Neoempheria balioptera
(Loew, 1870)
fungus gnat
Neoempheria balioptera is a of in the , Mycomyinae. The species was first described by Loew in 1870. of this species have been documented feeding on mushrooms in Brazil, representing the first record of Neoempheria biology in the Neotropical region. This discovery provided insights into the and feeding habits of a whose was previously poorly known in South America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neoempheria balioptera: //niːoʊˌɛmfɛˈriːə ˌbæliˈɑptɛrə//
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Images
Diet
feed on (mushrooms). In Brazil, N. balioptera larvae have been reared from two different mushroom , though the specific fungal were not identified in the published study.
Life Cycle
with , , , and stages. Larval development occurs within mushrooms. Specific details of site and adult timing are not documented.
Ecological Role
serve as for various animals and as for and . The contributes to in forest through .
Similar Taxa
- Other Neoempheria speciesWithin the , are distinguished by subtle morphological differences in and ; identification requires examination.
- Other Mycomyinae fungus gnatsMembers of this share small size and ; definitive identification to level requires examination of material or .