File: <droso1.ima.htm> [For educational purposes only] Terminology Glossary <Principal Natural Enemy Groups > <Citations>

Immature Stages of Drosophilidae

Detailed information on immature stages of Drosophilidae is being acquired. However, Clausen (1940) noted that the eggs of Acletoxenus indica Ald. are somewhat oblong, measuring 0.4 X 0.2 mm, and are covered with a white waxy incrustation. They are laid singly on the leaf surface adjacent to mature host larvae or pupae. The larva is at first translucent white in color but later takes on a distinct greenish hue. It is very sluggish and never moves from the leaf on which the egg was laid. A single host cluster provides enough food to bring it to maturity. The larva in its later stages secretes an adhesive material over the body which serves to attach various extraneous matter, including host exuviae. Pupation occurs in situ upon the leaf surface, and the developing fly can be readily seen through the semitransparent puparial wall.

Baerg (1920 observed that Drosophila inversa Wlk. larvae normally lie diagonally across the dorsum of the host body, with the mandibles embedded in the 4th or 5th abdominal segment.

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