Posted by Kahis on 22-05-2006 16:42
#1
Hi.
Yesterday I brought some Medetera cocoons in to be photographed:
Note the long horns or breathing tubes typical for dolichopodid cocoons, and a single 'tooth' of the head for ripping through the flimsy cocoon these flies make. I put my camera down, refocused and saw some movement, weird ripples flowing through the pupa. Holy ... it's hatching! I barely had time to grab the camera and take some pics before the fly was out and running lightning-fast all over the microscope :) The total time from first strong contractions to the fly running free must have been less than 20 seconds:o
I suspect the fly is Medetera pinicola but this awaits confirmation. Unfortunately I lost the pupal skin in the excitement :(
Edited by Kahis on 23-05-2006 22:20