On the larval morphology and ecology of the limoniid Microlimonia machidai (Diptera, Limoniidae)

Abstract

The morphology of Microlimonia machidai (Al.) larvae is described for the first time. The main diagnostic characters are the following: the presence of five well-developed stigmal lobes, which are sclerotized internally; the massive head capsule with a short frontal plate; the presence of creeping welts on abdominal segments III-VII and the absence of cone-like tooth on the anterior margin of the labium and hypopharynx. The most typical habitat is the juicy bast fibers in decaying trunks of coniferous and deciduous trees.