Larval habitat preferences in Palaearctic Gnophomyia (Diptera, Limoniidae) with a key to adults

Hancock, E.G. (2008) Larval habitat preferences in Palaearctic Gnophomyia (Diptera, Limoniidae) with a key to adults. Sahlbergia, 14, pp. 13-16.

Abstract

New European data are presented that result from rearing Gnophomyia species (Diptera, Limoniidae). Alexander (1920) referred to rearing records of the genus from other zoogeographical regions and indicated that it is unusual for any genus of the Chioneinae, the Eriopterinae of Coe (1950), to be saproxylic. Larval records of Gnophomyia from the Nearctic are known under bark of mature deciduous trees and a New Zealand species whose larvae developed in decaying detritus at the base of an epiphyte (Alexander, 1920). This latter situation is similar to rot holes, a kind of bacteria-rich soup resulting from the decay of accumulated organic material often including some fermenting plant sap or resin. The neotropics contain the greatest number of Gnophomyia; in the most recent catalogue (Alexander & Alexander, 1970) 91 species are listed. However, there are no published rearing records from any part of that region, indicating the great potential of the tropics to reveal significant quantities of biological data.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hancock, Mr Geoff
• Authors: Hancock, E.G.
• Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history
• College/School: University Services > Library and Collection Services > Museum and Art Gallery
• Journal Name: Sahlbergia
• Publisher: Finnish Museum of Natural History
• ISSN: 1237-3273