Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
ORDER DIPTERA (TRUE FLIES)
Minute to large insects with a single pair of mem-
branous wings, the hindwings reduced to small,
drumstick-like halteres that function as balanc-
ing organs during flight; mouthparts suctorial but
sometimes adapted for piercing. Metamorphosis
complete. Eggs usually oval or cigar-shaped.
often whitish or pale yellow, and often orna-
mented microscopically with a raised reticulated
pattern. Larvae apodous and usually maggot-
like, with a reduced, inconspicuous head.
1. Family TIPULIDAE (crane flies)
(p. 163
et seq.)
Slow-flying insects with elongate bodies, wings
and legs (the latter readily break off); ocelli
absent; thorax with a distinct V-shaped suture
(Fig.
80); wing venation includes a discal cell, and
both anal veins (1A and 2A) extend to the
wing margin
(Fig.
81). Larvae fleshy but tough
skinned (commonly called 'leatherjackets');
head deeply retracted and inconspicuous
(Fig.
82); posterior end of body with often prominent
papillae
(Fig. 82a);
soil-inhabiting.
EXAMPLES:
Nephrotoma appendiculata
(spot-
ted crane fly),
Tipula oleracea
and
T. paludosa
(common crane flies).
Suborder NEMATOCERA
Adults with usually narrow bodies and slender,
many-segmented antennae which lack an arista;
antennae with a scape, pedicel and flagellum.
the flagellar segments similar and often with
whorls of hairs; maxillary palps usually 4- or 5-
segmented and pendulous; wing venation with
the anal cell 'open'. Larvae usually with a distinct
head (but this may be retracted into the thorax)
and with horizontally opposed, biting mouth-
parts. Pupae obtect, the adult emerging through
a T-shaped slit.
Fig.
80 Dorsal view of the thorax of a crane fly -
family Tipulidae.
Fig.
81 Wing venation of a crane fly - family
Tipulidae.
Fig. 79 A bark beetle,
Scolytus mali -
family
Scolytidae (x15).
