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Larval morphology of Mischoderus (Insecta, Diptera, Nematocera, Tanyderidae) with notes on tanyderid affinities
Author(s) -
ANTHON HENNING
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
zoologica scripta
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.204
H-Index - 64
eISSN - 1463-6409
pISSN - 0300-3256
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-6409.1988.tb00114.x
Subject(s) - biology , affinities , larva , zoology , morphology (biology) , genus , evolutionary biology , ecology , biochemistry
The cuticular morphology of a hitherto unknown larva from New Zealand belonging to the genus Mischoderus is described in detail. From this it appears that this larva (and probably tanyderid larvae in general) represents a much more remarkable type than can be seen from the available descriptions, the head capsule showing some morphological features unique among nematocerous larvae. Furthermore, it is established that tanyderid larvae do not represent such a primitive stage as is often claimed. However, no closer affinities to other nematocerous families can be stated in a convincing way.