Pipunculinae
Walker, 1834
big-headed flies
Tribe Guides
4- Cephalopsini
- Eudorylini
- Pipunculus
- Tomosvaryellini(big-headed flies)
Pipunculinae is a of big-headed flies within the Pipunculidae. It comprises approximately 9 and at least 130 described . Members are , primarily attacking leafhoppers and planthoppers (Auchenorrhyncha). The subfamily is divided into five tribes: Cephalopsini, Microcephalopsini, Eudorylini, Tomosvaryellini, and Pipunculini.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pipunculinae: //ˌpɪpʌŋˈkjʊlɪni//
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Identification
Members of Pipunculinae can be distinguished from the other of Pipunculidae, Nephrocerinae, by the position of the larval spiracular disc. In Pipunculinae, the spiracular disc is positioned dorsally on the terminal segment, whereas in Nephrocerinae it is terminal. Pipunculinae have characteristically enlarged , often wider than the , with in males.
Distribution
Worldwide distribution, with records across multiple continents including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Host Associations
- Auchenorrhyncha - leafhoppers and planthoppers
Life Cycle
Females deposit directly into insects using a specialized ovipositor. Larvae develop internally within the host, eventually killing it. Mature larvae emerge from the host to pupate in soil or leaf litter.
Behavior
Females actively search for insects in vegetation. Males often form aerial swarms for mating.
Ecological Role
agents of leafhopper and planthopper .
Human Relevance
Potential use in of agricultural pest leafhoppers and planthoppers.
Similar Taxa
- NephrocerinaeOther of Pipunculidae; distinguished by terminal (not ) position of larval spiracular disc and generally smaller size
More Details
Tribal classification
Pipunculinae contains five tribes: Cephalopsini (Cephalops, Cephalosphaera), Microcephalopsini (Collinias, Microcephalops), Eudorylini (Allomethus, Amazunculus, Basileunculus, Claraeola, Clistoabdominalis, Dasydorylas, Elmohardyia, Eudorylas), Tomosvaryellini (Dorylomorpha, Tomosvaryella), and Pipunculini (Pipunculus).