Campus Units
Entomology
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
2003
Journal or Book Title
The Natural History of Madagascar
First Page
702
Last Page
708
Abstract
Net-winged midges (Diptera: Blephariceridae) are a small group of highly specialized aquatic flies. The immature stages are remarkable in their adaptations to and intimate association with torrential streams. Structural adaptations of larvae include six ventral suctorial disks, which function as hydraulic suckers and allow for secure attachment to current-exposed substrata. Other unusual features include a fused head, thorax, and first abdominal segment ( =·cephalothorax or cephalic division), which keeps the anterior larval body compact and close to the boundary layer while the larva is feeding. Pupae also are well adapted to torrential streams, being dorsoventrally compressed, streamlined, and attached immovably to rocks by three to four pairs of ventrolateral adhesive disks. Adult blepharicerids are slender bodied and long legged and show a diversity of habits. Despite their unique appearance, wide distribution, and trophic significance, data about net-winged midges remain scattered and incomplete (e.g., Courtney 2000a,b).
Copyright Owner
University of Chicago Press
Copyright Date
2003
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Courtney, Gregory W., "Blephariceridae, Net-Winged Midges" (2003). Entomology Publications. 570.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/ent_pubs/570
Comments
This chapter is published as Courtney, G.W. 2003. Blephariceridae, Net-Winged Midges. pp. 702-708 in S.M. Goodman & J.P. Benstead (editors). The Natural History of Madagascar. University of Chicago Press. Posted with permission.