Parasite Infestation of Antocha ( Antocha ) bifida Alexander , 1924 (Diptera: Tipulidae) by Water Mite Larvae ( Sperchon plumifer Thor , 1902) in the Middle Reaches of the Shinano River, Central Japan

This is the first report of parasite infestation of Tipulidae by water mite larvae in the middle reaches of a river in Japan. Forty‐four species of adult crane flies were identified. The most abundant species was Antocha ( Antocha ) bifida Alexander 1924 with 22204 individuals (76.5% were male). Some 2113 individuals (9.5%) were parasitized by water mites, viz., Sperchon plumifer Thor 1902 (maximum: 40/host, mean value: 3.5 ± 2.5/host). 73.1% of S. plumifer larvae were attached to the abdomen. Many S. plumifer larvae parasitized A. bifida adults from late May to early July, but after a small flood, few S. plumifer larvae were collected. Floods have a major impact on both the A. bifida population and on its parasite, the S. plumifer larval population. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)