Population records reveal expanded habitat preference for the endemic, predaceous Jamaican fungus gnat Neoditomyia farri (Diptera, Keroplatidae).

Autor: Stewart RS; Jamaican Caves Organisation, Ewarton, Jamaica., Kouwenberg S; Jamaican Caves Organisation, Ewarton, Jamaica., Pauel J; Jamaican Caves Organisation, Ewarton, Jamaica., Stellwagen S; Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Journal of insect science (Online) [J Insect Sci] 2024 Nov 01; Vol. 24 (6).
DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieae105
Abstrakt: The predaceous fly Neoditomyia farri Coher is currently regarded as having an unknown population distribution in Jamaica. The larvae are known for their production of sticky "fishing lines" that are covered in adhesive droplets for prey capture and hang down from cave walls and ceilings. Published research beyond early observational records of the species is limited to one site-Dromilly Cave in the parish of Trelawny. The Jamaican Caves Organisation has observed larvae of the species at 26 caves visited over the last 2 decades and compiled a database with details of approximate numbers, internal and external environmental conditions, and accurate positions. Based on these records, we present evidence that the species is not cave obligate and describe factors that may suggest potential additional sites where the species can be found. Taken together, our observations paint a picture of a species which is ubiquitous and not under discernible threat, making it an excellent candidate for further research on its unique life history and behavior, which remain poorly understood.
(© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America.)
Databáze: MEDLINE