File: <mycep1.ima.htm> [For educational purposes only] Terminology Glossary <Principal Natural
Enemy Groups > <Citations> |
Immature Stages
of Mycetophilidae
Detailed information on immature stages of Mycetophilidae is
being acquired. However, Mansbridge
(1933) noted the larval habits of several species of Ceroplatinae and
Macrocerinae. The observations on the
predaceous habit of Platyura
and related species is confirmed by the shape of the mandibles, the
exceptional mobility of the larvae, their solitary habit, and the fact that
the web fluid kills other insects.
Studies on active larvae in the webs show that they respond quickly to
any movement in the web and will attack anything alive and moving. Periodically they eject a clear liquid
from the mouth on the prey, and they may also extend the web over it. The naked pupa is formed in the larval
web. The duration of the larval stage
is not known, but the pupal stage of Platyura
sp. requires 6-10 days. References: Please refer to <biology.ref.htm>, [Additional references may
be found at: MELVYL Library ] |