Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Fluffy syrphid larvae

Posted by pierred on 30-06-2025 08:55
#1

Hello,

{Click on the picture to get a better resolution. Click again to come back.}

www.galerie-insecte.org/galerie/image/dos360/big/5du13682.jpg
Pierre Duhem : France : Solliès-Toucas : 83210 : 07/06/2025
Altitude : 644 m - Taille : 12-15 mm
Réf. : 360918

www.galerie-insecte.org/galerie/image/dos360/big/5du13687.jpg
Pierre Duhem : France : Solliès-Toucas : 83210 : 07/06/2025
Altitude : 644 m - Taille : 12-15 mm
Réf. : 360919

Those larvae were on a Phillyrea latifolia bush, amongst mobile and fixed larvae of Euphyllura phillyreae. My hypothesis, after discussion on our French forum, is that it is a larva predating this psyll. There is an article by Laskal & al. (https://www.eje.c.../03/20.pdf)describing the larval stages of the genus Scaeva, with amongst other species, Scaeva mecogramma as predator of Euphyllurea psyllids.

Laskal says that the larva is green with a white medial stripe. On my pictures, it is difficult to say whether the fluffy ornamentation is natural or the result of accumulation of cottony remains of the preys.

What do you think about this?
Thanks in advance.

Posted by pierred on 12-07-2025 11:10
#2

Nobody wants to comment?

Posted by eklans on 12-07-2025 11:48
#3

Hello Pierre, my comment:
Without seeing the prp (posterior respiratory process) it's very difficult or impossible to identify the larva - which resembles some sawfly larvae.

Posted by pierred on 12-07-2025 16:01
#4

Eric,

Thanks for your comments.
I think we would see the cephalic capsule on those pictures, in the case of sawfly larvae.