Acrocera bakeri
Coquillett, 1904
Acrocera bakeri is a of small-headed fly in the Acroceridae, described by Coquillett in 1904. Species in this are endoparasitoids of spiders. The larvae seek out and enter spider , feeding internally until mature, then exit to pupate. Acrocera is one of the most species-rich genera in Acroceridae in North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acrocera bakeri: /æˈkroʊsərə ˈbeɪkəri/
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Host Associations
- Spiders - endoparasitoidLarvae are obligate endoparasitoids that enter spider and consume internal tissues before emerging to pupate
Life Cycle
Females lay on the ground or vegetation. The first-instar larva is responsible for locating a suitable spider . Upon finding a host, the larva enters the spider's body and feeds internally until mature, then exits to pupate. The larva consumes all tissues of the spider host.
Behavior
Larvae actively search for spider rather than being deposited directly on or near hosts by the female.
Ecological Role
control of spiders through .