Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Stratiomyidae pattern usefull to ID ?
Posted by solito de solis on 18-04-2017 20:20
#1
Hey dipterists
I've got in a same sample 4 S. larvae
I wish to go ahead in the ID...
I know I have already, thanks to Atylotus, Oplodontha viridula
Here is a picture of the 4 larvae, respecting their dimensions
I guess that the biggest one (35 mm) will be Odontomyia
My question is "are the pattern of the cuticule something usefull to ID ?
As visible nr2 has a short white strip on the thoracic segments, the 4 th one a long white strip over all the segments
merci
SDS
Edited by solito de solis on 19-04-2017 11:40
Posted by atylotus on 19-04-2017 07:52
#2
for short: yes it is usefull
longer version: I have a theory that color pattern differ in each species but probably also differ within a species. I think that each species has 2 different color patterns and propably (not proven yet) these are related to male and female larvae. At least 2 color patterns exist withing O. viridula and I was able to breed few and indeed the females had another colorpattern than males, but this is not enough prove. Any help in this is appreciated.
The large larvae (1) is O. ornata, no. 2 and 4 are both O. viridula and 3 probably Od. tigrina juvenile.
Posted by solito de solis on 20-04-2017 17:57
#3
Thanks Atylotus
I will observe better now and make the best with your infos
I make a profit with this topic to put a few pictures about the Stratiomyidae cuticula
from an exuvia found in the sample I could observe this
like transparent glass or cristal parts on a dark skin
The reason for the small reflections when the larva is observed...
The color and the pattern of the cuticula are seen through these transparent pieces
profil
Edited by solito de solis on 20-04-2017 18:03
Posted by John Carr on 20-04-2017 20:07
#4
atylotus wrote:
I have a theory that color pattern differ in each species but probably also differ within a species. I think that each species has 2 different color patterns and propably (not proven yet) these are related to male and female larvae. At least 2 color patterns exist withing O. viridula and I was able to breed few and indeed the females had another colorpattern than males, but this is not enough prove. Any help in this is appreciated.
Adler, Currie, and Wood (2004) mentioned sex-specific color patterns in larve of some North American Simuliidae.
Posted by solito de solis on 29-04-2017 13:34
#5
Hey dipterists
Here is a smart videoclip
showing closely the pattern mosaic-like appearance of these larvae
(and more) https://www.youtu...e=youtu.be
