Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Larvae from Suriname
Posted by Auke on 08-07-2016 22:48
#1
I found this blob with larvae at night in the forest of Brownsberg, Brokopondo, Suriname. The blob was at about 2 m height in a tree and probably consisted of tree resin. The outside of it was moist, not sticky, and the larvae moved free through the mass. Would someone here be able to put an ID on them? I'm hoping for family level.
Thanks, Auke
Edited by Auke on 08-07-2016 22:49
Posted by Menno Reemer on 09-07-2016 09:54
#2
Not sure, but they might be
Alipumilio larvae (Syrphidae). How large were the larvae? Last instars would be around 5-6 mm I think, based on the size of the adults. Soon you should be able to find the puparia on or under the bark close to the resin flow. Would be interesting to try to rear those, which should not be difficult.
Posted by atylotus on 09-07-2016 20:32
#3
It appears they have fused posterior spiracles so Syrphidae it seems.
Posted by Auke on 10-07-2016 02:06
#4
A size of 5-6 mm could be correct I'd guess. Should've measured them of course. Can I be sure of Syrphidae? Photo was taken almost 3 weeks ago and the earliest I might be back on that spot would be second half of august. I'll be there for (almost) sure at the end of september for a couple of weeks. I guess the present batch will be gone by then, but I'll see if there are puparia of a new batch. If I'll find puparia, could I keep them simply in an empty jar with mesh cover or would you recommend I add some slightly moist compost or something similar? I have no permit for Syrphid collecting (it's in a nature park) so I would have to take photos of the adult and then release them.