Keroplatini
Genus Guides
3Keroplatini is a tribe of fungus gnats within the Keroplatidae (Diptera). The tribe includes the Chetoneura, which was formally transferred from Orfelia to Keroplatini based on phylogenetic analysis. At least one member, Chetoneura shennonggongensis, is a cave-dwelling with documented larval involving silk construction for prey capture.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Keroplatini: /ˌkɛroʊpləˈtaɪnaɪ/
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Identification
Members of Keroplatini can be distinguished from related by phylogenetic affinities with the clade containing Heteropterna and Ctenoceridion. The Chetoneura within Keroplatini is characterized by non-bioluminescent larvae, unlike the bioluminescent larvae of Arachnocampa, Keroplatus, and Orfelia in related groups.
Habitat
Includes cave-dwelling ; Chetoneura shennonggongensis inhabits caves in East China, and Chetoneura cavernae occurs in Batu Caves, Malaysia.
Distribution
East China and Malaysia (documented for Chetoneura); broader distribution of tribe not specified in available sources.
Life Cycle
Larval stage documented in Chetoneura: larvae suspend themselves in roughly horizontal hammocks of silken threads amidst mucous-coated snare threads attached to cave roofs.
Behavior
Larvae construct silken hammocks and mucous snare threads for prey capture. Non-bioluminescent, unlike some other Keroplatidae .
Similar Taxa
- OrfeliaChetoneura was previously associated with Orfelia but differs in phylogenetic placement and lacks bioluminescent larvae.
- ArachnocampaArachnocampa larvae are bioluminescent and construct silk threads, unlike the non-bioluminescent Chetoneura in Keroplatini.
- KeroplatusKeroplatus larvae are bioluminescent, distinguishing them from non-bioluminescent members of Keroplatini such as Chetoneura.
- HeteropternaClosely related to Chetoneura within Keroplatini, forming a clade with Ctenoceridion.
- CtenoceridionClosely related to Chetoneura within Keroplatini, forming a clade with Heteropterna.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The Chetoneura was formally transferred to Keroplatini from its previous association with Orfelia based on the description of C. shennonggongensis and phylogenetic analysis showing close relation to Heteropterna and Ctenoceridion.