 

(Figs: larva 592, egg 1049, puparium 1209) 

The problematic and little-known genus Stenomicra has recently been given family 

status in the Palaearctic Catalogue. The genus contains some 20 described species and 

is represented in all the major zoogeographical regions. Only one British species was 

known until Irwin (1982) described a second from Wales. Irwin also discusses the 

taxonomic peregrinations of the genus. Nothing is known of the life-history or 

immature stages of the five Palaearctic species. Williams (1939) records larvae in 

water-holding leaf bases of Gramineae (Poaceae) and other plants in Hawaii (fig. 592). 

Anthomyzidae 

(Figs: larvae 594-606) 

The family Anthomyzidae is represented in all zoogeographical regions by a total of 

about 60 species. Sixteen species in 4 genera occur in Britain. 

The larvae develop between the closely fitting leaf sheaths of water-loving 

Gramineae and occur in the galls formed by Lipara (Chloropidae). One species has 

been reared from fungi. 

The larvae of Anthomyza ( = Stiphrosoma) sabulosa (Haliday) (figs 594-597) feed 

between the leaf sheaths of tillers of Arrhenatherum e/atius L. and Lolium perenne L., 

but do not sever the central shoot and cause little damage. They overwinter in the third 

instar and pupate towards the end of April. Third ins tar larvae have also been found in 

July so there are probably two generations per year. The larvae of A. gracilis Fallen 

(figs 598-602), A. sordide/la (Zetterstedt) and A. bifasciata Wood have been found 

between the leaves of Phragmites and Typha. Anthomyza a/bimana (Meigen) has been 

reared from fungi (Agaricales). Other species have been reared from birds' nests 

(presumably from grasses used in their construction), e.g. A . cingu/ata Haliday (rook) 

and A . neg/ecta Collin (coot) (Collin, 1944). 

Paranthomyza nitida (Meigen) (figs 603-606) has been recorded from Melandrium 

rubrum (Wiegel) (de Meijere 1944). 

Anagnota bicolor (Meigen) has been reared from a mole's nest (Collin, 1944), 

presumably from grasses used in nesting material. 

Asteiidae 

Some 130 species in 10 genera of Asteiidae have been described and the family is 

represented in all of the major zoogeographical regions. Seven species in 3 genera occur 

in Britain (Chandler, 1978). The immature stages have not been described. 

Asteia amoena Meigen is said to develop in wood detritus, in hollow trees, etc., 

but A. concinna Meigen adults are associated with marshes, fens, dune slacks and 

Phragmites beds. 

Adults of Astiosoma rufifrons Duda are attracted to cold wood ash and smouldering 

bonfires of elm branches, etc., but the life-history is unknown. 

Leiomyza species have been reared from fungi: L. dudai Sabrosky and L. scatophagina 

(Fallen) (several agarics, chiefly lignicolous, and the latter also Po/yporus squamosus 


Fries); L. laevigata (Meigen) (Pleurotus cornucopiae L.). Larvae of L. scatophagina 

have also been recorded from dried stems of the common reed (Phragmites) together 

with Lipara (Chloropidae) (Colyer & Hammond, 1968). 

Camillidae 

Eleven species of Camillidae are known, all contained in the genus Camilla and 

represented in only the Palaearctic (9), Nearctic (I) and Afrotropical regions (3). 

No immature stages of this family have been described. Collin ( 1933) notes that E. B. 

Basden found adults of C. fuscipes Coli in at the entrance of rabbit burrows and has 

reared C. a tripes Duda (as acutipennis Loew) from nests of the short-tailed field vole. 

Baumann ( 1977) found adults of C. atripes (as C. atrimana Strobl) in the nests of voles 

in Germany. Dr A. G . lrwin (pers. comm.) has reared a species from soil derived from 

feral pigeon guano. 

Ephydridae 

(Figs: larvae 610--624, eggs I 050--1056, puparia 1211- 1218, leaf-mine 1304) 

Over I ,500 species of Ephydridae (shore flies) are known from all the major 

zoogeographical regions. Some 130 species in 39 genera and 4 subfamilies occur in 

Britain. 

The larvae are mainly aquatic or semi-aquatic and over the world are found in a very 

wide range of habitats including some of the harshest in which Diptera are known to 

develop, e.g. hot springs (some Ephydra, Scatella, Paracoenia), petroleum pools 

(Halaeomyia), brine (Ephydra), egg-pods of locusts (Actocetor), scavengers in terrestrial 

snail shells (Discomyza), in spider egg-cases (Trimerina), in carrion and faeces 

(Allotrichoma, Hecamede), in nests of ants (Rhyncopsilopa) and birds (Nostima), as 

serious pests of rice (Hydrellia) and of beet (Clanoneurum). 

All stages may be present (adults 'graze' algae on mud surfaces, stones, etc.) in very 

large numbers and may thus provide an important food source for marsh and shore 

frequenting birds and even man (American Indians). 

In spite of all this the immature stages and ecology of these highly successful 

and adaptable flies remain poorly known. R. Dahl (1959) provides a pioneer ecological 

study for Scandinavia. A valuable symposium volume on Ephydridae (Deonier, 1979) 

includes much biological and ecological information. 

The larvae of only 25 of the British species in 14 genera have been described, mostly 

by continental or American authors. The early literature on the immature stages is 

summarised, with illustrations, by R. Dahl (1969) and Hennig (1943a). Other useful 

works are listed below. Genera not mentioned below may be assumed to be unknown in 

the immature stages. 

Psilopinae. Psilopa leucostoma (Meigen) has been reared from mines in Chenopodium 

(Oidroyd, 1964); the larva of the Nearctic P. petrolei Coquillett (now referred to 

Halaeomyia) is unique in that it lives, swims and feeds (on the bodies of trapped insects) 

in pools of crude petroleum in California (Thorpe, 1930). 

Discocerina obscure/la (Fallen) (figs 611, 612, I 050, 1211) probably feeds on microorganisms 

(Foote & Eastin, 1974). 

Discomyza incurva (Fallen) (fig. 610) has been reared from a decaying snail (Helix 

pomatia L.). 

Larvae of Clanoneurum cimiciforme (Haliday) mine Salicornia stricta Dum 

(glasswort). 


The larvae of Trimerina madizans (Fallen) feed as parasitoids within the egg cases of 

marsh-dwelling spiders (Miryphantes). 

Notiphilinae. Notiphila brunnipes Robineau-Desvoidy lays eggs on the flowers of the 

white water-lily. The flowers close at sunset and withdraw below the water surface, 

reappearing at sunrise. The eggs are thus alternately immersed and exposed. The larvae 

live in the stems. The larvae (fig. 615) of most species of Notophila however live in the 

soil at the bottom of lakes, ponds and streams and obtain their oxygen from the 

intercellular spaces in the roots of aquatic plants by means of sharp hollow terminal 

spines (figs 616, 1213) (see Varley, 1937; Keilin, 1944; Houlihan, 1969; and compare 

Chrysogaster, Syrphidae; Erioptera, Tipulidae). 

All Hydrellia larvae are phytophagous. Most species mine the leaves and stems of 

aquatic plants but others attack terrestrial plants, especially grasses (including rice). H. 

chrysostoma (Meigen) lives on Potamogeton as do many other European and Nearctic 

species. H. nasturtii Collin (figs 613, 1304) mines the stems of watercress (Taylor, 1928) 

and can be of economic importance (compare Scaptomyza, Drosophilidae). The larva 

of H. modesta Loew (fig. 614) mines and overwinters in the basal part of the leaf blade 

and leaf sheath of grasses (Holcus, Anthoxanthum) but does not penetrate to the central 

shoot (Nye, 1958). H. griseola (Fallen) (some records of which may refer to the previous 

species) does similar damage to cereals. Attacked leaves turn yellow, starting at the tip, 

and wither away. H. griseola, when very common in any locality, is said to break its 

normal habit of mining in only monocotyledonous plants by mining in dicotyledons of 

considerable diversity, e.g. Lychnis, Trifolium and many others (Hering, 1951 ). 

Parydrinae. The larva of Parydra pus ilia (Meigen) was found in wet moss and in mud 

at the bottom of a lake in Iceland (Nielsen, P. et al., 1954). 

Vim mer (1925) briefly describes the larva of Pelina aenescens Stenhammer found in a 

quiet stream. 

First and second instar larvae of the Holarctic Ochthera mantis (De Geer) (fig. 618) 

are obligate predators of larval Chironomidae but third instars will feed on other 

aquatic insect larvae and can be cannibalistic in the absence of prey (Simpson, 1975). 

Three species are now known to occur in Britain (lrwin, 1985b). 

Ephydrinae. The larva of Ephydra riparia Fallen has well developed abdominal 

prolegs with claw-like spines (crochets) an adaptation for life on aquatic plants beneath 

the water surface in saltmarshes. The puparium is adapted for attaching itself to plants 

by a curious excision of the posterior segments; the posterior spiracles are situated at 

the ends of the branches of a long forked posterior appendage (fig. 1214). Beyer (1939) 

describes the larvae of E. riparia, Setacera micans (Haliday) (fig. 617) and Paracoenia 

.fumosa (Stenhammer). The larva of the abundant Scatella stagna/is (Fallen) feeds on a · 

wide variety of algae. S. silacea Loew (figs 619- 621) breeds in sewage filter beds (Terry, 

1952). According to Bollwig ( 1940) the larvae of Scatophila unicorn is Czerny cover 

their bodies with small stones or faecal pellets. 

Teichomyza fusca Macquart, because of its unsavoury habits, now enjoys a 

cosmopolitan distribution. The fly appears wherever there are cesspits, urine soaked 

woodwork or other materials, or cadavers at the stage when nutritious liquids ooze 

from collapsing tissues. The larvae (figs 622-624) are very gregarious and may assemble 

in such masses as to block drains and septic tanks. Sometimes larvae are swallowed in 

foul water and have been reported in cases of urinary and rectal myiasis (Zumpt, 1965). 

The puparia (fig. 1218) are often encountered in numbers during archaeological 

excavations and indicate the location ofmiddens and cesspits. 

Oldroyd (1964) aptly summarized the biological versatility of this family 

" Evidently we are seeing in the Ephydridae a family of flies in the full flower of its 


evolution, and as such they offer attractive material for study, not only to the dipterist, 

but also to students of insect physiology and behaviour". 

Diastatidae 

(Figs: larva 607- 609) 

Some 33 species ofDiastatidae are known from the major zoo-geographical regions 

(except the Australo-Pacific). In Britain two species of Campichoeta and six of Diastata 

occur. Almost nothing is known of their life-histories, but they are probably spent in 

decaying wood. Hennig (1952) illustrates what he believes to be Campichoeta basalis 

(Meigen) (=punctum (Meigen)) (figs 607- 609). 

Drosophilidae 

(Figs: larvae 625-638, eggs 1057- 1063, puparia 1219- 1229, leaf-mines 1296-1298) 

Over 2,500 species of Drosophilidae have so far been described throughout the 

world. The particular association of the family with decaying and fermenting fruits and 

vegetables, wine, beer, etc. have earned them several common names, e.g. fruit-flies, 

pomace-flies, vinegar-flies, etc. Lesser fruit-flies has been used to distinguish 

Drosophilidae from Tephritidae, the true fruit-flies. This association has also ensured a 

cosmopolitan distribution via commerce for several species. Other substances in which 

larvae develop include fungi, slime fluxes, dung, carrion and many are general scavengers. 

Some mine the leaves and stems of plants, some are symbionts of bees, and others 

are predators of small Homoptera. 

Because of their rapid rate of development and ease of culture on artificial media 

many Drosophila species (e.g. D. melanogaster Meigen) have become important laboratory 

animals in research on genetics, cytology, physiology and ethology. Consequent 

upon this the immature stages and laboratory life-histories of many species have 

become well known. However, our knowledge of the life-histories and ecology of 

Drosophilidae in field conditions is not extensive, and there is much scope for research. 

The adults are attracted to a far greater range of apparently suitable breeding media 

than that which actually proves suitable for development. 

Okada (1968) gives a very useful account of the immature stages of the family and 

Ashburner (1981) reviews the life-histories of 'bizarre' Drosophilidae. Shorrocks 

(1972) provides a valuable introduction to all aspects of the biology of the genus 

Drosophila and Basden (1954) is useful. Laboratory workers will find the Drosophila 

Information Service (DIS) (Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, 

Oregon, USA) invaluable for annual updating of knowledge on Drosophila mutants, 

species maintained in cultures throughout the world, research notes and techniques in 

culturing. 

Some 52 species in I 0 genera and two subfamilies occur in Britain. The classification 

below follows Biichli & Pite (in So6s & Papp, 1984), which differs from the Handbook 

Check List. Genera and species not mentioned may be assumed to be unknown in the 

immature stages. 

Steganinae. The larva of Steganina coleoptrata (Scopoli) (figs 625-627) feeds on sap 

under the bark of birch and Prunus (Morge, 1956) and has also been reared from fungi 

(Hypoxylon fragiforme). Ac/etoxenus formosus (Loew) is predaceous on Siphoninus 

immaculatus (Heeger) (on ivy) in Britain and other species of Aleyrodidae (Homoptera) 

(on hawthorn and Viburnum) abroad. The larva is orange at first becoming green in the 

third ins tar and is covered in a mucilagenous slime which collects debris, including eggshells 

of their whitefly prey. The puparia (fig. 1220) are whitish and flattened ventrally 

where they are firmly glued to the old ivy (Hedera helix) leaves on which they occur. The 


Acletoxenus larva may consume 30--40 whitefiy 'puparia' during its development but 

attempts at biological control against whitefiy have not been successful (Ashburner, 

1981;Ciausen&Berry, 1932). 

Cacoxenus indagator Loew (figs 628-631) is a nest parasite of many species of 

solitary bees (Anthophora, Chalicodoma, Osmia) (Julliard, 1947; de Meijere, 1944). 

The larva eats supplies provided for the bee progeny. It appears that both bee and 

drosophilid larva can survive in the same cell if enough food is provided, but if not the 

Cacoxenus may eat the host larva, possibly after it dies of starvation. Careful research is 

needed on the detail of this life-history. I have had larvae of Cacoxenus sent in to me 

from behind door knobs in a school; clearly solitary bees had been nesting in the old 

style mortice locks. Larvae have also been found in sash window-frames along with bee 

(Osmia) larvae and Ptinus beetles. 

Amiota ( Amiota) alboguttata (Wahlberg) has been reared from fungi (Daldinia 

concentrica, Pyrenomycetae). Abroad, some Amiota species are predaceous on 

Homoptera (Pseudococcidae, Delphacidae) on sugarcane, and one species is found in 

the burrows of an ambrosia-beetle pest on tea where it may feed on fungi with which the 

beetle lives in symbiotic association (Ash burner, 1981). Amiota ( Phortica) variegata 

(Fallen) (fig. 632) larvae feed on sap bleeding from oak, chestnut and willow. The three 

British species, as yet unknown in the immature stages, may therefore be found to have 

unusual or interesting life-histories. 

Leucophenga maculata (Dufour) has been reared from several fungi (agarics, boleti 

and polypores). 

Drosophilinae. Scaptomyza species (figs 633-634, 1296--1298) are leaf-miners in the 

following plants: S. flava (Fallen) (Cruciferae (Brassicaceae), including Brassica); 

S. graminum (Fallen) (A trip/ex, Brassica, Chenopodium, Lychnis, Melandrium, Silene, 

Stellaria, Viscaria, also stems of watercress): S. pallida (Zetterstedt) (clover) and 

S. disticha Duda (Allium). 

Many species of Drosophila (figs 635-638) develop in rotting fruit and vegetable 

matter and fermenting substances. D. rep/eta Wollaston is a cosmopolitan species that 

has become a nuisance in restaurants, kitchens, canteens and taverns, where it breeds 

in nearby decomposing vegetables, including onions and cabbages. The common 

ferment-loving species include D. (D.) funebris (F.), D.fenestratum Fallen, D.fasciata 

Meigen and D. obscura Fallen. Species reared from fungi include D. busckii Coquillett, 

D. cameraria Haliday, D. confusa Staeger, D.funebris (F.), D. his trio Meigen, D. kuntzei 

Duda, D. melanogaster Meigen, D. phalerata Meigen, D. obscura Fallen, D. rep/eta 

Wollaston, D. subobscura Collin and D. transversa Fallen. Chandler (in Stubbs & 

Chandler, 1978) lists the species of host fungi. Drosophila reared from sap exudates 

on trees include D. littoralis Meigen, D. obscura and D. subobscura. D. ananassae 

Doleschall and D .funebris have been reared from excrement. D. busckii has been reared 

from carrion. 

Puparia of D. busckii (fig. 1225) and D.funebris (fig. 1226) are frequently found in 

milk bottles where they are so firmly stuck to the glass they come through the washing 

process intact (though killed by it). Some may float off into the milk when the bottles 

are refilled and be brought to the notice of environmental health officers (see also 

Spiniphora bergenstammi, Phoridae). 

The puparia and eggs of Drosophila species are very distinctive because of their long 

respiratory processes and a range of commonly encountered species is shown (figs 

1059-1063, 1225-1229). 

A key to drosophilid larvae is provided by Okada (1968) but because of the rapid 

development rate it is frequently more convenient to rear living larvae through to 

adults for identification purposes using the keys of Fonseca ( 1965) or Basden ( 1954). 

Shorrocks ( 1972) provides a key to adults of the common species of Drosophila. 


Milichiidae 

(Figs: larvae 639-644, puparia 1230-1231) 

Some 245 species of Milichiidae are known throughout the world. The larvae are 

coprophagous or saprophagous and have been reared from excrement, kitchen refuse, 

plant detritus, birds' nests and ants' nests. Eleven species in 5 genera and 2 subfamiles 

occur in Britain. 

Madazinae. The immature stages of the two British species of Madiza are unknown 

but adults of M . glabra Fallen are associated with primitive sanitary arrangements in 

country areas and sometimes occur in large numbers indoors. Adults have also been 

found on cadavers during 'caseic' or protein fermentation especially if putrid liquids 

exude. 

Leptometopa and Desmometopa are known to breed in human excrement. Hennig 

( 1956) has described the immature stages of Leptometopa (figs 639- 644). 

Phyllomyza formicae Schmitz and P. securicornis Fallen have been found in ants' 

nests (Formica rufa L.) (Donisthorpe, 1927) and Hennig (1937) figures the puparia 

(figs 1230-1231 ). 

Milichiinae. The immature stages of Milichia ludens (Wahlberg) have not been 

described but the species is associated with the ant Lasius fuliginosus (Latreille) 

according to Donisthorpe (1927), who further states that the larvae of an African 

species covers itself with excreta and wanders about in ant runs. 

The larva of an American milichiid feeds on exhausted fungus garden substrates and 

refuse in ants' nests (Moser & Neff, 1971). 

Tethinidae 

Ninety-two species of Tethinidae are known throughout the world, of which 10 

species in 2 genera occur in Britain. 

The immature stages and life-histories are unknown but the adults are found in 

coastal regions, on fore-shores or dunes, and in saline meadows and lagoons. 

Canacidae 

(Figs: larvae 645-646, puparia 1233) 

Ninety-one species ofCanacidae are known throughout the world. Two species in 2 

genera occur in Britain. 

The larva of Canace nasica Haliday feeds on Enteromorpha (Algae) in the coastal 

intertidal zone. The puparium (fig. 1233) is described by Hinton (1967a) who established 

its possession of plastron bearing spiracular gills in common with a number of 

other intertidal Diptera. The larval stages of an American Canace (figs 645-646) have 

also been found to feed on blue-green algae in the intertidal zone (Teskey & Valiela, 

1977). The immature stages and life-history of Xanthocanace ranula (Loew) are 

unknown. 

Braulidae 

(Figs: larvae 64 7-649, egg 1064, puparia 1232) 

Only 8 species of Braulidae, contained in two genera, Braula and Megabraula, are 

known. The tiny, wingless mite-like adults feed on pollen in the nests of honey-bees, 

often attached to the bees. The larvae feed on pollen in the bees' brood combs. Not 

110

surprisingly, the distribution of these flies largely coincides with the distribution of 

apiculture throughout the world. 

One species, Brau/a coeca Nitzsch (figs 647- 649), occurs in Britain, the immature 

stages and life-history of which have been described by several authors including Skaife 

(1921) and Imms (1942). 

Agromyzidae 

(Figs: larvae 650--668, eggs 1065- 1067, puparia 1234-1240, leaf-mines 1299- 1303) 

Over 2,000 species of Agromyzidae have been described throughout the world, 

about half that number occurring in the Palaearctic region. Some 320 species in 18 

genera and 2 subfamilies occur in Britain. 

The larvae feed on plant tissues, the majority (75%) as leaf miners, others as stem 

borers, a few in roots, some developing in twigs on trees with some causing galls. About 

160 of the world species may have some economic importance (Spencer, 1973b). 

Most Agromyzidae are limited in their choice of host to a single plant species or, 

more often, several species within the same plant genus; others feed on a number of 

genera within a single plant family or on several related families of the same order; a few 

species are truly polyphagous on a wide range of unrelated hosts. 

The form of the mine can be ofconsiderablehelp in the identification of Agromyzidae. 

The main types of mine are linear or serpentine (figs 1299, 1302- 1303) or form a blotch 

(fig. 1300). The part of the leaf that is mined may also be taxonomically important as 

may the arrangement offrass within the mine. It should also be borne in mind that some 

members of other families ofDiptera also form mines (figs 1287- 1298, 1304-1308), and 

see under Sciaridae, Chironomidae, Dolichopodidae, Syrphidae, Scathophagidae, 

Tephritidae, Lauxaniidae, Psilidae, Anthomyzidae, Drosophilidae, Ephydridae, 

Chloropidae and Anthomyiidae. 

Eggs are laid on the plants, beneath the epidermis. Pupation normally takes place on 

the ground but a few species pupate at the end of the mine. 

Knowledge of the general biology of Agromyzidae is summarised by Hering (1951) 

and Spencer ( 1972, 1976). Spencer ( 1973b) deals with the species of economic importance. 

De Meijere (1925-1955) has described the larvae of many Agromyzidae and P. 

Alien ( 1956-1958) describes the larvae of several British species. Although the host 

plants of many species are known, detailed studies of the life-histories or morphology 

of the immature stages are still few and there is plenty of scope for further research. 

To facilitate such research Griffiths (1962) provides useful information on rearing 

Agromyzidae and their parasites. Hering (1957) gives a useful account of mines, with 

keys. 

Third instar larvae of the two subfamilies may be distinguished as follows: 

Cephalopharyngeal skeleton with each dorsal cornu divided into two (figs 651 --{)52) . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agromyzinae 

Dorsal cornua not divided (figs 654, 661-{)62, 668) . . . . . . . . Phytomyzinae 

Agromyzinae. The British species of Hex omyza all cause twig galls: H. simp/icoides 

(Hendel) on Sa/ix (especially S. caprea L.); H. sarothamni (Hendel) on Sarothamnus 

scoparius (L.) and H. schineri (Giraud) on Populus nigra L. and P. tremu/a L. 

Nine of the 13 British species of M elanagromyza (figs 650--651) are internal stemborers; 

M . cunctans (Meigen) forms slender stem galls on Lotus; M . symphyti Griffiths 

feeds in the thick leaf stalks of Symphytum officina/e L. The hosts of 4 species are 

unknown. 

Of the 23 British species of Ophiomyia (fig. 652) 13 feed as external stem-miners and 

one (0. me/andryi de Meijere) forms an internal stem mine. Five are leaf miners but 

111

mostly inside the midrib with only one species (0. maura (Meigen)) forming a typical 

mine in the leaf blade. The life histories of 4 species are unknown. Ophiomyia simplex 

(Loew) (the asparagus miner) is recorded as an occasional stem mining pest of 

asparagus (H. F. Barnes, 1937; Spencer, 1973b) though the primary cause of damage 

may be a fungus (Spencer, 1976). 

Forty-three of the 46 British species of Agromyza are leaf miners (15 on Gramineae 

( = Poaceae) 12 on Papilionacae, the rest on various families) with one stem miner (A. 

marionae Griffiths), one stem gall causer (A . erythrocephala Hendel) (both on Vicia 

cracca L.) and one unknown (A . rubiginosa Griffiths). Several species of Agromyza 

attack cereals (fig. 1300) but rarely cause much damage in Britain, though they can be 

serious pests abroad. 

Phytomyzinae. The larvae of all the Phytobia species so far known feed on the 

cambium of the twigs or trunks of trees. The larvae (fig. 656) can be as long as 2 cm, 

quite unlike the usual agromyzid, and may do permanent damage to the wood. P. 

cerasiferae (Kangas) has been found on Prunus cerasifera Ehrendorfer; P. carbonaria 

(Zetterstedt) is found on Rosaceae, Crataegus and Malus; P. cambii (Hendel) (figs 

653-656, 1065, 1235, 1301) occurs on Sa/ix spp. and Popu/us tremu/a (Barnes, H.F., 

1933); the host of the only other British species (P. errans Meigen) is unknown. 

The two British species of Ca/ycomyza are leaf (blotch) miners. C. humera/is (Roser) 

on Compositae (Asteraceae) especially Aster, Be/lis and Erigeron; C. artemesiae 

(Kaltenbach) on Artemisia and Eupatorium. 

The genus Amauromyza (8 British species) contains leaf (blotch) miners and stemborers 

(s.g. Cepha/omyza). 

Of the 41 species of Liriomyza (figs 657-658) 34 are leaf miners; two (L. virgo 

(Zetterstedt), L.flavopicta Hendel) are stem-feeders, one feeds on flowerheads and the 

hosts of 4 species are unknown. L. bryoniae (Kaltenbach) is probably an introduced 

species which forms an irregular linear mine (fig. 1299) and is a common pest of tomato 

(Lycopersicon escu/entum Miller) in glasshouses and also occurs on cucumbers 

( Cucumis sativus L.). L. pisivora Hering mines the leaves of peas (Pisum sativum L.) and 

L. congest a (Becker) mines the leaves of peas and beans ( Viciafaba L.) but their damage 

is negligible (Spencer 1973b ). 

Pteridomyza hi/are/la (Zetterstedt) is a leaf miner on the ferns Pteridium aqui/inum 

(L.) and Po/ypodium vulgare L. 

Of the four species of Metopomyza three are known to be leaf-miners (two on Carex , 

one on Viola). The hosts of M.flavonotata (Haliday) are probably Gramineae among 

which adults are not uncommon. 

The hosts of three of the 5 British species of Phytoliriomyza are known: P. 

me/ampyga (Loew) (formerly in Liriomyza), a blotch leaf-miner on Impatiens; P. 

arctica (Lundbeck), an external stem-miner on Sonchus and probably other 

Compositae; and P. pteridii Spencer ( 1973a) on Pteridium aqui/inum. 

No hosts are known for the three British Lemurimyza but the single British 

Nemorimyza, N . posticata (Meigen), forms large blotch mines on Solidago. 

Of the 15 species of Paraphytomyza nine feed as leaf or external stem-miners 

on Rubiaceae (Ga/ium), Dipsacaceae (Knautia) and Caprifoliceae (Lonicera, 

Symphoricarpus) and six are leaf-miners on Salicaceae. 

Napomyza species are primarily internal stem-borers, pupating in the stem. The 

European N. carotae Spencer has not yet been recorded in Britain but the larvae cause 

damage to carrots superficially resembling that of the carrot fly (Psi/a rosae) and it 

could easily be overlooked (Spencer, 1973b ). N. lateralis (Fallen) (figs 659-661) is 

common in Compositae. 

Pseudonapomyza atra (Meigen) is a leaf miner on Gramineae (Avena, Lolium, 

Pha/aris, Poa, etc) and the only other British species, P. lacteipennis (Malloch) is 

certainly also a grass-feeder but as yet its hosts are unknown. 

112

Phytomyza (figs 664--667) is the largest genus of Agromyzidae in Britain. Eighty of its 

British species are leaf-miners, five feed mainly in the mid-rib, four are internal stem 

borers, six feed in seed heads and the biology of 11 species is unknown. Of the leafmining 

species P. syngenesiae (Hardy) and P. horticola Goureau are probably the best 

known. These two common species were formally confused under the name P. atricornis 

(of authors) until Griffiths (1967) revised this complex. Horticulturalists knew this 

name for the chrysanthemum leaf-miner (fig. 1303) which causes serious commercial 

losses to growers in Europe and the United States. This pest species is P. syngenesiae 

(figs 662-663, I 066, 1237) and in addition to chrysanthemums can cause serious 

damage to lettuces and is found on a wide range ofCompositae and is perhaps mostly 

readily seen on Sonchus (though another 8 species in 4 genera of agromyzids also occur 

on Sonchus!). P. horticola is more widely polyphagous than P. atricornis on Compositae 

and many other families and is an occasional pest on peas but in Britain has no 

serious effect on the crop. P. ilicis Curtis (the holly leaf-miner) (figs 1067, 1238) is 

another familiar species which produces blotch-mines on the leaves of flex aquifolium 

L. 

P. ru.fipes Meigen is a large species which feeds inside the stem or midrib of the larger 

leaves of Cruciferae, especially Brassica spp. on which it can be of some economic 

importance. 

Cerodontha is another large genus, the larvae of which feed exclusively on 

monocotyledons. The hosts of the 34 British species are as follows: 12 on Gramineae, 

seven on Cyperaceae, two on Iridaceae, one on Juncaceae and 12 are unknown. C. 

( Dizygomyza) iridis (Hendel) is an abundant species which mines Iris foetidissima L. 

and another common species, C. ( D.) ireos (Goureau), mines Iris pseudacorus L. (figs 

668, 1302). 

Chloropidae 

(Figs: larvae 669- 682, eggs 1068-1069, puparia 1241-1242, galls 1305- 1306) 

Over 2,000 species of Chloropidae are known throughout the world but the family is 

poorly worked and many new species and genera undoubtedly await discovery and 

description and many life-histories require elucidation. The larvae of many species are 

phytophagous, especially on Gramineae and several species are important pests of 

cereals, such as frit flies (Oscinella) and gout flies (Chlorops). Some form galls and 

others are saprophagous or even parasitic. Larvae of the Australian genus Batrachomyia 

live in perforated swellings under the skin of frogs. Some are predators on root 

aphids, rice boring moth larvae, Thysanoptera, egg capsules of grasshoppers and egg 

sacs of spiders. 

Some 243 species in 39 genera and two subfamilies occur in Britain. Nye (1958) has 

described the larvae of several species living in Gramineae and provides a key, other 

papers on immature stages are cited below. Balachowsky & Mesnil (1935) is useful for 

chloropine larvae, especially the pest species. Viviparity has been shown to occur in 

some African Chloropidae (Spencer, 1985). General summaries of the biology of the 

family in Europe are provided by Balachowsky & Mesnil (1935) and Wendt (1968). 

Valley, Wearsch & Foote (1969) discuss larval feeding habits of North American 

species. 

Oscinellinae. The three British species of Lipara cause galls (fig. 1305) in the common 

reed (Phragmites communis Trinius) and an account of their systematics, morphology, 

behaviour and ecology for all stages is given by Chvala et al. (1974). Other dipterous 

larvae are found in Lipara galls, including Cecidomyiidae and other Chloropidae 

(noted below), some of which appear to be regular inquilines (Biair, 1932, 1944a, 

1944b). 

113

Collin ( 1946) records that Calamoncosis minima (Strobl) 'appears freely when 

breeding out Lipara lucens Meigen' and that C. glyceriae Nartshuk (as laminiformis 

(Becker)) feeds gregariously on the ensheathed inflorescence of the grass Glyceria 

aquatica (L.). 

Adults of Siphonella oscinina (Fallen) have been swept from conifers but the 

immature stages are unknown. Coli in ( 1946) has reared Polyodaspis ruficornis 

(Macquart) from walnuts (probably imported). The immature stages of the two British 

Goniopsita species appear to be unknown. Coli in ( 1946) has reared Lasiamba baliola 

(Collin) from 'material taken from an ulcerous elm tree'. 

Nye (1958) found the larvae of Conioscinella mimula Collin and C.frontella (Fallen) 

overwintering in the basal tillers of Anthoxanthum odoratum L. and Holcus lanatus L. 

respectively. The adults of C. gallarum (Duda) appear to be associated with oak 

(Collin, 1946). 

Speccafrons halophila Duda has been reared from spiders' eggs. 

Gaurax niger (Czerny) has been reared from the nest of a dormouse by E. B. Basden 

(Collin, 1946). Larval and puparial characters of Gaurax dubius (Macquart) (figs 

669- 670) have been described (Smith, 1965) from puparia found in Poly porus betulinus 

Fries. G. fascipes Becker has been reared from nests of blackbird and linnet by 

E. B. Basden, but C. H. W. Pugh reared it from under bark in a dead branch and 

Smith (1967) casts doubt upon birds' nests as a usual habitat. Collin (1946) has 

reared lncertella zuercheri Duda from galls of both Lipara lucens and L. similis 

Schiner. 

Oscinella frit (L.) (figs 671-676, 1068, 1241) (frit fly) is a serious pest of cereals, 

especially oats in Europe and mainly wheat in North America. It is a highly polyphagous 

species and is found in a wide variety ofGramineae. Steel (1931) and Nye 

(1958) describe the larvae of 0. frit, the latter including morphological variants in 

different hosts, and other closely related species in various Gramineae. Nartshuk's 

( 1956) paper on Oscine !la larvae should also be studied. 

Hapleginella laevifrons (Loew) has been reared from larch cones (D. Fergusson, in 

the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) collections). 

The larva of Elachiptera corn uta (Fallen) overwinters in the decaying leaves of Typha 

and is a follower of Oscinellafrit in infested cereal fields (Jepson & Southwood, 1960). 

Adults of E. megaspis (Loew) are found among watercress (Collin, 1946). 

Nothing appears to be known of the immature stages of the following Oscinelline 

genera occurring in Britain: Aphanotrigonum, Dicraeus, Eribolus, Gampsocera, 

Lioscinella. Melanochaeta, Oscinomorpha. Oscinosoma, Siphunculina, Trachysiphonella. 

Tricimba. Anyone rearing adults in these genera would do well to establish at 

least the identity of the host plants if possible. 

Chloropinae. The agile larvae of Camarota curvipennis (Latreille) feed in the ears of 

rye, wheat and barley (Balachowsky & Mesnil, 1935; Nye, 1958). 

Larvae of Platycephala planifrons (F.) develop in the stems of reed (Phragmites) 

(Wandolleck, 1899; Wendt, 1968). 

The large genus Meromyza contains at least 16 British species (seven were listed in 

the Check List, Smith 1976). The larvae of few species have been described (Fedoseeva, 

1966, gives a key, but in Russian) and few host plants are known but are probably 

included among those from which adults are commonly swept. With Ismay's (1981) key 

to adults a little careful field work should soon amend this situation. The larvae of 

Meromyza femora/a Macquart and M. variegata Meigen (figs 677- 678) have been 

reared from Dactylis glomerata L. M. saltatrix (L.) is associated with a variety of 

grasses and is a pest of wheat on the continent; M. pratorum Meigen has been reared 

from marram grass (Ammophila). 

Cryptonevraflavitarsis (Meigen) has been reared from Lipara galls (Biair, 1944b) but 

hosts of the other three species are unknown. 

114

The larvae of Lasiosina cinctipes (Meigen) is said to develop in barley following 

attacks by Chlorops pumilionis (Bjerkander). 

Larvae of Cetema neglecta Tonnoir overwinter in the basal tillers of Lolium perenne 

L. , Festuca pratensis Huds., Poa trivia/is L. and Agrostis spp. The similar C. elongata 

(Meigen) larva overwinters in Agrostis spp. and C. myopina Loew has been recorded 

from spring oats (probably from a ploughed-in ley) (Nye, 1958). 

According to Balachowsky & Mesnil (1935) the larva of Chlorops strigula (F.) overwinters 

in species of Brachypodium and Agropyron. Chlorops pumilionis (Bjerkander) 

( = taeniopus Meigen) (gout fly) (figs 679-682, 1069, 1242) can be a serious pest of 

cereals, particularly on the Continent. The larvae overwinter in the basal tillers of 

wheat, barley, rye and Agropy ron re pens L. In this and other species of the genus the 

larvae stimulate the plant to hypertrophy and a swollen 'gouted' shoot is formed. 

Larvae of other species of Chlorops may be found in the following Gramineae: C. 

brevimana Loew in Phalaris arundinacea L.; C. interrupta Meigen in Agropyron spp.; 

and C. speciosa Meigen in Deschampsia caespitosa L. 

The larva of Chloropisca glabra Meigen is predaceous on root-feeding aphids and the 

same habit is shared by Thaumatomyia not at a (Meigen), which feeds on the root aphid 

Pemphigus bursar ius (L.) and may be an important agent in biological control. 

No hosts appear to be known for the following chloropine genera occurring in 

Britain: Diplotoxa, Epichlorops, Eurina, Eutropha, Me/anum. 

Calyptratae 

Oestridae 


The family Oestridae contains 34 species in 9 genera and 2 sub-families found mainly 

in the Afrotropical and Palaearctic Regions. Four species in 3 genera representing both 

subfamilies occur in Britain. 

Larvae of Oestridae develop in the head cavities (nasal or pharyngeal) of species 

of mammals in several groups (Marsupialia, Proboscidea, Artiodactyla and 

Perissodactyla). The female flies deposit live first instar larvae (as many as 400--900) 

into the nostrils of their hosts, which include several species of domestic animals, e.g. 

sheep, horse, goat and camel, and game animals. The three larval instars may differ 

markedly in appearance and as earlier instars are more likely to be involved in 

enquiries, they are included in the illustrations (in this and the two following families). 

Zumpt (1965) gives a good general account of the life histories and morphology of 

Oestridae and includes many references to other works. Papavero ( 1977) discusses the 

classification of the family. 

Oestrinae. The first ins tar larvae (fig. 684) of Oestrus ovis L. (sheep nostril fly or sheep 

bot fly) are squirted in flight at the nostrils of sheep (also goats and dogs) where they 

crawl into the frontal sinuses. Here they attach themselves by their mouthhooks to the 

mucous membrane and feed. They remain there for some 9 months when the fully fed 

larvae (fig. 683) relinquish their hold on the membrane and are sneezed out by the sheep 

onto the ground where they pupate (fig. 1243) under stones or tufts of grass. Usually 

only a few larvae are present in each animal, but they may cause a serious loss of 

condition. Occasionally large numbers may be found (up to 350 in one animal) and 

high mortality may occur (especially among lambs), usually during dry years. 

Occasionally (rarely in Britain) larvae may be deposited in the eye, mouth, nostrils 

or outer ear of man (especially people associated with sheep). Fortunately (unlike 

Hypoderma, see below), the larvae do not survive beyond the first instar but may cause 

115

what is usually diagnosed as acute catarrhal conjunctivitis (more correctly ophthalmomyiasis) 

for as long as 10 days. As many as 50 larvae have been removed from the 

conjunctival sac of a single patient (Zumpt, 1965; Keiser, 1948). Although the larvae 

are very tiny, transparent, and easily overlooked, in these cases the sclerotized mouthparts 

(fig. 686) are readily visible and identifiable even on rough slides or photographs 

submitted for identification from hospitals. Cases occur in Britain but are rarely 

recorded in the literature and appear to occur in particular 'good' years (e.g. the dry 

summer of 1976 brought several cases). 

Cephenemyiinae. The main host of Cephenemyia auribarbis (Meigen) (the deer nostril 

fly) (figs 689- 690) is the red deer (Cervus e/aphus L.), and very occasionally the fallow 

deer (Dama dama (L.)) is infested. C. trompe (Modeer) (fig. 691) is found in the reindeer 

(Rangifer tarandus (L.)) and has been introduced with this host into Scotland. 

Pharyngomyia picta (Meigen) (fig. 692) is a parasite of red deer and is regarded as 

extinct in Britain but as there are said to be more deer in Britain now than for centuries 

it may well reappear (Smith, 1974a). 

Hypodermatidae 

(Figs: larvae 693-702, eggs 1070--1072, puparium 1244) 

The family Hypodermatidae (warble-flies) contains 32 species in 11 genera and 

2 subfamilies, 29 of which occur in the Palaearctic Region. The family also occurs in 

the Afrotropical and Nearctic Regions. In the Check-list (Smith et al., 1976) the 

Hypodermatidae is treated as a subfamily of the Oestridae but is now usually given 

family rank. One genus containing three species occurs in Britain. 

The larvae are specific parasites of mammals (Rodentia, Lagomorpha and 

Artiodactyla). The tiny eggs (figs 1070--1072) (of which 300--800 may be laid) are glued 

to the hairs of the host. The first stage larvae penetrate the skin of the host usually 

by a hair follicle, and wander, either through the connective tissue (subfamily Oestromyiinae 

- non-British) or internal organs (subfamily Hypodermatinae). The second 

and third stage larvae finally settle under the skin of the host and form cysts (warbles) 

with a hole to which they apply their spiracles for respiration and through which the 

mature larva eventually escapes. Larval feeding causes the host pain and discomfort 

which affect health and condition; the warbles damage the hide and thus give the family 

considerable economic importance when domestic animals are involved. Zumpt ( 1965) 

gives a good general account of the biology of warble flies . 

Hypoderma bovis (L.) (ox warble fly) (figs 693- 696) attacks cattle and occasionally 

horses. Eggs (figs 1071-1072) are attached singly to the base of body hairs. Man is also 

sometimes attacked, both in the normal way when larvae are found in skin tumours and 

more seriously in the eye causing a malignant ophthalmomyiasis (see following 

species). 

Hypoderma lineatum (Villers) (lesser ox warble fly) (figs 697-700) also attacks cattle 

but in addition horses are occasionally infested. The eggs are laid in regular rows of 5 to 

15 per hair (fig. I 070). Most of the records of warble-flies in man are probably of this 

species and it is possible that infestation occurs through handling cattle, rather than or 

as well as by direct oviposition. The few British cases known to me are recorded by 

Hope (1840), Style (1924), Smart (1939) and A. Smith & Greaves (1946). The most 

serious cases are those involving ophthalmomyiasis as (unlike Oestrus) the first stage 

larvae (fig. 698) may, if they are not removed quickly, completely destroy the eyeball 

causing great pain (see Kriimmel & Brauns, 1956 and comments under Oestrus avis). I 

know of no British cases of ophthalmomyiasis involving Hypoderma. Again, infestation 

may occur through contamination (by wiping hands across eyes) after handling 

infested cattle rather than by direct oviposition, though the flies may possibly deposit 

116

eggs on eye-brows or lashes. The mouth parts of the first ins tar larvae are diagnostic and 

easily distinguishable from Oestrus by the toothed mandibles (figs 696, 698). 

Hypoderma diana Brauer (deer warble-fly) (figs 70 1-702) develops in the roe deer but 

has also been found in fallow deer and has adapted to reindeer imported into Scotland 

(Kettle & Utsi, 1955). Ironically, an initial period of quarantine had prevented the 

introduction to Britain of the reindeer warble-fly (Oedemagena tarandi L.). As yet no 

records of human infestation by H. diana have been reported. 

Gasterophilidae 

(Figs: larvae 703- 711, eggs I 073-1076, puparium 1245) 

The family Gasterophilidae contains some 16-18 species in some 3-5 genera and two 

subfamilies. They are found in the Palaearctic, Afrotropical and Oriental regions but 

some Gasterophilus species have been accidentally introduced into other parts of the 

world. Four species, all contained in the genus Gasterophilus, represent the family in 

Britain. 

The larvae are specific parasites of Perissodactyl mammals (horse and rhinoceros) 

and elephants (Proboscidea). Eggs (200- 2500) are deposited on skin and hairs (figs 

1073- 1076) near the mouth, or in the grass. The larvae enter the mouth via the host's 

tongue during body-licking, with the food, or by their own movement. Zumpt (1965) 

gives a good general account of the biology of the family and much of what follows is 

from his work, but based on non-British data. 

The normal hosts of Gasterophilus haemorrhoidalis (L.) (the nose bot fly) (fig. 703) 

are the horse and donkey (and zebra in Africa). The eggs (fig. 1073) are brownish black 

with a stalk-like pedicel which is a continuation of the broad chorionic flange and 

hollow along one side to receive the supporting hair. The first instar larvae penetrate 

the lips and migrate into the mouth. Second ins tar larvae are found in the stomach and 

duodenum where they moult to the third stage and eventually pass to the rectum where 

they re-attach themselves to the wall, often in great numbers, near the anus. Eventually 

they detach themselves and pass out, not necessarily with the faeces. Occasionally man 

may become infested with first instar larvae, usually on the face and buttocks, where 

they cause a 'creeping myiasis' in the skin. 

G. intestinalis (De Geer) (the horse bot fly) (figs 705- 708) is only known from the 

horse and donkey and their cross breeds. Occurrences in other animals (e.g. dogs, 

hyaenas, vultures) have only occurred when they have fed on infested equine intestines. 

Eggs hatch on the application of moisture and friction and the first instar larvae travel 

on the tongue and after some 24 days pass to the stomach. Here they complete their 

development to third instar, and are eventually excreted with the faeces and pupate in 

the soil. Records of 'creeping myiasis' in man may have involved other species of 

Gasterophilus but there is one probable North American record of human ophthalmomyiasis. 

G. nasalis (L.) (throat bot fly) (fig. 704) infests horses and donkeys (and Burchell's 

zebra). Eggs are attached to the hairs of the intermaxillary space between the rami of 

the mandibles beneath the head. A female may lay some 300 to 500 eggs, usually one per 

hair (fig. 1075), but occasionally up to 5 have been found. Undisturbed a female may 

lay 20 eggs on a given host. The larvae hatch without the stimulation of external 

moisture or pressure, migrate to the lips and invade the spaces between the teeth below 

the gum line and behind the alveolar process of the gums. Pus pockets form, following 

necrosis of the tissue, which may contain as many as 12 larvae. After 18-24 days the 

larvae moult to the second instar and after a few more days move on to the duodenum. 

Here they become attached to the wall near the pylorus and moult to the third stage. 

The larva takes some 11 months to mature and then passes out with the faeces. Larvae 

are also said to occur in the stomach. There are no records of 'creeping myiasis' in 

117

humans as the first ins tar larvae seem to be incapable of penetrating unbroken human 

skin. 

Normal hosts of G. pecorum (F.) (figs 709- 711) are the horse and donkey (and 

Burchell's zebra). The eggs are glossy black with a fringed pedicel and are not attached 

to the host's hairs but are laid on plants (fig. 1076). A female lays from I ,300 to 2,500 

eggs which can remain alive for many months but once in the mouth of the host the 

larvae hatch within 3- 5 minutes and immediately penetrate the mucous membrane of 

the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue or hard palate. They burrow towards the root of the 

tongue and soft palate, where they remain for 9-10 months until attaining the third 

ins tar when they move to the stomach. They may also be swallowed with the food and 

settle in the walls of the pharynx, oesophagus and stomach. The fresh first stage larva 

(fig. 709) has a distinct crown of recurved spines on the first segment but these disappear 

later (fig. 710). First instar larvae can penetrate the skin within 3- 5 minutes and a 

human infestation can be easily obtained by passing the hand over grass on which flies 

have oviposited. 

A unique feature of the third stage larva is the arrangement of denticles on the 

pseudocephalon into 3 groups, 2 lying laterally and a third centrally in front of the 

mouthhooks (fig. 711). 

This species has been much studied in Asia where it is regarded as the most 

pathogenic Gasterophilus species on horses (Zumpt, 1965). 

Tachinidae 

(Figs: larvae 712- 755, eggs 1077- 1085, puparia 1246-1251) 

This may be the largest family of Diptera although at present more species of 

Tipulidae are actually known. Over 8000 species have been described. The classification 

of Tachinidae is fraught with difficulties because of the enormous number of 

species and the variation in taxonomic value of the many morphological characters 

available on the adult flies. Herting (1984) recognises 1,552 species in 398 genera, 33 

tribes and 4 subfamilies for the Palaearctic Region. The British Check List (Smith et al. , 

1976) listed some 236 species and the classification used here, for convenience, follows 

the sequence of genera of the Check List with higher taxonomic and nomenclatorial 

adjustments to conform with Herting's work, some faunistic additions, and to link with 

Emden's (1954) Handbook to adults. 

In spite of the varied form of the adults all Tachinidae share the parasitoid habit and 

most larvae live as endoparasites of other insects and rarely (Loewia and Eloceria) 

centipedes. The main hosts are Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, but Hemiptera, 

Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, Mantodea, Phasmatodea, and Embioptera are also 

attacked. Rarely Tachinidae are parasitic in their own order, usually in their larvae (e.g. 

Siphona), but only very rarely do they attack adult flies (Smith, 1974c). However, as so 

few life-histories are known the possibility should always be borne in mind (see also 

Sarcophagidae, Miltogramminae). Some tachinid groups are highly specialized in the 

hosts they select, while others are polyphagous. Tachinidae may be oviparous or 

Iarviparous. Oviparous species may deposit large (macrotype) eggs (100-200) on the 

body of the host or small (microtype) eggs (2,000-6,000) on plants eaten by the host (see 

Salkeld, 1980). Larviparous species deposit first instar larvae on or near their hosts. 

Females of species that attack Hemiptera or adult Coleoptera may have their claspers 

and ovipositors specially adapted for piercing or specially modified spines for gripping 

the host. Some species no doubt exert a considerable control on certain agricultural 

pests and some have been deliberately used as biological control agents with varying 

success. In spite of this adequate descriptions of the immature stages are few. Hennig 

(1948-1952) lists references to descriptions of under 300 species or about 3% of the 

world fauna. For this reason, entomologists should always preserve with full data any 

118

parasites reared from the insects they are studying, including the puparial caps containing 

anterior spiracles and cast larval mouthparts (see Introduction) and pass them 

on, with full host data, to interested specialists or suitable museums and institutions. 

The hosts of British Tachinidae are listed by Audcent ( 1942), Emden (1954) and 

Herting (1960). Papers by Hammond & Smith (1953- 1957) and Smith (1980) may be 

of interest to rearers of Lepidoptera and Emden (1950) to Coleopterists. For world 

species (as a host guide for unreared British species) see W. R . Thompson (1943-1965) 

continued by H erting ( 1971- ). Some useful papers describing immature Tachinidae are 

J. C. Nielsen (1909, 1911-1918), Bisset (1938), Zuska (1963), and Lehrer & Plugerj 

( 1966); other papers are mentioned below. Good accounts of the biology ofTachinidae 

are given by Clausen (1940) and Askew (1971). Ferrar (1987) should also be useful. 

Genera not mentioned may be assumed to be unknown in the immature stages. A new 

Handbook to the British Tachinidae is in active preparation by Robert Belshaw. 

Phasiinae 

Members of this subfamily are virtually exclusive parasites of Hemiptera 

Heteroptera. The egg (figs I 077- 1 079) is deposited on the host or injected through the 

integument (Phasia). The mature larvae leave the host before pupation and the bug 

may survive for some days. The monograph of Dupius (1963) includes some immature 


Phasiini. Of the 3 British species of Phasia ( = A/ophora) the hosts of two are known: 

P. pusi//a Meigen which parasitizes Cydnus (Cydnidae) and Chi/acis (Lygaeidae), and 

P. obesa (F.) has been reared from Zicrona caeru/ea (L.) (Pentatomidae). Cistogaster 

species (figs 712- 714) are parasites of Pentatomidae and some Cydnidae. Subclytia 

rotundiventris (Fallen) parasites Elasmucha grisea (L.) (Acanthosomatidae). 

Cylindromyiini. Cylindromyia brassicaria (F.) (figs 715- 716) parasitizes Pentatomidae 

(Dolycoris, Holcostethus, Pa/omena), but the hosts of C. interrupta Meigen are 

unknown. Lophosia fasciata Meigen has been reared from Ae/ia (Pentatomidae). 

Hemyda ( =£vibrissa) vittata (Meigen) has been reared from the pentatomid Arma 

custos Hahn (non-British species) on the Continent. Phania species have been reared 

from Carabidae (Col.) on the Continent. 

Leucostomatini. Cinochira atra Zetterstedt has been reared from Eremocoris p/ebeius 

(Fallen) (Lygaeidae). Foreign species of Dionaea and Leucostoma parasitize Coreidae 

and the latter some other bugs as well. 

Herting (1984) includes the rare Redtenbacheria insignis Egger in the Phasiinae 

(Eutherini) although its only recorded host is Lymantria monacha L.; it is also recorded 

from a pied flycatcher's nest! · 

Dexiinae 

Dexiini. Members of the tribe Dexiini are virtually exclusive parasites of larval 

Coleoptera (the few records from Lepidoptera need confirmation and may be from 

species living in the same habitat as 'suitable' beetle hosts). The females deposit fully 

incubated eggs or first stage larvae in areas frequented by beetles, especially chafers. 

The larvae search for a host and probably gain entry through a spiracle. The mature 

larva leaves the host before the latter pupates. 

There are non-British records of Dinera carinifrons (Fallen) from larvae of 

Lucanidae, Melolonthinae, Cetoniinae and Cerambycidae. D. grisescens (Fallen) 

parasitises Harpalus (Carabidae). Dexia species (Bovien & Bollwig, 1939) and Prosena 

siberita (F.) parasitise Melolonthinae. 

119

The two British species of Trixa are ovoviviparous and T. oestroidea (Robineau 

Desvoidy) has been recorded from Lepidoptera (Operophterafagata (Scharfenberg), 

Geometridae and Hepialus lupulinus (L.), Hepialidae). Only first instar larvae have 

been described (Zuska, 1962) and the genus clearly needs biological investigation. 

Herting (1984) includes the tribes Dufouriini and Voriini in Dexiinae (under his 

system Dufouriinae is the valid name for Dexiinae) which include genera placed in the 

tribes Campylochaetini and Thelairini in the subfamilies Tachininae and Dufouriinae 

in the Check List. 

Dufouriini. The larvae of the tribe Dufouriini are mostly parasitic in adult Coleoptera, 

e.g. Anthomyiopsis in Plagiodera (Chrysomelinae), Microsoma ( = Campogaster) (figs 

717-718) in Sitona (Curculionidae) (Muller, 1962), Dufouria (fig. 719) in Cassida 

(Chrysomelidae), Freraea in Carabidae, and Rondania, probably on weevils. 

Voriini. Members of this tribe are mostly parasites of Lepidoptera, with a few also 

attacking sawflies (Hym., Symphyta). 

The genera Voria, Athrycia and Cyrtophleba have been reared from Lepidoptera, 

mostly Noctuidae, and some species from the sawfly Diprion pini L. 

Blepharomyia pagana (Meigen) ( = amplicornis Zetterstedt) is parasitic on Geometridae 

(Bapta, Opisthograpta, Hybernia). Periscepsia carbonaria (Panzer), Ramonda 

( = Periscepsia in part) and Wagneria are parasitic on Noctuidae. 

Eriothrix species have only been reared on the Continent: E. prolixa (Meigen) from 

Pyrausta prophyralis Schilfermiiller (Pyralidae) and E. rufomaculata (De Geer) from 

Arctia hebe L. (Arctiidae), Noctuidae and 'Bombycids'. 

Campylochaeta praecox (Meigen) is a parasite of Crocallis elinguaria (L.) (Geometridae), 

several larvae developing in one caterpillar. C. ( = Elpe) inept a (Meigen) 

also parasitizes Geometridae, Sphingidae (Hyloicus pinastri (L.)), Notodontidae and 

(abroad) Arctiidae. Thelaira nigripes (F.) parasitizes caterpillars of larger moths, 

especially Arctiidae. 

Tachininae 

The tribal classification used here follows Herting (1984). 

Microphthalmini. Dexiosoma caninum (F.) is a parasite of cockchafer larvae 

(Melolontha, Coleoptera). 

Macquartiini. Macquartia species are parasites of Chrysomelidae (Col.) and are 

believed to deposit fully incubated eggs or newly hatched larvae in the vicinity of the 

hosts. The parasite sometimes emerges only after pupation of the host. 

Pelatachinini. Pelatachina tibialis (Fallen) (figs 72G--721) is a parasite of Vanessa s.l. 

(Lepidoptera), also moths (Agrotidae, Aegeriidae). 

Ernestiini. The hosts of Zophomyia temula (Scopoli) are unknown. Hyalurgus lucidus 

(Meigen) is a sawfly parasite (Pteronidea, Pristiphora, Tenthredinidae). Gymnochaeta 

viridis (Fallen) parasitizes some Noctuidae, Geometridae and Lymantriidae, 

and Fausta nemorum (Meigen) has been reared from Orthosia cruda Denis & 

Schilfermiiller (Lep., Noctuidae). Ernestia species (fig. 722) parasitize caterpillars of 

moths (Noctuidae, Lasiocampidae, etc.). 

Eurithia species parasitize Noctuidae and other moths; E. anthophila (Robineau 

Desvoidy) ( = radicum auctt.) has also been reared from the peacock butterfly (/nachis 

io (L.)) and various Sphingidae. 

Loewia foeda (Meigen) and Eloceria delecta (Meigen) are parasites of centipedes 

(Lithobius). 

120

Minthoini. Mintho ru.fiventris (Fallen) ( = lacera Rondani) is a parasite of Orthopygia 

glaucinalis L. (Pyralidae). 

Nemoraeini. Nemoraea pellucida (Meigen) is a parasite of Spilosoma lubricepida (L.) 

(Arctiidae), Biston betularia (L.) (Geometridae) and various Noctuidae. 

Leskiini. Aphria longirostris (Meigen) has been reared from 'cutworms' (Noctuidae 

larvae), and Bithia ( = Rhinotachina) modesta (Meigen) has been reared from an 

unnamed Sesiidae (Lep.); the host of B. spreta (Meigen) is unknown. Demoticus 

plebeius (Fallen) has been reared on the continent from Arctia hebe (L.) (Lep. Arctiidae), 

Solieria inanis (Fallen) from Spilosoma lutea Hufnagel (Arctiidae) and Orthosia 

incerta Hufnagel (Noctuidae); S. pacifica (Meigen) from the small tortoiseshell butterfly 

(Aglais urticae (L.)). Leskia aurea (Fallen) is a parasite of clearwing moths (Sesiidae) 

and is also recorded from the cod ling moth ( Cydia pomonella (L.), Tortricidae). 

Linnaemyini. Lypha dubia (Fallen) (figs 723- 725) is a parasite of the winter moth 

(Operophtera brumata (L.)) and Agriopis marginaria (F.), two important geometrid 

defoliators and other Lepidoptera. It has also been reared from the narcissus bulb fly 

(Merodon equestris, Syrphidae) (Collin, 1945). L. ru.ficauda (Zetterstedt) is a northern 

species which has been reared from Notodonta phoebe Siebert (Notodontidae) and 

Hydriomena impluviata Den is & Schiffermiiller ( = coerulata F.) (Geometridae). 

Lydina aenea (Meigen) has been reared from Panolis .fiammea (Denis & Schiffermiiller) 

( = griseovariegata Goeze) (Noctuidae) and Acrobasis tumidella (Zincken) (Pyralidae). 

Linnaemya species are also parasites of Lepidoptera, especially Noctuidae and 

Sphingidae, and Chrysosomopsis auratus (Fallen) attacks Horisme tersata (Denis & 

Schiffermiiller) (Geometridae). 

Tachinini. Peleteria rubescens Robineau-Desvoidy is a parasite of the swallowtail 

butterfly (Papilio machaon L.), various Noctuidae and the 'nun' moth, Lymantria 

monacha (L.) (Lymantriidae), which can be a serious defoliator of trees on the Continent. 

Nowickiaferox (Panzer) is a parasite ofNoctuidae. The large Tachina grossa (L.) 

is parasitic on Sphingidae, Lasiocampidae and Lymantriidae, and the other (smaller) 

species of Tachina (s.s.) use Lymantriidae and Noctuidae as hosts. T. (s.g. Servillia) 

lurida (F.) parasitizes Noctuidae and Sphingidae, but T. ( S.) ursina Meigen has yet to 

be reared, as have any species of Germaria. 

Neaerini. On the continent Graphogaster brunnescens Villeneuve has been reared from 

Teleiodes notatella (Hiibner) (Gelechiidae), Evetria resinella (L.) (Tortricidae) and 

Leucoptera laburnella (Stainton) (Lyonetiidae) (Herting, 1960). Phytomyptera nigrina 

(Meigen) ( =nitidiventris Rondani) parasitizes Geometridae, Pterophoridae and 

Olethreutidae. El.fia cingulata (Robineau-Desvoidy) is a parasite of Esperia sulphurella 

(F.) (Oecophoridae), the corn moth Nemapogon (=Tinea) granella (L.), and the cork 

moth N. ( = T.) cloacella (Ha worth) (Tineidae), and Neaera laticornis (Meigen) has 

been reared from Eucosmafulvana (Stephens) (Oiethreutidae). 

Triarthriini. Triarthria ( = Digonochaeta) setipennis (Fallen) ( = spinipennis Meigen) 

(figs 726-727) is a parasite of the common earwig For.ficula auricularia L. (Thompson, 

1928) (see also Ocytata, Goniini). Records from the caterpillars of various moths and 

beetles may be erroneous due to earwigs finding access to rearing cages or sharing larval 

tunnels. Fully incubated eggs are deposited near the hosts into which the larvae 

burrow. The characteristic puparia (fig. 1249) may be found during winter in soil, under 

bark, etc. 

Siphonini. This tribe was included in the subfamily Goniinae in the Check List (Smith 

et al. 1976). First instar larvae of the tribe are described by O'Hara (1988). 

121

Actia species are parasitic on Tortricidae and other families of 'Microlepidoptera' 

including several pest species. A. lamia (Meigen) has been studied by Cheng (1967). 

Ceranthia, Ceromya, Goniocera and Peribaea species parasitize the larvae of larger 

moths e.g. Lasiocampidae. 

Siphona species parasitize Noctuidae (including Mamestra brassicae (L.)), Geometridae, 

etc., but S. cristata (F.) and S. geniculata (De Geer) have also been reared 

from leatherjackets (Tipulidae larvae: T. maxima, T. oleracea and T. paludosa). S. 

geniculata (figs 728- 730) has 4 slits in each of the posterior spiracles. The larva is 

attached to one of the main tracheal trunks by means of a chitinous sheath (Rennie & 

Sutherland, 1920). 

Exoristinae 

Blondeliini. Admontia ( = Trichopareia) species are parasites of wood-boring leatherjackets 

(Tipulidae larvae: Dictenidia, Ctenophora and Tanyptera). Belida angelicae 

(Meigen) has been reared from Tortrix viridana L. (Tortricidae), and Blondelia nigripes 

(Fallen) is parasitic on moths (Noctuidae, Geometridae, Lymantriidae, etc.) and 

occasionally on sawflies (Hymenoptera: Athalia, Pteronidea, Priophorus, Diprion). 

The common Compsilura concinnata (Meigen) (figs 731-732) has been reared from a 

greater variety of Lepidoptera than any other British tachinid; it also attacks sawfly 

larvae of several families. In the U .S.A. and Canada it has been introduced for use in 

the biological control of caterpillar defoliators including the nun moth (Lymantria 

monacha) and brown-tail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea (L.)) (Culver, 1919); it also 

attacks the cabbage white butterflies (Pieris brassicae (L.) and P. rapae (L.)) (Bissett, 

1938). 

The rare Leiophora innoxia (Meigen) is a parasite of adult fleabeetles (Haltica, 

Chrysomelidae), and Ligeria angusticornis (Loew) parasitizes plume moths 

(Pterophoridae). Medina species are parasites of adult Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera), 

but M. luctuosa (Meigen) has also been reared from some Lepidoptera. 

Meigenia species are parasites of Chrysomelid larvae, but M. mutabilis (Fallen) 

(figs 733- 736) has also been reared from sawfly larvae, moth larvae and Chorthippus 

(Orthoptera, Acrididae). 

Oswaldia muscaria (Fallen) attacks Geometridae and Noctuidae. 

Pericheta ( = Policheta) unicolor (Fallen) is recorded as a parasite of sawfly larvae 

(Croesus) and adult beetles (Chrysomela). 

Zaira cinerea (Fallen) (fig. 737) parasitizes adult Carabidae (Coleoptera). 

Exoristini. Bessa parasitizes many families of moths and numerous sawfly larvae. 

Diplostichus is also a sawfly parasite (Diprioniidae) and is recorded from Acronicta 

rumicis (L.) (Lep., Noctuidae). 

Exorista larvarum (L.) (figs 738-740) and E. grandis (Zetterstedt) are common 

parasites of a large number of families of butterflies and moths; E. fasciata (Fallen) 

occurs on Lymantriidae and Lasiocampidae but hosts are not known for the remaining 

British species of the genus. 

Parasetigena silvestris (Robineau-Desvoidy) is an important parasite of Lymantria 

monacha and L. dispar (L.) (the gipsy moth); it is also recorded from other Lymantriidae 

and Thyatiridae. Phorocera species are also recorded from gipsy moth and several 

other families of Lepidoptera. Chaetogena ( = Stomatomyia) acuminata (Rondani) is 

a moth parasite (Noctuidae) but also attacks terricolous Tenebrionidae (Blaps, 

Opatrum, etc., Coleoptera). 

Winthemiini. Nemorillafloralis (Fallen) (figs 741-742) is a parasite ofTortricidae, 

Pyralidae, Oecophoridae (especially Depressaria), Hyponomeutidae, and many other 

families of moths, the peacock butterfly (Inachis io) and it has been recorded from 

122

a coccinellid beetle (Epilachna). Lehrer & Pascovici (1966) illustrate the immature 


Smidtia, Timavia and Winthemia parasitize several families of moths (e.g. Noctuidae, 

Geometridae, Lymantriidae, Lasiocampidae). 

Goniini. Genera in this tribe are mostly parasitic on Lepidoptera, with some on 

sawflies. 

Erycil/a ( = Al/ophorocera) ferruginea (Meigen) parasitizes Lymantria monacha and 

abroad is recorded from a noctuid (Hypena) and a tortricid. The rare Brachichaeta 

strigata (Meigen) has been reared from Notodonta dromedarius (L.) (Notodontidae). 

Clemelis pul/ata (Meigen) is a parasite ofPyralidae and abroad has been reared from a 

psychid. 

Cyzenis albicans (Fallen) is the most important parasite of the winter moth 

(Operophtera brumata). The female stores as many as 2,000 minute black eggs in her 

greatly expanded uterus until they are ready to hatch. The eggs are then laid on leaves 

damaged by caterpillar feeding. Few of the eggs are in fact swallowed by winter moth 

caterpillars, but may be swallowed by the caterpillars of other species in which they 

would not hatch, but most are not swallowed at all. The few successful eggs hatch in the 

fore gut of the host and the larvae enter a cell of the salivary (silk) gland. Other 

Geometridae are also attacked by Cyzenis. 

Elodia ambulatoria (Meigen) attacks Tineidae and Hyponomeutidae while E. morio 

(F alien) is a parasite of the codling moth ( Cydia pomonella (L. )), other Tortricidae and 

some other 'Microlepidoptera'. 

Erynnia ocypterata (Fallen) (omitted from the Check List) has been reared from 

Sparganothis pil/eriana (Denis & Schiffermiiller) (Tortricidae). 

Eumea linearicornis (Zetterstedt) ( = westermanni (Zetterstedt)) parasitizes Noctuidae, 

Pyralidae, Olethreutidae and Tortricidae. 

Eurysthaea scutellaris (Robineau-Desvoidy) (figs 743- 745) is one of the Tachinidae 

with 4 slits in the posterior spiracles (see also Siphona and key to families); it attacks 

Hyponomeutidae, Tortricidae, Noctuidae and Geometridae. 

The very rare Frontina laeta (Meigen) parasitizes Sphingidae and Philudoria 

potatoria (L.) (Lasiocampidae); Masicera pavoniae (Robineau-Desvoidy) also attacks 

these two families and is a parasite of the emperor moth (Saturnia pavonia (L.)) 

(Saturniidae). Gonia species mostly parasitize Noctuidae. Hebia flavipes Robineau 

Desvoidy attacks Noctuidae and Geometridae, and Myxexoristops blondeli 

(Robineau-Desvoidy) parasitizes sawflies (Hym., Tenthrediniidae) and has also been 

recorded from Euproctis chrysorrhoea (L.) (Lymantriidae). Ocytata pal/ipes (Fallen) 

( = Rhacodineura antiqua (Meigen)) (figs 746-747) is a parasite of earwigs (Dermaptera, 

Forjicula- see also Triarthria) and is also recorded from the gipsy moth (Lymantria 

dispar) and Orthosia miniosa (Denis & Schiffermiiller) (Noctuidae). 

Pales pavida (Meigen) is commonly reared from Noctuidae, Lymantriidae and other 

families of Lepidoptera including butterflies (Jnachis io, Aglais urticae); it has also been 

reared from a sawfly, Tenthredo amoena Gravenhorst. 

Phryno vetula (Meigen) attacks Orthosia, Cosmia (Noctuidae) and Apocheima 

pilosaria (Denis & Schiffermiiller) (Geometridae) and Lymantria monacha. Platymya 

jimbriata (Meigen) parasitizes some Noctuidae, Geometridae, Zygaenidae and 

some sawflies. Thelymorpha marmorata (F.) attacks Lymantriidae, Lasiocampidae, 

Arctiidae, Noctuidae and has also been recorded from chrysomelid beetles 

(Phy todecta). Z enillia libatrix (Panzer) is another wide-ranging parasite of many 

families of Lepidoptera. 

Eryciini. This tribe mostly parasitizes Lepidoptera (including several species of 

butterflies) and some sawflies. 

123

Bactromyia aurulenta (Meigen) is a parasite of Strymonidia w-album (Knoch) 

(Lycaenidae) and moths of the families Notodontidae, Drepanidae, Noctuidae and 

Geometridae. Cadurciella tritaeniata (Rondani) parasitizes Callophrys rubi (L.) 

(Lycaenidae) and Ostrinia nubilalis (Hiibner) (Pyralidae). Carcelia species parasitize 

Lymantriidae, Lasiocampidae (including the lackey moth, Malacosoma neustria (L.)), 

Arctiidae, Noctuidae, etc. and some sawflies ( Cimbex, Anantholyda). The large eggs of 

Carcelia may be attached to the host by stalks (fig. 1085). 

Senometopia species (usually considered as a subgenus of Carcelia) are parasites of 

Geometridae (including the pine-looper, Bupalus piniaria (L.) and Abraxas) and 

several other families of moths and (S. exisa (Fallen), figs 748-749) the brimstone 

butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni (L.), Pieridae) and Sphingidae. 

Thecocarcelia species are parasites of Hesperiidae and T. acutangulata (Macquart), 

recently added to the British List (Wyatt, N .P., 1986), has been reared from Thymelicus 

lineola (Ochsenheimer), the Essex skipper, in Austria (Car!, 1968). The very rare 

Drino Iota (Meigen) parasitizes certain Noctuidae (Acronicta, Xestia ashworthii 

(Doubleday), Orthosia stabilis, (Denis & Schiffermiiller)), Sphingidae, the lackey moth 

(Malacosma neustria, Lasiocampidae) and the large white butterfly (Pieris brassicae, 

Pieridae), whilst the very common Epicampocera succinct a (Meigen) (figs 75G--751) 

attacks the small white butterfly (Pieris rapae) and the emperor moth (Saturnia 

pavonia, Saturniidae). Eryciafuribunda (Zetterstedt) is a parasite of the marsh fritillary 

(Euphydryas aurinia (Rottemburg)) and Arctia caja (L.) (Arctiidae). Huebneria a/finis 

(Fallen) parasitizes many Arctiidae, Noctuidae, Lymantriidae, Lasiocampidae, the 

emperor moth (Saturnia pavonia) and the butterflies Aglais urticae (Nymphalidae) 

and Callophrys rubi (Lycaenidae). 

The two very common species of Lydella are parasitic on a variety ofNoctuidae and 

other families, including the economically important European corn-borer (Ostrinia 

nubilalis, Pyralidae). Nilea hortulana (Meigen) parasitizes Noctuidae, especially 

Acronicta species and several pest species of Lepidoptera including Mamestra brassicae 

(L.), Pieris brassicae, Malacosoma neustria, Orgyia antiqua (L.), etc. 

Phebellia species have been reared from Lymantriidae, Arctiidae and Noctuidae, 

and the sawflies Cimbex and Diprion. Probably most species occurring in Britain have 

been confused with P. glauca (Meigen) and their precise host ranges need clarification. 

Phryxe species (figs 752- 755) have been recorded from a wide range of Lepidopterous 

hosts of at least 15 families (as well as earwigs and sawflies) and are probably the 

most commonly reared tachinids. However, there has been confusion over the identity 

of the British species and no doubt records for P. vulgaris (Fallen) and P. nemea 

(Meigen) include some for other species. 

Pseudoperichaeta nigrolineata (Walker) ( = roseanae Brauer & Bergenstamm) 

parasitizes Pyralidae (including Ostrinia nubilalis, the European corn-borer), 

Tortricidae, Noctuidae and Lysandra bellargus (Rottemburg) (Lycaenidae). Tlephusa 

diligens (Zetterstedt) has been reared from Melanchra persicaria (L.) (Noctuidae), and 

Xylotachina diluta (Meigen) ( = ligniperdae Brauer & Bergenstamm) is a parasite of the 

goat moth Cossus cossus (L.) 

Rhinophoridae 

(Figs: larvae 756-767, eggs 1086-1087, puparium 1252) 

The family Rhinophoridae (woodlouse-flies) contains 23 species in l 0 genera mostly 

found in the Old World and best represented in the western Palaearctic Region and 

South Africa. Until recently the family has been variously placed as a subfamily of 

either Calliphoridae or Tachinidae. The larvae are parasitic in woodlice (Isopoda, 

Crustacea) and those of the first stage (figs 758, 764-767) are specially adapted for 

holding onto and penetrating the host (e.g. pseudopods, sclerotised scales, elongated 

124

pharyngeal sclerites, etc.). Eggs (figs 1086--1087) are laid freely away from the host. 

Some species have been recorded from spiders (Arachnida) and bugs (Hemiptera) but 

these associations require confirmation. Eleven species representing 8 genera occur in 

Britain. 

Crosskey (1977) provides a taxonomic review of the family. Thompson ( 1934) and 

Bedding ( 1973) have described the immature stages of seven of the British species: Phyto 

melanocephala (Meigen) (figs 756--757), P. discrepans Pandellt!, Tricogena rubricosa 

(Meigen) (figs 758-760), Stevenia atramentaria (Meigen) (figs 766--767), Rhinophora 

lepida (Meigen), Paykullia maculata (Fallen) (figs 761 - 762) and Melanophora roralis 

(L.) (figs 763- 765). 

Bedding ( 1973) found that Porcellio scaber Latreille is much more heavily parasitized 

(by five species) than other equally common and gregarious woodlice, e.g. Oniscus 

eLSe/Ius L. (attacked by P. maculata and P. discrepans). Armadillidium vulgare (Latreille) 

is attacked by P. melanocephala and Trachelipus rathkei (Brandt) by S. atramentaria. 

No Rhinophoridae had been recorded from other British woodlice until Irwin (1985a) 

reared M . roralis from Porcellio spinicornis Say. Bedding found that among the species 

of Rhinophoridae attacking P. scaber specific habitats were favoured as follows: 

Melanophora on the upper shore, Phyto discrepans in rubbish dumps and gardens, and 

Paykullia on colonies of woodlice under loose bark. 

Further research will clearly be fruitful on these parasites of woodlice and the 

excellent book by Sutton (1972) will facilitate identification of the hosts. There is also 

an active British Isopoda Study Group organised from the Institute of Terrestrial 

Ecology, Huntingdon. 

Sarcophagidae 

(Figs: larvae 768- 785, eggs I 088-1090, puparia 1253-1254) 

The Sarcophagidae (flesh-flies) is a large and cosmopolitan family of about 

2,500 species in 5 subfamilies. Until recently the family was treated as a subfamily 

of the Calliphoridae. Some 56 species in 16 genera representing 4 subfamilies occur in 

Britain. 

The reproductive habit is mostly larviparous though some lay eggs. The larvae may 

be parasitic on Orthoptera, Isoptera, Hymenoptera and some Diptera, or saprophagous, 

and they may (especially Wohlfahrtia) also be involved in cases of myiasis in 

man and animals, mostly abroad. 

W. R. Thompson ( 1920) describes the larvae of several species, especially first ins tar 

Miltogramminae. Zumpt (1965) is useful for larvae of Sarcophaga. Some other 

references are cited below and the excellent work of Pape (1987) should be consulted. 

Miltogramminae. Larvae of Amobia signata (Meigen) (figs 768-770) are found in the 

nests of wasps (Sphecidae, Vespidae) and some bees (Apidae). The adult female settles 

near the nest and enters as the host leaves. Inside the nest she deposits small larvae 

which commence feeding on the food store of the host larvae (e.g. spiders, caterpillars, 

etc.). 

Adults of Miltogramma species (figs 771) shadow the host sand or digger wasp 

(Sphecidae) back to the nest, then dart in to lay one or two eggs on the prey, then 

quickly exit. 

Larvae of Senotainia conica (Fallen) (figs 772- 774) also develop in the nests of 

Sphecidae. Adult females apparently oviposit on the female wasps while they are 

carrying prey back to the nests. 

Larvae of Pterella grisea (Meigen) have been found in Cerceris (Hym., Sphecidae) 

burrows in Clythra (Col., Chrysomelidae) collected by the female wasp as food for its 

larvae. 

125

Metopia species (fig. 775) are apparently viviparous. The female either enters the nest 

( ofSphecidae, Apidae and Pompilus) or pounces upon the prey as it is being dragged in. 

The larvae of Oebalia ( = Ptychoneura) (figs 776-777) are found in the nests of 

Sphecidae (Coelocrabro, Cemonus, Rhopalum, Pemphredon). Eggs are laid on the 

female wasps (figs I 088-1 089) (Day & Smith, 1980) and this behaviour has also been 

observed in North America (Sanborne, 1982). 

Macronychiinae. Macronychia striginervis (Zetterstedt) ( = ungulans (Pandelle)) 

larvae have been found in the nests of Vespidae, Sphecidae and Bombus. In North 

America P. H. Thompson (1978) has found larvae of a Macronychia species (near 

aurata Coquillett) in adult Tabanidae. Dipterous parasites of Diptera are very rare 

indeed, especially of adults (see under Tachinidae and Smith, 1974c). 

The female of Brachicoma de via (Fallen) deposits young larvae in Bombus (especially 

B. pascuorum (Scopoli) ( =agrorum (F.)) and Vespula nests, where they are very 

common. The larvae (figs 778- 779) attack and kill the prepupal stage of the host and 

pupate in the nest material (summer pupae) or in nearby soil (hibernating pupae). 

Agriinae. Nyctia ha/terata (Panzer) is parasitic in weevils (Lixus). Larvae of 

Angiometopa falleni Pape (=ruralis Fallen) are said to have been found abroad in 

superficial wounds of man and horse. The larvae of Agria species are polyphagous 

and frequently parasitic or predaceous on insects, especially the larvae and pupae of 

Lepidoptera (Tolg, 1913). Sarcophila latifrons (Fallen) (fig. 780) feeds on carrion, 

dead insects and possibly also living insects. It has been recorded from various 

Acrididae. 

Helicobosca distinguenda Villeneuve is viviparous, producing larvae some 5 mm long 

which feed on dead snails. Some workers regard this genus as more correctly placed in 

the Calliphoridae. 

Sarcophaginae. Ravinia pernix (Harris) is parasitic in molluscs and insects. 

Blaesox ipha species are ovoviviparous; the larvae are parasitic in grasshoppers and 

locusts (Orthoptera, Acrididae) abroad (see Greathead, 1963 who reviews the parasites 

of Acrididae). 

Sarcophaga species (figs 781- 785) are larviparous and have a wide range of larval 

habitats from saprophagous feeding in decaying organic matter, dung and carrion to 

parasitism (of molluscs, insects and spider egg sacs) and causing myiasis in man and 

other vertebrates, as follows: 

Dung (including human excrement): S. a/biceps Meigen, S. argyrostoma Robineau-Desvoidy, 

S. cruentata Meigen (=haemorrhoidalis (Fallen)) (figs 781- 785), S. exuberans Pandelle, S. 

incisi/obata Pandelle. 

Carrion: S. argyrostoma, S. carnaria L., S. cruentata. 

Myiasis: S. argyrostoma, S. carnaria, S. exuberans, S. cruentata. 

Molluscs (Helix, etc.): S. agnata Rondani, s: anaces Walker ( = setipennis Rondani), S. 

argyrostoma, S. filia Rondani, S. haemorrhoa Meigen, S. hirticrus Pandelle, S. me/anura 

Meigen, S. nigriventris Meigen (from living He/ice/la and Theba) and S. teretirostris Pandelle. 

Insects: S. a/biceps (Lepidoptera; Scarabaeidae and Saperda (Col.)), S. aratrix Pandelle 

(Lymantria monacha (Lep.), Prionus (Col.), S. argyrostoma (locusts)), S. caerulescens 

Zetterstedt ( =scoparia Pandelle) (Lymantria monacha), S. exuberans (Lepidoptera, Diprion 

(Hym.), Orthoptera), S. incisilobata (locusts), S. nigriventris ('locust'; Carabus, moribund 

Nicrophorus, Blaps (Col.)). 

Spider egg sacs (Epeira cornuta Koch): S. sexpunctata F. ( = clathrata Meigen). 

The above data cover the whole zoogeographical range of the species concerned and 

include non-British records (especially of myiasis). However, some identifications may 

be suspect; for example the common S. carnaria has been widely reported to cause 

126

myiaSIS m man (e.g. James, 1947). Zumpt (1965) refutes this, citing Kirchberg's 

claim (1954) that S. carnaria is an obligate parasite of earthworms. Greenberg 

( 1971: 79) however casts doubt on Kirchberg's claim as he has reared S. carnaria from 

carnon. 

Clearly, detailed study of the precise feeding habits of the larvae of our British 

Sarcophaga would be a useful undertaking providing extreme care were taken over 

identification (from reared adult males which should be submitted to a specialist). 

Calliphoridae 

(Figs: larvae 786--790, 794-828; eggs 791, 1091-1093; puparia 792-793, 1255-1256) 

Over 1100 species of Calliphoridae (blow-flies) are known and the family occurs 

abundantly in all zoogeographical regions. The classification is difficult and the family 

is variously divided into 5 to I 0 subfamilies by different workers. Some 32 species in 11 

genera representing 4 subfamilies occur in Britain. 

Calliphoridae are oviparous or larviparous. The larvae (maggots) may be 

omnivorous, carnivorous or parasitic on or in decaying organic matter such as carrion, 

excrement, foodstuffs, insects, earthworms, snails, toads, birds and mammals. They 

may also cause myiasis in man and other vertebrates. The nomenclature follows 

Schumann (in So6s & Papp, 1986) but for convenience the sequence of genera follows 

the British Check List (Smith 1976). 

Calliphorinae. Larvae of Calliphora (bluebottles) occur in a variety of decaying 

substances, especially carrion, including human cadavers which gives them considerable 

forensic importance in establishing postmortem interval (time of death) (Smith 

1986b ). Their occurrence in human foods, especially meat products, cheese, etc. makes 

them easily the commonest insect larvae submitted to entomologists for identification. 

Usually accompanying such requests is a desire to know rate of development and 

temperature-tolerance (especially under refrigeration). A few comments on this may 

therefore be of value. Calliphora oviposits at night (except in slaughterhouses) and it is 

doubtful if eggs are laid at temperatures lower than l2°C (though oviposition on partly 

frozen pig carcasses when exposed to air temperatures has been observed). At temperatures 

below 4°C Calliphora eggs will not hatch but at 6--rC hatching of eggs and larval 

development occurs. Up to 300 eggs may be laid, either in smaller groups or a single 

batch, in natural orifices, crevices in the surface or wounds. The rate of development 

fluctuates with temperature but at 27°C and 50% R. H. for C. vicina Robineau 

Desvoidy (the common urban bluebottle) is recorded as follows (average in brackets): 

egg, 20-28 (24) hours; first stage larva, 18-34 (24) hours; second stage larva 16--28 (20) 

hours; third stage larva, 30-68 (48) hours; prepupa, 72- 290 (128) hours; pupa, 9- 15 

(!I) days; total immature stages 14-25 (18) days (figures after Kamal, 1958). On 

completion of feeding the maggots disperse from the food source up to a distance of 20 

feet or more searching for pupation sites. When this occurs indoors, this may result in 

maggots being sent to entomologists via local health authorities. In such cases hidden 

sources should be sought, e.g. dead pigeons trapped behind sealed fireplaces, dead mice 

in attics, cellars, cupboards, etc. To facilitate identification of this very important 

species all the immature stages are shown (figs 786--793) on one plate and some also to 

illustrate the introductory sections. 

C. vomitoria (L.) (the rural bluebottle) may be equally common, especially in 

country areas, and has a similar life-history, but appears to spend longer in each of the 

later stages (especially the prepupa) (see Kamal, 1958); further investigation is 

required. 

Other Calliphora species share similar larval habits but are more restricted in 

distribution. Calliphora larvae may be distinguished at once from Lucilia species 

127

(except L. ampullacea Villeneuve, fig. 81 0) found in similar situations by the presence of 

the accessory oral sclerite (os) between the mandibles (best seen in ventral view). 

Erzin

Phormiinae. Phormia regina (Meigen) and Protophormia terranovae (Robineau 

Desvoidy) (figs 819- 822) are both carrion feeders and myiasis causers. Although P. 

terranovae has not been recorded as causing myiasis in man, both species have been 

used to clean wounds sustained by soldiers (see comments under Lucilia sericata). Both 

species may have forensic importance in human cadavers (Smith, 1986b). 

The larvae of Protocalliphora azurea Fallen (bird blowfly) (figs 823- 824) occur in the 

nests of birds (swallow, sparrows and other birds especially Oscine Passeriformes) 

where they suck the blood of nestlings by means of a suction pad on the first segment, 

often killing them. 

Rhiniinae. Stomorhina lunata (F.) (figs 825-828) has only been recorded sporadically 

in Britain (1901 , with scattered records to 1947). Abroad it lays its eggs in the egg pods 

oflocusts (Greathead, 1963) and appears to be associated with locust swarms.lt may be 

significant that in the two years cited there was notable insect immigration in this 

country, 1947 in particular yielding many records of the migratory locust (Locusta 

migratoria (L.)) (Colyer & Hammond, 1951). Perhaps it may adapt (or has adapted) to 

a British Acridid. 

Scathophagidae 

(Figs: larvae 829- 854, eggs I 094-1096, puparia 1257-1262, leaf-mines 1307- 1308) 

Some 360 species of Scathophagidae in 66 genera are distributed mainly in the 

Northern Hemisphere. The larvae are mostly phytophagous but some develop in dung, 

possibly in carrion, and others in rotting seaweed on the coast. Fifty-three species in 22 

genera and 2 subfamilies occur in Britain. British genera not mentioned may be 

assumed to be unknown in the immature stages. 

Scathophaginae. Norellia spinipes (Meigen) (figs 829- 832) has been found to mine the 

leaves of daffodils (Narcissus) (fig. 1308), pupating at the base of the plant and sometimes 

damaging the bulbs (Ciampolini, 1957, Chandler & Stubbs, 1969, 1970; de Jong, 

1985; Smith & Vardy, 1988). N. (s.g. Norellisoma) spinimana (Fallen) (figs 833-834) 

mines stems of docks (Rumex) (Disney, 1976b) and N. (N.) liturata (Meigen) appears to 

be associated with meadowsweet (Filipendula). 

The immature stages of Cordilura species develop in Carex, Scirpus and ]uncus in the 

U.S.A. according to Wallace & Neff (1971) who include one Holarctic species that 

occurs in Britain, viz. C. pudica Meigen (figs 835- 837). The larvae of Cordilura are 

apparently distinguished by the presence of paired bifid mouth-hooks (fig 838) which 

should help in searching for the 10 other British species so far unknown in this stage. 

Nanna ( = Amaurosoma) species (timothy flies) (figs 839-840) feed on the flower 

heads of grasses and some (N. armillata (Zetterstedt), N.jlavipes (Fallen)) are pests of 

rye and Phleum pratense L. (Timothy grass) (Nye, 1958). 

The larvae of Cleigastra ( = Cnemopogon) apicalis (Meigen) occur in Phragmites 

where they were thought to be predaceous on the larvae of Lipara (Chloropidae) and 

where their puparia overwinter between the top blades of the Lipara galls (Chvala et al., 

1974). However, Groth ( 1969) found that the Cleigastra larvae feed on the excrement of 

caterpillars (Archanara geminipuncta Haworth and Arenostola phragmitidis Hiibner, 

Noctuidae) in the stems. 

According to Vockeroth (in Chandler & Stubbs, 1974), Cosmetopus, Microprosopa, 

Pogonota, Chaetosa, Trichopalpus and Spaziphora belong to a group of genera which 

probably have predaceous larvae living in subaquatic or aquatic situations. Of this 

group, only the life cycle of Spaziphora ( = Spathiphora) hydromyzina (Fallen) (figs 

841, 842) had then been fully worked out. It occurs in sewage beds and stagnant water 

where the larva grazes over the pebbles, on algae and fungal growth but also eats 

129

cocoons of Chironomidae and clusters of Lumbricillus lineatus (Muller) worms and 

cocoons (Graham, 1939; Lloyd et al., 1940). 

The genus Acanthocnema can now be added to this group of aquatic Scathophagidae. 

Females of Acanthocnema ( Clinoceroides) glaucescens (Loew) crawl beneath the water 

surface of streams, down the sides of projecting stones. On the underside of the stones 

they lay their eggs in the egg masses of Dixa, other flies and Trichoptera. The larva feeds 

on the eggs and surrounding jelly of the host (Hinton, 1981 ). Coniosternum obscurum 

(Fallen) (formerly in Scathophaga) may now also be included in this group. The larvae 

feed on the egg masses of caddis flies (Trichoptera) (Berte & Wallace, 1987). 

Scathophaga stercoraria (L.) (the yellow dung fly) (figs 843- 84 7) breeds in dung (cow, 

sheep, horse, dog, poultry and human) where the larvae are said to be carnivorous. 

The larva is described by Schumann (1960). Other dung breeding Scathophaga 

include S. furcata (Say) (dog, human, sheep, privies; also owl pellets); S. lutaria (F.) 

(human); S. inquinata Meigen and S. scybalaria (L.) (unspecified 'dung'). S. litorea 

Fallen, S. calida Curtis and Ceratinostoma ostiorum (Curtis) breed in thick moist rotten 

seaweed on the sea shore. 

Gimnomera tar sea (Fallen) (fig. 848) develops in the seed pods of Pedicularis species 

(Scrophulariaceae) (Chandler, 1975). 

The larvae of Hydromyza livens (F.) (figs 849-851) mine the stems and leaves of the 

yellow water lilies (Nymphaea, Nuphar) (fig. 1307). 

Delininae. Parallelomma vittatum (Meigen) and Delina nigrita (Fallen) (figs 852-854) 

are both leaf-miners in orchids (Meijere, 1940). The life-history of Leptopa ftliformis 

Zetterstedt is unknown but the adults inhabit shady woods. 

Anthomyiidae 

(Figs: larvae 855- 902, eggs I 097- 1099, puparia 1263- 1265, leaf-mines 1309- 131 0) 

About I ,200 species in some 55 genera of Anthomyiidae are known to science but no 

doubt more species await description in this neglected family. The immature stages are 

little known; some are phytophagous and a few species are well known agricultural 

pests. Others live as scavengers in decaying organic matter. Some 220 species in 34 

genera occur in Britain. Papers by Dusek (1969, 1970) are useful for the identification of 

the immature stages, especially of the economically important species. Other references 

are cited under each genus. The arrangement of the posterior fleshy processes is a 

valuable help for spot identifications among the economic species. Genera not mentioned 

may be assumed to be unknown in the immature stages. Reared adults should be 

identified using Hennig ( 1966-1976) who also gives a full list of rearing records and 

parasites. Much biological information is also included in Stubbs & Chandler ( 1978). 

The larvae of Chirosia species (figs 855- 857) mine the leaves of ferns (Pteridium, 

Athyriumfilix-femina, Thelypteris palustris), some causing the tips of the frond to roll 

over (fig. 131 0) (see also Acrostilpna below). 

Fucellia species frequent seaweed on seashores. Egglishaw ( 1960c) describes the lifehistory 

of Fucellia maritima Haliday (figs 858- 862), which he found mostly in the 

smaller wrack banks. 

Chiastocheta species (figs 863-865) lay their eggs in the unripe seed-heads of Trollius 

and the larvae bore into and feed upon the seeds, eventually leaving the seed-head to 

pupate in the earth. 

Pegohylemyia fugax (Meigen) (figs 866-868) is associated mostly with decaying 

vegetation. From May to October its eggs are numerous on cruciferous crops, usually 

on dead leaves, in cracked and broken stems, etc. Larvae have been recovered from 

cauliflower heads, Brussels sprouts, swedes, spring cabbages, cabbage seedlings, 

turnips, lettuce, beet and oat seedlings. The larvae of P. gnava (Meigen) (figs 869-871) 

130

(the lettuce seed fly) develop in Lactuca species. P. silvatica (Robineau-Desvoidy) has 

been reared from fungi (agarics, boleti, Phallus). P. phrenione (Seguy), P. dissecta 

(Meigen) and P. laterella Collin are all associated with the grass-fungus Epichloe 

typhina Tulasne (though they have been misidentified in the literature as Anthomyia 

spreta, e.g. Lucas, 1909; Chortophila humerella, etc.). The larvae of P. seneciella 

(Meade) and P. jacobaeae (Hardy) develop in the flower-heads of Senecio and have 

been used in Australia and New Zealand in the biological control of introduced weeds; 

P. pseudomaculipes Strobl develops in the flower-heads of Solidago virgaurea L.; P. 

brunneilinea (Zetterstedt) in Centaurea ( base of stem); P. sonchi (Hardy) in Sonchus; 

P. spinosa (Rondani) in Achillea millefolium (stem); P. sanctimarci (Czerny) in Allium 

ursinum. 

Lasiomma meadei (Kowarz) has been reared from cow and human dung and birds' 

nests. L. anthomyinum (Rondani) and L. octoguttatum (Zetterstedt) have also been 

reared from birds' nests (Collin, 1939; Hicks, 1959). Beaver ( 1969) has reared the latter 

from dead snails and a puparium has been described from an 'alluvial deposit of River 

Rhine near Herwen' by Stork (1936). L. melania and L. infrequens (both described by 

Ackland ( 1965)) may feed on the seeds of larch as do related species abroad. 

Hydrophoria lancifer (Harris) ( = conica (Wiedemann)) breeds in human dung. There 

is a specimen of H. linogrisea Meigen in the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) labelled 

' round Andrena burrows', but no association between Hydrophoria and bees is known. 

Larvae of Acrostilpna latipennis (Zetterstedt) occur in the leaf-stem of the fern, 

Athyriumfilix-femina. 

According to Stork ( 1936) larvae of Craspedochoeta pullula (Zetterstedt) have been 

recorded as injurious to Iris and Gladiolus by eating the flowers, leaves and stems, but 

I know of no recent (or British) records of this. Hammond & Smith ( 1953) record a 

specimen of C. pullula which had emerged in a tin containing seedling lettuce leaves 

and sterilized peat and leaf-mould provided as pabulum for a caterpillar of Agrotis 

segetum (Lep., Noctuidae). The caterpillar died and parasitism was thus suspected 

but seemed hardly likely. However there are two specimens of C. cannabina Stein in 

the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) ex coli. W. Rait-Smith (a Lepidopterist but also a 

careful recorder of their parasites, e.g. see Morley & Rait-Smith, 1933), labelled 'Dip. 

parasite of Tinea lapella Huhner'. At least we were not alone in our mistake if such 

it proves to be (see also comments under rearing Tachinidae; and Smith, 1974b). 

These records seem doubtful or possibly chance occurrences. Both C. cannabina and 

T. lapella occur in birds' nests! Beaver ( 1969) has reared C. pull uta from dead 

snails (pupating in the soil) and suggests that it probably breeds in decaying animal 

matter. 

Anthomyia species have been reared from fungi: A. pluvialis (L.) from several agarics, 

boleti and Phallus; A. procellaris Rondani (figs 872- 874) from Pleurotus ostreatus 

Quelet. Both species have also been reared from birds' nests (Hicks, 1959- 1971), where 

Keilin ( 1924b) claims they feed on 'various decomposed organic substances including 

greasy scales and down left by the birds'. 

The larvae of Phorbia securis (Tiensuu) ( =genitalis auctt.) (figs 875- 877) and 

P. sepia (Meigen) (late-wheat shoot-flies) attach the shoots of wheat and occasionally 

other cereals. 

The larvae of some Leucophora species live upon the pollen masses stored by bees or 

have otherwise been associated with Aculeate Hymenoptera as follows: L. grisella 

Hennig (Panurgus calcaratus (Scopoli), Cerceris arenaria (L.)); L. cinerea Robineau 

Desvoidy (Ha/ictus nitidiusculus (Kirby); L. obtusa (Zetterstedt) (Andrenafulva (Muller 

in Allioni)); L. personata (Collin) (Andrena labia/is (Kirby), A. nigroanenea (Kirby) 

and A. trimmerana (Kirby)); L. sericea Robineau-Desvoidy (Andrena haemorrhoa (F.) 

(=albicans misident), A.fulva) (Collin, 1921 ). 

Eustalomyia species (figs 878) are similarly associated with Aculeate Hymenoptera 

(Smith, 1971), especially the burrows ofSphecidae. 

131

The genus Delia ( = Erioischia, Leptohylemyia) contains several species which are 

well known agricultural and horticultural pests. D. antiqua (Meigen) (onion fly) (figs 

879- 881) attacks young onion plants, leeks and shallots in gardens and market gardens 

especially in the Midlands and East Anglia; it kills young plants outright and also 

tunnels in onion and tulip bulbs. D. radicum (L.) ( = brassicae (Hoffmannsegg in 

Wiedemann)) (cabbage root fly) (figs 882-886) inflicts most damage on early cauliflowers 

and summer cabbages but radishes, turnips and swedes are also attacked. The 

larvae are mostly root feeders but also tunnel the stems. The larvae of D. cardui 

(Meigen) (carnation fly) attack carnations and sweet williams, first mining the leaves 

then later burrowing down into the stem and devouring the pith. D. coarctata (Fallen) 

(wheat bulb fly) (figs 887- 890) attacks winter wheat, barley and rye; its known wild host 

is couch grass (Agropyron repens (L.)). The larvae in the central shoot kill the growing 

point, then move to another plant. D. echinata (Seguy) (spinach stem fly) (figs 891- 893) 

attacks seedlings of spinach forming small blotch mines in the leaves, then tunnelling 

via the veins or midribs into the stem (Miles, 1953). D.floralis (Fallen) (turnip root fly) 

attacks turnips, especially in Scotland, making wounds which admit pathogens causing 

the swollen roots to rot; it may also cause severe damage to seedlings and newly 

transplanted crops of onions and leeks (Miles, 1953). D. platura (Meigen) ( = cilicrura 

Rondani) (bean seed fly) (figs 894-897) is widely polyphagous and attacks French and 

runner beans, broad beans, onions, Brassica, lettuce, and occasionally winter cereals. 

Other known associations of Delia species with higher plants (not all are British rearing 

records) are as follows: D. coronariae (Hendel), Lychnis flos-cuculi L. (stem); 

D. flavifrons (Zetterstedt), Silene cucubalus Wibel (seed); D. florilega (Zetterstedt) 

( = trichodacty la Rondani), Raphanus sativus L., Armoracia rusticana Gaertner, 

Brassica spp., Cichorium intybus L. (root); D. planipalpis (Stein), Brassica napus L., B. 

rapa L. (in turnip roots); D. quadripila (Stein), Honckenya pep/aides (L.) (leaf-miner). 

Further information on this important genus is given in Hennig (1966-1976) and 

Stubbs & Chandler (1978). Some species of Delia have been reared from fungi as 

follows: D. a/hula (Fallen), from Psathyrella; D. antiqua, several agarics (Russula , 

Amanita, Tricholoma , Armillaria) but the precise association with fungi requires investigation, 

see above); D. frontella (Zetterstedt) from Suillus bovinus (L.); the widely 

polyphagous D. platura (see also above) from young plasmodium of Fuligo. 

Subhylemyia longula (Fallen) has been reared from dead snails (Cepaea nemoralis 

(L.)); it pupates in the soil (Beaver, 1969). 

The larvae of some species of Hylemya occur in cow dung as follows: H. nigrimana 

(Meigen), H. vagans (Panzer) ( =strigosa (F.)) and H. variata (Fallen). Adults of 

these and other species have been seen on dung (including human) but not reared 

from it. H. latifrons Schnabl & Dziedzicki has been reared from fungi (Boletus 

subtomentosus L.). 

Heterostylodes species have been reared from flower-heads of Compositae 

(Hieracium, Pier is, Leontodon and Hypochoeris). Paregle audacula (Harris) ( = radicum 

of authors) breeds in cow, human and dog dung; P. cinerella (Fallen) is recorded from 

the dung of hedgehog, dog and cow/horse manure. The larvae of all Egle species 

develop in the catkins of Salix and Populus tremula L. 

Calythea nigricans (Robineau-Desvoidy) occurs in pig dung and Nupedia aestiva 

(Meigen) breeds in cow dung but the life-histories of the other common species in these 

two genera appear to be little known. Paradelia palliceps (Zetterstedt) ( = Pseudonupedia 

setinerva Ringdahl) has been reared from fungi (Suillus granulatus (L.)), and 

Emmesomyia species probably breed in excrement; adults have been seen on human 

and horse dung. 

The habits of the large genus Pegomya (42 British species) are about evenly divided 

between feeding on fungi and the higher plants. Full host lists are provided by Hennig 

(1966-1976) and Stubbs & Chandler (1978), but here the fungus feeders are listed first 

and selected plant feeders are treated below. 

132

Fungus feeding Pegomya: calyptrata (Zetterstedt), deprimata (Zetterstedt),fulgens 

(Meigen), furva Ringdahl, geniculata Bouche, incisiva Stein, macula/a Stein, 

pal/idoscutel/ata (Zetterstedt), pulchripes (Loew), rufina (Fallen), tabida (Meigen), 

tenera (Zetterstedt), transversa (Fallen), ulmaria Rondani, vittigera (Zetterstedt) and 

:::onata (Zetterstedt). 

The larvae of Pegomya hyoscami (Panzer) (beet or mangold fly or beet leaf miner) 

(figs 898- 902) form blister mines on beet and mangolds. Most damage occurs on late 

sown plants which have little leaf area developed when the first brood of flies appears. 

P. rubivora (Coquillett) (loganberry cane fly) attacks stems of Rubus idaeus L. and 

Filipendula. 

Mycophaga testacea Gimmerthal has been reported as having carnivorous larvae in 

many fungi but this seems very doubtful. Adults occur near fungi and may have been 

confused with similar adult Muscidae which do have carnivorous larvae (see also 

Muscidae). 

Fanniidae 

(Figs: larvae 903- 908, egg 1100, puparium 1266) 

There are some 265 species of Fanniidae contained in 4 genera. The family is best 

represented in the Palaearctic (107 species) and Nearctic (105, of which 29 are 

Holarctic) regions. There are 59 British species representing two genera. Larval 

Fanniidae are very characteristic with a thickened coarse cuticle and the body is dorsoventrally 

flattened with a number of fleshy dorsal and lateral processes, which may be 

plumed, pubescent or simple. The eggs have flange-like processes (fig. 1100). The 

immature stages develop in a wide range of decaying organic matter usually of 

vegetable origin but also in excrement and in carrion. Some occur in fungi or the 

burrows and nests of mammals, birds and insects (social Hymenoptera) and a few are 

of medical or veterinary importance in cases of myiasis. The larvae of only 16 of the 

British species are known (Lyneborg, 1970) but rearing data for a further 12 species are 

available. 

Piezura species have been reared from fungi; P. boletorum (Rondani) from 

an unidentified fungus and P. graminicola (Zetterstedt) from Coprinus micaceus 

Fries. 

Fannia aequi/ineata Ringdahl has been reared from a blackbird's nest, wood detritus 

and the fungi lnonotus dryadeus and Daldinia concentrica; the adults are associated with 

sap runs. Other fungus-feeding Fannia include F. canicularis (L.) (many decaying fungi 

and other media, see below), F. diffici/is (Stein) (Lactarius. Boletus), F. immutica Collin 

(indet. fungus), F. incisurata (Zetterstedt) (indet. fungus), F. manicata (Meigen) 

(Amanita, Laetiporus, boleti), F. melania (Dufour) (several boleti, Armi//aria, 

Lactarius, Tricholoma, Phallus), F. moni/is (Haliday) (Pieurotus, Polyporus), F. lepida 

(Wiedemann) ( =mutica (Zetterstedt)) (indet. fungus), F. scalaris (F.) (Boletus, 

Polyporus, Laetiporus, other media, see below). 

Species reared from birds' nests (hosts of the apprarently more specific species are 

cited) include: F. canicularis, F. c/ara Collin (little owl, heron), F. coracina (Loew), F. 

difficilis, F. hirundinis Ringdahl (sand martins), F. incisurata, F. manicata, F. monilis, 

F. nidica Collin, F. parva (Stein) (house martin), F. rondanii Strobl (house martin), 

F. scalaris, F. vesperti/ionis Ringdahl (starling), F. /ineata Stein (heron). 

Fannia canicularis, F. fuscula (Fallen) (fig. 908), F. coracina, F. scalaris and 

F. vesparia (Meade) have all been reared from the nests of wasps or bees. 

F. vesperti/ionis has been reared from droppings of the noctule bat and F. canicularis 

has also been associated with bats. 

Some other species have been reared from wood detritus, litter or woodland soil, e.g. 

F. gotlandica Ringdahl, F. umbrosa (Stein), F. minutipalpis Stein, F. polychaeta (Stein), 

133

F. postica (Stein), and F. speciosa (Villeneuve). F. genua/is (Stein) has been found in leaf 

litter. 

Clearly the examination of fungi, old nests and the droppings of smaller mammals 

(especially bats) yields the rarer species of Fannia and should help elucidate our 

knowledge of the life-histories and immature stages. 

Some of the commoner species of Fannia mentioned above have a wide range of 

habits which may bring them into a closer involvement with man and give them a 

considerable medical importance. Fannia canicularis (figs 903- 905) is the lesser housefly, 

a common domestic species with a cosmopolitan distribution. The larvae develop 

in a variety of media including rotting vegetables and apples, large accumulations of 

faeces (e.g. on poultry farms) and in carrion. F. scalaris (fig. 907), the latrine fly, 

is essentially an outdoor species associated with primitive lavatories and cesspits. 

Optimum conditions occur in semi-liquid masses of faeces, especially pigs', but also of 

other animals, including man. Both species have been involved in cases of urogenital 

and intestinal myiasis and may occur in urine soaked babies' napkins and cot blankets 

(Zumpt, 1965). These species may also have an importance in forensic investigations 

(Smith, 1986b ). F. manicata (fig. 906) has also been implicated in myiasis and forensic 

cases but is normally found in decaying vegetable matter such as garden refuse, putrid 

cabbage leaves, etc. and has also been reared from rabbit excrement and a dead gull. 

Muscidae 

(Figs: larvae 909-966, eggs 1101- 1108, cover, puparia 1267-1281, cocoon 1272) 

There are some 3,900 species of Muscidae in some 170 genera and the family occurs 

abundantly in all the major zoogeographical regions. Six subfamilies are usually 

recognised and 5 of these, including 280 species in 44 genera, occur in Britain. 

Larval Muscidae develop in a wide range of substances from decaying vegetable 

matter, wood, fungi and living plants, the nests and burrows of birds, mammals and 

insects, to rot-holes, water margins and running water. A few species cause myiasis in 

man and animals. Many larvae are carnivorous at least in the later instars and associated 

with this habit is a longer incubation period in the egg which may hatch as second 

or even third ins tar larvae. The females of some species deposit third stage larvae. Some 

species form cocoons (fig. 1272) prior to pupariation (Ferrar, 1980). 

Skidmore (1985) describes, keys and illustrates the known larvae of Muscidae, 

amounting to 440 of the world species. He defines them according to their habits as 

trimorphic (3 instars) saprophages, facultative carnivores, to monomorphic (one 

instar, the last) carnivores. 

The relationship between the morphology and biology of the larvae and puparia of 

Muscidae may be summarised (after Skidmore, 1985) as follows (figure numbers refer 

to the present Handbook): 

I. A sieving mechanism (fig. 911, sm) occurs in all known trimorphic larvae and in 

some dimorphic ones. Micro-sectioning of the pharyngeal floor of a wide range of 

monomorphic and dimorphic forms is desirable to ascertain if these structures occur 

widely. The structure is described in detail by Keilin ( 1917). 

2. All known carnivorous species have well-developed oral bars (fig. 911 , ob) and 

anterior ribbons (axillary rods) (fig. 911, ar), but in some species these are apparently 

being lost due to reversal to non-carnvivorous diet. 

3. Massive posterior spiracles indicate trimorphism. 

4. Minute posterior spiracles indicate reduced number of ins tars, the smallest being 

probably monomorphic. 

5. Obligative carnivores found in dung do not have gut discoloured by the dung. 

6. Dung-frequenting larvae with dung in gut are coprophagous or facultative 

carnivores. 

134

7. Most wholly aquatic larvae have false legs and often long anal spiracular 

processes. 

8. Obligate phytophages have oral bars (fig. 911 , ob), the hypopharyngeal sclerite 

(fig. 911, hs) massively enlarged and the pharyngeal sclerite (fig. 911, ps) often fused to 

it. 

Other useful works are Keilin ( 1917), Keilin & Tate ( 1930) and Skidmore ( 1973). 

Larvae of the subfamilies of Muscidae occurring in Britain may be separated in the 

third instar as follows (simplified after Skidmore ( 1985) who recognises I 0 subfamilies 

(8 British)). 

Pharyngeal sclerite (ps) ofmouthparts with a distinct atrial angle (at) (fig. 919) 2 

Atrial angle absent or if present (some Spilogona, Phaonia) then weak and obtuse 5 

2 Posterior spiracles with slits straight, sinuate or curved; parallel convergent or radiate (figs 

925, 930) (never serpentine or tortuous) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Posterior spiracular slits serpentine to tortuous, peripheral or encircling (figs 910, 913, 916) 4 

3 Posterior spiracles on dorsal surface of last segment; in wasps' nests . Achanthipterinae 

Posterior spiracles otherwise; usually in dung, carrion or soil . . . . . . Azeliinae 

4 Lower half (ventral cornu, vc) of pharyngeal sclerite (ps) with a strong 'tooth' (posterior 

projection, pp)(figs 788,919, pp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Muscinae 

At most only a small weak pharyngeal tooth present (figs 958, 962, 966) . Stomoxyinae 

5 Posterior spiracles with slits convergent, straight to tortuous (fig. 934). Mouthparts with 

sieving mechanisms (fig. 911, sm). Body never with false legs or caudal processes . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reinwardtiinae 

Slits of posterior spiracles parallel to radiate, straight to curved or angular, never tortuous 

(figs 936, 940). Body sometimes with long false legs or caudal processes (e.g. Limnophora) 

(figs 938, 949) . . . . . Mydaeinae, Coenosiinae, Phaoniinae 

The classification used mainly follows Skidmore ( 1985) but as far as possible follows 

the sequence of genera in the Check List (Smith et al. , 1976). For nomenclature see Pont 

(in So6s & Papp, 1986). 

Achanthipterinae. The larvae of Achanthiptera rohre/liformis (Robineau-Desvoidy) 

(fig. 909) feed on decaying matter in wasps' nests ( Vespula). 

Muscinae. The larvae of this subfamily are trimorphic and saprophagous or 

(Mesembrina) faculatative carnivores. 

Polietes species (figs 910-912) are found in cow dung or (P. domitor (Harris) 

( = albolineata Fallen) and P. steinii Ringdahl) in horse dung. They become carnivorous 

in the third instar, though there is no evidence of this yet for P. lardaria (F.). 

Mesembrina meridiana (L.) (figs 913-915) breeds in cow dung and less frequently 

in horse dung. Occasionally the first stage is spent entirely within the egg and a 

second instar larva hatches. Even normally development is very rapid and within 24 

hours of hatching from the egg the larva will reach the third instar and the whole 

life-history takes only a week in summer. Two adults in the B.M. (N.H.) are labelled 

'bred from half-grown larvae which destroyed 40 larvae, large and small, of Musca 

corvina'. 

The immature stages of the British Pyrellia are unknown, but the only known larval 

pabulum is the dung of cattle and horses. 

Eudasyphora cyane/la (Meigen) and E. cyanicolor (Zetterstedt) have been reared 

from sheep dung. Neomyia ( = Orthe/lia) and More/lia species breed mostly in cow 

dung. 

Musca domestica L. (figs 916--919) is the ubiquitous house fly, a truly synanthropic 

species that has followed man around the world, breeds in his refuse and is a major 

mechanical transmitter of disease organisms in the adult stage. Up to 2,500 eggs may be 

laid and as many as 18 broods a year may be reared. It is perhaps fortunate that many 

135

predaceous muscid larvae (Muscina, Myospila, Hydrotaea) attack the larvae of M. 

domestica (and other Musca species) and that the fungus Entomophthora muscae Cohn 

also plays a part in controlling its numbers. In natural conditions in rural areas eggs are 

laid on horse dung but human, cow and poultry dung or material contaminated with 

excrement, decaying vegetable matter, garbage, decomposing foodstuffs, meat and 

carcases may all provide suitable food for the larvae, which can also complete their 

development on urine alone. M. domestica is one of the few Diptera to have an individual 

monograph (West, 1951) and a bibliography (West & Peters, 1973) devoted to it; 

Bollwig (1946) gives a detailed study of the larval sense organs. Musca autumnalis 

De Geer is known as the face fly because adults cause irritation to cattle by feeding 

on their body secretions, especially around the eyes and muzzle. They are also vectors 

of Thelazia (parasitic eye worm). The larvae develop in cow and horse dung and 

occasionally in carrion. 

Azeliinae. The larvae of this subfamily are trimorphic facultative to dimorphic (or 

monomorphic) obligate carnivores. 

The larvae of Azelia (figs 920-921) occur in horse and cow dung, where, in their final 

instar, they prey upon small nematocerous and acalyptrate larvae. 

Thricops larvae have been found in the soil under logs, leaf litter and wet moss where 

they are presumed to be carnivorous. 

Alloeostylus larvae have been found in decayed logs and have minute posterior 

spiracles which suggests that they hatch in the final instar and are probably obligate 

carnivores (Skidmore, 1985). 

Larvae of Drymeia ( = Trichopticoides, Pogonomyia) species are probably soil 

dwellers in deep leaf litter in woodland but D. vicana (Harris) ( = decolor Fallen) (fig. 

922) occurs in old cow pats and is probably an obligate carnivore. 

The larva of Potamia ( = Dendrophaonia) littoralis Robineau-Desvoidy ( = querceti 

Bouche) (figs 923-924) is a facultative carnivore and has been reared from bat droppings, 

rabbit dung, human faeces, rotten wood, nests of birds and social insects, liquid 

substrates in rubbish dumps, cess pits, privies and fungi. 

Ophyra capensis (Wiedemann) (fig. 1270) has been reared from human faeces, 

carrion, dead locusts, and the nests of birds and mammals. This species was rare until 

recently, but changed methods of poultry farming favour its development and it is now 

common in poultry battery farms where it breeds with 0. ignava, Musca domestica, 

Muscina stabulans and Fannia canicularis (Conway, 1970). 0. ignava (Harris) 

( = leucostoma Wiedemann) (figs 925-928) breeds in dung, carrion, birds' nests and 

rotting foodstuffs. It appears to be strongly attracted to ammonia resulting from 

decaying matter. Ophyra is often of value in forensic investigations, especially when 

corpses have been concealed and not therefore exposed to the normal blowfly fauna 

(Smith, 1986b ). 

Hydrotaea species (adults of some species are sweat flies) lay relatively few eggs and 

the larvae usually hatch in the second instar which lasts only a few hours. They are 

carnivorous in the third instar. The majority of species breed only in the dung of 

herbivores or in humus soil. H. basdeni Collin and H. nidicola Malloch are known only 

from birds' nests and H. floccosa Macquart ( = armipes of authors) has been reared 

from rotting compost, seaweed, sheep carcases, dead snails and fungi. Graham-Smith 

(1916) claims that H. dentipes (F.) (figs 929-931) is the most important species with 

carnivorous larvae and destroys enormous numbers oflarvae of other flies . It occurs on 

carrion and in fungi and so does H. armipes (Fallen) (=occult a (Meigen)); both 

species are occasionally of forensic importance (Smith, 1986b ). Females of H. irritans 

(Fallen) (fig. 932) (the sheep head fly) are a considerable nuisance to man, cattle and 

sheep in late autumn. The species was formerly thought to belong to the true cow dung 

community but is now known to develop in mostly pasture soil under long grass or 

along the edges of woodland where the density of mature larvae may be c. 15,000 per 

136

acre (Robinson, J. & Luff, 1976; Skidmore, 1986). Lobanov (1970a) provides a useful 

paper on Hydrotaea. 

Reinwardtiinae. Muscina levida (Harris) ( = assimilis Fallen) develops in a wide range 

of fungi; it also occurs in the excrement of man and domestic animals. Muscina prolapsa 

(Harris) ( = pabulorum Fallen) develops in carrion, especially of larger carcases, where 

it is saprophagous until the third instar when it becomes a facultative carnivore. The 

larvae of M. stabulans (Fallen) (figs 933- 934) are found in rotting fungi, fruits, broken 

eggs, excrement and carrion where they become carnivorous and even cannibalistic in 

the later instars; in birds' nests they will attack and kill nestlings and have been found in 

the dead bodies of other insects. All three species have been reared from nests of the 

wasp Vespula vulgaris (L.). 

Phaoniinae. The larvae of this subfamily are dimorphic or monomorphic obligate 

carnivores. 

The immature stages of Lophosceles are unknown. 

Phaonia is the largest British genus of Muscidae with 45 species. Phaonia 

( = Dialy tina) atriceps (Loew) occurs under the loose outer sheaths and in the workings 

of other insects in the plants Typha latifolia L., Phragmites, etc. Most Phaonia species 

appear to hatch from the egg in the third instar as obligate carnivores. Development 

occurs in a wide range of habitats but groups of species appear to favour particular 

media (Skidmore, 1985). P. exoleta (Meigen) (figs 935- 938) develops in water holes in 

old foliferous trees ( Ulmus, Fraxinus, Aesculus, Acer); its larva swims actively and feeds 

voraciously on culicid larvae. A single P. exoleta larva may consume 100 mosquito 

larvae. Keilin ( 1917) and Tate (1935) describe three groups of long mobile hairs on the 

ventral surface of the thoracic segments but these appear to be absent in the specimen of 

P. exoleta (in the B.M. (N.H.)) illustrated by Oldroyd (1964). I have combined the 

features ofOidroyd's and Tate's illustrations to include these hairs (fig. 938). The larva 

of P. gobertii (Mik) is found under sodden bark (especially on Ulmus, Populus), where it 

preys on lonchaeid and clusiid larvae; it also develops in woodland leaf-litter and fungi. 

P.laeta (Fallen) (=trigona/is (Meigen), laetabilis Collin) has been reared from tree rotholes. 

P. palpata (Stein) has been reared from dead trees. The following Phaonia species 

have been reared from fungi: P. canescens Stein (also under bark and in rotten wood 

etc.), P. gobertii, P. pallida (F.), P. rufiventris (Scopoli) (=populi Meigen) (and dead or 

sickly trees), P. subventa (Harris) ( = variegata Meigen) (also rotten trees, under bark, 

dung, carrion and compost). 

Species reared from humus soil, under moss, etc include P. valida (Harris) ( = viarum 

Robineau-Desvoidy), P. errans (Meigen) (also dung and compost), P. tuguriorum 

(Scopoli) (=signata Meigen), P. angelicae (Scopoli) (=basalis Zetterstedt), P. incana 

(Wiedemann). P. villana Robineau-Desvoidy ( =mystica of authors) has been reared 

from dense cushions of moss on soil, rocks or tree trunks in woods on calcareous basic 

igneous rocks. P. cincta (Zetterstedt) develops in sap runs of broad-leaved trees 

(especially Ulmus) where larvae prey upon those oflonchaeids, clusiids and Mycetobia 

pallipes Meigen (Anisopodidae). P. trimaculata (Bouche) (fig. 939) is primarily associated 

with herbaceous plants (especially larger Cruciferae) where its larvae prey upon 

those of various anthomyiids (including Delia brassicae) and Coleoptera. 

The genus Helina has 38 British species which mostly develop in moss of humus soil, 

though some may invade adjacent materials (e.g. cow dung). Variations from this habit 

are mentioned below. They are obligate monomorphic carnivores. H. quadrum (F.) 

appears to be predaceous on larvae of the beetle Phyllopertha horticola (L.) (the garden 

chafer) in grassland (Smith, 1983). The larvae of H. pertusa (Meigen) (figs 940-941) are 

found behind loose bark on dead or dying trees where they prey on the larvae of 

Lonchaeidae, Clusiidae, Mycetophilidae, Sciaridae and Ceratopogonidae; it is also 

found in birds' nests. The larva spins a frail silken cocoon which incorporates particles 

137

of debris. Larvae of H. vicina (Czerny) have been found under moss on tree trunks and 

rocks in hilly areas and I found larvae of H. reversio (Harris) ( = duplicata Meigen) 

under moss on the Wrekin in Shropshire (Smith, 1954). The latter species has also been 

recorded from a hornets' nest and a tree stump in Denmark (Michelsen, 1977). The 

female of H. protuberans (Zetterstedt) oviposits in sand dunes and has an ovipositor 

reminiscent of Asilidae but the larval habits and prey are unknown. H . sexmaculata 

(Preyssler) ( = punctata Robineau-Desvoidy) has been reared from a swallow's nest and 

H. pulchella Ringdahl from the nest of a tawny owl (Smith, 1960). 

Brontaea humilis Zetterstedt has been reared from horse dung. 

Mydaeinae. Larvae of this subfamily are dimorphic or monomorphic obligate 

carnivores. The eggs (fig. 1105) have respiratory horns of varying length. 

Hebecnema species develop in humus soil, and cow and horse dung; H. umbratica 

(Meigen) also occurs under garden compost. 

The larvae of several species of Mydaea develop primarily in fungi: M . affinis Meade 

( = discimana Malloch) in Suillus bovinus; M . electa (Zetterstedt) agarics, Boletaceae, 

Phallus; M. humeralis Robineau-Desvoidy ( = tincta Zetterstedt) in agarics, boleti, 

Morchella; M. maculiventris (Zetterstedt) in Polyporus squamosus; M. orthonevra 

(Macquart) ( = detrita Zetterstedt), in Boletus, Suillus, Lactarius, Amanita; M. 

setifemur Ringdahl, indet. fungus. M. urbana (Meigen) and M. ancilla (Meigen) have 

also been reared from fungi but urbana is found mainly in cow dung and ancilla is also 

recorded from human faeces, dog and cattle dung and rotten elm wood. M . corni 

(Scopoli) ( = scutellaris Robineau-Desvoidy) breeds in cow dung. 

Myospila meditabunda (F.) breeds mainly in cow dung and sometimes in sheep dung; 

it has also been recorded from dog dung and human faeces. 

Coenosiinae. Larvae of Graphomya maculata (Scopoli) (figs 942- 945) were found in 

putrid black mud in shallow pools (in France) by Keilin (1917). They were in company 

with larvae of tipulids, Ptychoptera, tabanids, Eristalis and scathophagids upon which 

they were preying. Early authors have recorded larvae of this species from dung and 

carrion. It has also been found in tree rot-holes (preying on Myathropa, Syrphidae) 

and in rotting vegetable matter beside ponds and land drains (Skidmore, 1985). The 

larvae have retractile pseudopods on segments 2- 7 and anal papillae. 

Most species of Spilogona develop in damp soil and moss cushions from which some 

have invaded drier situations whilst others have become entirely aquatic. 

The larva of Villeneuvia aestuum (Villeneuve) (figs 946-948) occurs under stones 

(Mercier, 1921) and in wet sand in the tidal zone, sometimes in association with and 

probably predatory upon Balanus and possibly other littoral animals. The cephalopharyngeal 

skeleton apparently has the pharyngeal sclerite pigmented only anteriorly 

(fig. 946). 

The immature stages of Neolimnophora are unknown. 

Many of the larvae of Limnophora (figs 949- 950) are aquatic and have caudal 

processes which help anchor them to dense mosses or liverworts in running water. They 

prey mainly on oligochaetes and small insect larvae (Psychodidae, Ceratopogonidae, 

etc.). L. riparia (Fallen) is common in running water and preys on larval Simuliidae. 

Some non-British species are known to develop in dung or decaying plant and animal 

matter. 

The larvae of all known Lispe species develop in wet sand or mud (including saline 

situations) with a high organic content. They are obligate carnivores, probably 

dimorphic and usually have the posterior spiracles strongly exserted (figs 951- 955). 

Vaillant (1953) found that larvae of L. consanguinea Loew fed voraciously on tipulid, 

chironomid and dolichopodid larvae in the laboratory. 

Pseudocoenosia abnormis Stein has been reared from wet Sphagnum moss. 

The immature stages of Limnospila, Orchisia and Spanochaeta are unknown. 

138

Caricea ( = Lispocephala) species have not been reared in Britain, but the structure of 

Hawaiian larvae suggests affinities with Spilogona (Skidmore, 1985). British species are 

likely to be aquatic or subaquatic. 

Schoenomyza litorella (Fallen) has been reared from puparia 'ex Carex sand' in 

Sweden. 

Macrorchis meditata (Fallen) has been reared from soil around bulbs imported from 

Holland to New Zealand. 

Larvae of Allognota agromyzina (Fallen) were found among wet leaf litter with 

numerous tiny oligochaetes on which they were feeding and in company with Uta 

sylvatica (Meigen) ( = macroptera (Macquart)) larvae (Tipulidae). 

Puparia of Dexiopsis lacteipennis (Zetterstedt) have been found amongst seaweed 

and those of D. minutalis (Zetterstedt) under the angiosperm Honckenya peploides, 

both on sandy beaches. 

Coenosia larvae are obligate carnivores and develop in humus and in plants already 

infested with other Diptera larvae. C. tigrina (F.) is regarded as an important predator 

on Delia antiqua (onion fly) with which it is frequently found in humus soil near plant 

roots. The larva of C. campestris (Robineau-Desvoidy) ( =sexnotata of authors) is 

described by Lobanov (1970b), but he gives no biological data. In Austria C. dubiosa 

Hennig larvae have been found in noctuid moth larval burrows in stems of Typha 

latifolia, where they preyed on nematocerous larvae (Sciaridae, Ceratopogonidae and 

Scatopsidae). 

Stomoxyinae. The larvae of this subfamily are trimorphic and saprophagous. 

Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (stable fly or biting house fly) (figs 956--959) develops in 

cow-dung. It is another important muscid species with a large literature, mainly 

because of the importance of the blood sucking adult (which attacks man and his 

domestic animals) and its disease-carrying potential. The larvae move very rapidly but 

feign death if alarmed (Ferrar, 1979). 

Haematobia irritans (L.) (horn fly) (adults sit in clusters around the horns of cattle) 

(figs 960--963) and Haematobosca stimulans (Meigen) (cattle biting fly) (figs 964-966) 

develop in fresh cow dung and the adults suck the blood of cattle (H. stimulans also 

attacks man). 

Greenberg ( 1971, 1973) gives a good assessment of the medical and veterinary 

importance of the Stomoxyinae, and also of other Muscidae and Diptera in general. 

Hippoboscidae 

(Figs: larva 967, puparia 1282- 1285) 

There are about 200 species of Hippoboscidae, which mostly occur in the Old World 

tropics, but about 35 species are found in the western Palaearctic region. Thirteen 

species are recorded from Britain, but five of these are not resident. Adults of about 

75% of the known species occur as ectoparasites of birds and are commonly known as 

'keds'. Hippoboscidae are larviparous, producing a single larva (fig. 967) which 

develops internally (3- 8 days), is then released as a prepupa which immediately starts to 

pupariate. The larvae may be extruded on the bird, in or around the nest or away from 

the nest. The pupae (figs 1282-1285) are shiny dark brown to black, rather round and 

seed-like. Hutson (1984) gives a general account of the biology, keys the adults, and 

discusses species likely to occur in Britain but not yet recorded. Bequaert (1953-1957) 

treats the world species. 

Ornithomyinae. Adults of this subfamily are all ectoparasitic on birds. 

There is only one British record of Ornithophila metallica (Schiner) (from the 

whitethroat) and no details of the life-history or immatures stages are known. 

139

Ornithomya species are associated with birds as follows: 0 . avicularia (L.) (fig. 

1282) on larger passerines (e.g. thrush, starling size upwards), Ciconiiformes, 

Anseriformes, Accipitriformes, Falconiformes, Galliformes, Gruiformes, Charadriformes, 

Columbiformes, Cuculiformes, Strigiformes, Caprimulgiformes, Piciformes; 

0. fringillina Curtis on small Passeriformes up to size of greenfinch particularly 

Motacillidae, Prunellidae, Turdidae, Muscicapidae, Fringillinidae, Embezeridae; 0. 

chloropus Bergroth (lagopodis Sharp) (the grouse fly) (fig. 1283) on birds of open 

habitat particularly Accipitriformes, Falconiformes, Galliformes, Charadriformes, 

Cuculiformes, some Passeriformes; 0 . biloba Dufour is on swallows. Hill has studied 

the pupae ( 1962) and life-histories ( 1963) of Ornithomya. 

Crataerina species are associated with birds as follows: C. hirundinis (L.) (house 

martin, occasionally sand-martin, swallow and swift), C. pallida (Latreille) (swift, 

occasionally hirundines or other passerines). Overwintering pupae may be found in the 

nests while the birds are away from Britain. 

!costa is the largest genus of the family (56 species) of which only two occur (rarely) in 

Britain associated with birds as follows: /. ardeae (Macquart) on Ardeidae (in Britain 

on purple heron, bittern and little bittern); /. minor Bigot (tree pipit and corncrake, 

both on Fair Isle). 

0/fersia spinifera (Leach) (fig. 1284) is known from only one specimen recorded in 

Britain on a frigate bird. Guimaraes (1944) describes the larva and Bequaert (1957) 

figures the puparium. 

Hippoboscinae. Adults of this subfamily are ectoparasites of mammals. 

Hippobosca equina L. (forest fly) is on horses and occasionally cattle, man and dogs. 

Lipopteninae. Lipoptena cervi (L.) (deer fly) (fig. 1285) occurs principally on roe deer, 

and red deer; also on fallow deer, sika deer and reindeer with stray records from badger, 

man and dog. 

Melophagus ovinus (L.) (known variously as skeep-ked, sheep-fly, sheep-louse, 

sheep-tick) occurs on sheep where the larva sticks to the fleece of the host and the whole 

life history is passed there. 

N ycteribiidae 

(Fig: puparium 1286) 

There are over 250 species of Nycteribiidae (bat-flies), most of which are found in 

the Old World, especially in the Oriental and Pacific areas. About 12 species occur 

in Europe of which three have been recorded in Britain. Females leave the host bat 

to deposit the fully grown larva (as a non-feeding prepupa) on beams, walls, etc. 

near the bat colony. The larva is hemiovoid. Sticky secretions, helped by a narrow 

marginal 'skirt', secure the flat ventral surface firmly to the substrate. In addition, 

peristalsis of the freshly deposited larva ensures an airtight seal in which the female 

assists by backing over it and pressing down with her body. The freshly deposited 

larva is white and soft but soon hardens to a dark reddish-brown puparium (fig. 

1286). Hutson (1984) gives a general account of the biology and keys the adults. 

Immature stages are described by H . Scott (1934), Ryberg (1939) and Schultz 

(1938). 

Nycteribia kolenatii Theodor & Moscona is mostly restricted to Daubenton's bat 

(Myotis daubentoni (Kuhl). 

Phthiridium biarticulata (Hermann) occurs mainly on horse-shoe bats (Rhinolophus 

spp.) but also occur on long-eared bats (Plecotus spp.). 

Basi!ia nana Theodor & Moscona is found on the rare Bechstein's bat (Myotis 

bechsteini Kuhl)). 

140

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