Alluaudomyia

Kieffer, 1913

predaceous midges

Species Guides

3

Alluaudomyia is a of in the Ceratopogonidae comprising more than 180 described . Both and stages exhibit predatory . Larvae develop in aquatic and prey on other aquatic insect larvae, while adult females are known of adult Chironomidae. The genus has been documented across multiple continents including Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Alluaudomyia: //əˌluːəˈdoʊmiə//

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Identification

Members of Alluaudomyia can be distinguished from other Ceratopogonidae by features of the male genitalia, particularly the gonostylus and parameres; in the parva group, parameres possess detached basal arms. Female specimens may have one or two spermathecae depending on species. Species-level identification requires examination of detailed morphological characters and often male genitalia.

Habitat

stages inhabit aquatic and semi-aquatic environments including ponds, lakes, bogs, fens, swamps, tree-holes, and margins of watercourses. are found in forested areas, including tropical rainforest interiors, along mountain roads, streams, and near small ponds.

Distribution

Documented from China (Hainan Island, Qiongzhong County at elevations 567-817 m), with GBIF records indicating presence in Colombia (Antioquia, Caldas, Cundinamarca, Magdalena, Meta, Quindío, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, and Complejo Humedales Hato Corozal, Cienaga Zapatosa). The has a broad geographic range spanning Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Seasonality

collected in November and May in Hainan, China; attracted to UV light traps.

Diet

Larvae are predatory, feeding on larvae of Chironomidae, mosquitoes (Culicidae), and Ceratopogonidae including larvae. Female prey on adult Chironomidae.

Life Cycle

stages are aquatic; larvae swim actively on the water surface film. Development occurs in water before of winged .

Behavior

Larvae are active swimmers on the water surface film. Predatory occurs in both larval and stages. Larval involves attack on the intertergal of prey, causing extrusion of tissue fluids and death. Adults are attracted to UV light.

Ecological Role

Predatory that function as of other aquatic insect larvae (chironomids, mosquitoes, ceratopogonids) and as predators of chironomids, likely contributing to of these groups in aquatic and riparian .

Similar Taxa

Sources and further reading