Forcipomyia(Microhelea)Eriophora(Williston) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) an Ectoparasite of LarvalAnaea troglodyta floridalis(Nymphalidae)

Abstract

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The Biting Midge,Forcipomyia (microhelea) eriophora(Williston) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), an Ectoparasite Of LarvalPhoebis sennae(Pieridae) in South Florida

“…In addition, the feeding activity of biting midges on Lepidoptera is not always fatal. Salvato et al (2012) reared late instar A. t. floridalis larvae (n = 2) to the adult stage following instances of Forcipomyia parasitism, and similar instances of sub-lethal Forcipomyia ectoparasitism on Lepidoptera larvae have been noted by Sevastopulo (1973) and Young (1983).…”

“…2). This ectoparasitic biting midge was recently discovered while feeding on a larva of the rare Florida leafwing butterfly, Anaea troglodyta floridalis F. Johnson and Comstock (Nymphalidae) (Salvato et al 2012). The species is also known to feed on larvae of Melanchroia geometroides Walker, on Cuba (Baker 1907); the Tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, (Sphingidae) in Puerto Rico (Wolcott 1951); and more recently on a larva of the swallowtail butterfly, Papilio demoleus, on Puerto Rico (Grogan pers.…”

The Influence of Host Plant Extrafloral Nectaries on Multitrophic Interactions: An Experimental Investigation

“…Though the same flies reared as parasitoids were also observed several times in the field on plants and on researchers, their numbers were not great enough to warrant analysis. Small flies observed sucking the haemolymph of sulfur caterpillars were collected and determined by William Grogan to be Forcipomyia ( Microhelea ) eriophora (Williston) (Ceratopogonideae), a species recently observed in the Florida Keys feeding on the Florida leafwing butterfly [ 38 ]. Most of the caterpillars found with the sucking flies died before pupation [ 14 ], perhaps from a virus transmitted by the flies.…”