Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Dipteran larva to ID

Posted by Rui Andrade on 08-05-2008 22:37
#1

While I was digging the soil, I found this dipteran larva. From what family does it belong? I collected the larva and I'm trying to raise it. What is its diet? Decomposing organic material?

location: Barcelos, Portugal
date: 08/05/2008

img142.imageshack.us/img142/5433/dilarvagj5.jpg

Posted by Andre on 09-05-2008 16:54
#2

Looks like a Tipulidae larva... in that case it eats plant-material, especially the roots..

Posted by Tony Irwin on 09-05-2008 21:24
#3

I think it may be a brachyceran such as Asilidae, in which case it may eat meat. Offer it a squashed worm with the roots and see which it prefers! ;)

Posted by Andre on 10-05-2008 11:51
#4

Paul is very good in larvae... hopefully he can help?

Posted by Rui Andrade on 11-05-2008 23:48
#5

Thank you very much Andre and Tony for your efforts. Fortunately, I didn't have to feed it. It is already in pupa and I think it's an asilid, what do you think about that?

img247.imageshack.us/img247/3165/asipupafv3.jpg

Posted by Tony Irwin on 12-05-2008 22:02
#6

Looks like it - When it emerges, remember to keep both the larval and pupal skins. It could well be a species that has not been reared before. And when it is identified, both of these photos should go in the gallery! :)

Posted by Paul Beuk on 12-05-2008 23:40
#7

Asilidae sounds about right.

Posted by Rui Andrade on 14-05-2008 00:14
#8

Thanks again, so lets wait for the adult:).