Dichaeta caudata

(Fallén, 1813)

Dichaeta caudata is a shore fly in the Ephydridae, first described by Fallén in 1813. The develops in decaying organic matter, with larvae feeding on decomposing plant material. are commonly found in moist , particularly pond margins and other humid situations. The species is recorded from the Palearctic region, with confirmed presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Dichaeta caudata from ZSM by Zoologische Staatssammlung Munchen. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.Dichaeta caudata by This image is created by user Dick Belgers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. . Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dichaeta caudata: /dɪˈkiːtə kaʊˈdɑːtə/

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Identification

Male bears 8-10 hairs. with tergite IV having 8-16 marginal macrochaetes. Female tegument shining black with normal chaetotaxy. Wing with transverse MA2c slightly angled; two subequal costal spines present. Body length 4-4.25 mm.

Images

Habitat

Moist near decaying organic matter; larval development occurs in decomposing plant material. found on pond margins and in other humid situations.

Distribution

Palearctic region. Confirmed present in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Seasonality

activity observed from May to September.

Diet

Larvae feed on decomposing plant material.

Life Cycle

, three larval instars, pupa, .

Ecological Role

Decomposer in decaying organic matter systems.

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Sources and further reading