Posted by Tina on 17-09-2008 18:44
#1
Hello guys,
are there any diptera with a nocturnal lifestyle? I am working on the visual system and I am interested in investigating how photoreceptor connectivity changes depending on the animals life style.
Thanx,
Tina.
Posted by Kahis on 17-09-2008 19:11
#2
There are indeed some, although the vast majority of flies are normally diurnal. IIRC the tropics have more nocturnal species than the more temperate latititudes, including some in 'sun-loving' families such as Sarcophagidae.
Among the north European fauna, which I am more familiar with, nocturnal (or at least crepuscular - the summer nights here at 60 N. lat. are not really dark) species are found in here and there in many families, although there is next to no real research into the topic. Species like Ceromya silacea (Tachinidae) and Achalcus vaillanti (Dolichopodidae) are very rarely caught by netting during the day, but routinely caught with Malaise traps used exposed over several days. These two species are yellow, quite unlike close relatives which can be caught during the day.
Posted by Tony Irwin on 17-09-2008 19:22
#3
The most obvious nocturnal flies are mosquitoes - some of which regularly feed at night or at least at dusk. Other species feed early in the morning or during the day.
I don't think any of them are exclusively nocturnal in the way that many bugs, beetles and moths are.
Posted by Tina on 17-09-2008 19:35
#4
Are there any nocturnal Brachycera/ Muscomorpha? I am basically looking for a species that is relatively closely related to Drosophilidae.
Thanks guys for your rapid responses!
Tina.