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Laboratory Rearing of Stable Flies and Other Muscoid Diptera
Published on: August 3, 2018
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What do tiger-fly larvae (Diptera: Muscidae) eat?
Communications in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences
|August 23, 2014
Summary
Tiger-fly larvae (Coenosia attenuata) can consume earthworm portions, but struggle with live earthworms. Cannibalism was not observed, with larvae preferring to escape rather than engage in it.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Biological Control
- Insect Ecology
Background:
- Coenosia attenuata, or tiger-fly, is a generalist predator with potential for biocontrol in agriculture.
- Understanding larval prey and cannibalism is crucial for optimizing its use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prey preferences of tiger-fly larvae.
- To assess the occurrence and conditions promoting cannibalism in tiger-fly larvae.
Main Methods:
- Larval feeding trials using earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) portions and intact specimens.
- Cannibalism assays in the presence and absence of fungus gnat larvae.
- Observation of larval feeding behavior and mortality.
Main Results:
- Tiger-fly larvae readily fed on bisected earthworm portions.
- Larvae showed difficulty penetrating the cuticle of live Lumbricus terrestris.
- Feeding on earthworm portions commenced faster than on fungus gnats.
- No cannibalism was observed; larvae exhibited escape behavior.
Conclusions:
- Coenosia attenuata larvae can utilize earthworm portions as a food source.
- Live earthworms present a challenge for larval predation due to their cuticle.
- Cannibalism is not a significant behavior, with larvae prioritizing escape from confined environments.
