Lipsanini

Within Lipsanini, the Aspistomella group of genera (Aspistomella, Polyteloptera, Ulivellia) is distinguished by: enlarged epistome produced anteriorly; low clypeus; differentiated short parafrontal setulae combined with long, strong frontal and interfrontal setae. Other lipsanine genera possess high clypei and unenlarged epistomes. Larvae are identifiable by unique posterior spiracles and the structure of abdominal creeping welts.

Larvae of Aspistomella and Ulivellia inhabit water-filled internode cavities (phytotelmata) of living bamboo culms, specifically Guadua angustifolia. Last instar larvae exit to pupate in soil. The tribe as a whole is associated with various Poaceae plants.

South America: Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.

Saprophagous. Larvae feed on decaying organic matter within water-filled bamboo internodes.

• Guadua angustifolia - larval habitatLiving bamboo culms; water-filled internode cavities
• Gynerium - associated plantWild cane; neotropical tall grass association
• Poaceae - associated plant familyMost species of the larger monophyletic lineage including Chaetopsis, Amethysa, and Euphara relatives are associated with various Poaceae plants
• Crambidae - facultative associationLepidopteran borers; newly emerged larvae use tunnels made by caterpillars to penetrate hard bamboo walls. Not a food source.

Eggs laid in bamboo. Larvae develop in water-filled internode cavities of living bamboo culms. Newly emerged larvae use tunnels made by Crambidae caterpillars to penetrate hard bamboo walls. Larvae are saprophagous and adapted to an aquatic lifestyle. Last instar larvae jump easily and exit bamboo to pupate in soil.

Last instar larvae exhibit jumping behavior to exit bamboo internodes. Larvae display aquatic adaptations for life in water-filled phytotelmata. Use of pre-existing lepidopteran borer tunnels represents a facilitative behavioral adaptation to overcome physical barriers of hard bamboo walls.

Saprophagous decomposers in bamboo phytotelmata. Secondary invaders of herbaceous stems. Contributes to nutrient cycling within specialized microhabitats of living bamboo culms.

• Chaetopsis Loew, 1868 and related taxaShares synapomorphy of differentiated short parafrontal setulae and long, strong frontal and interfrontal setae; part of larger monophyletic lineage within Lipsanini
• Amethysa Macquart, 1835, Euphara Loew, 1868 and relativesShares synapomorphy of differentiated short parafrontal setulae and long, strong frontal and interfrontal setae; part of larger monophyletic lineage within Lipsanini; associated with Poaceae plants
• Other Lipsanini genera outside Aspistomella groupHigh clypeus and unenlarged epistome; Aspistomella group has enlarged, anteriorly produced epistome and low clypeus

• BugGuide
• Catalogue of Life
• Revision of the Aspistomella group of genera (Diptera: Ulidiidae: Pterocallinae: Lipsanini)