Journal of Entomology and Zoology, Vol. 11, No. 4, December 1919 — John Shaqi
Journal of Entomology and Zoology, Vol. 11, No. 4, December 1919Various
Science
Journal of Entomology and Zoology, Vol. 11, No. 4, December 1919
Various
Entomology -- California -- Periodicals; Entomology -- Periodicals; Zoology -- California -- Periodicals; Zoology -- Periodicals
The adult flies of _D. germana_ usually occur in the immediate
neighborhood of running or stagnant water and may be swept from the
rank vegetation in such places. The flies rest on the upper surface of
the leaves of tall herbs and low shrubs. In eastern Kansas, the flies
of _D. winnemana_, _D. tigrina_ and _D. minima_ often occur together.
In June, _D. winnemana_ appears on the wing and is found associated
with _Tipula morrisoni_ Alex., _T. mingwe_ Alex., etc.; in July, _D.
minima_ appears, together with _Tipula flavibasis_ Alex., _T.
unimaculata_ Lw., etc.; still later in July _D. tigrina_ emerges and
all three species fly together during August and into September when
they fly with _Tipula ultima_ Alex., _T. unifasciata_ Lw., etc. It is
curious that no other species of Limnobiinæ occur in the thamnophytic
association frequented by _Dicranoptycha_. All three species of this
genus as discussed above have habits that are generally similar to one
another. They are usually found resting quietly on the upper surface of
the leaves but fly readily and on slight disturbance. Pairs in
copulation are often found resting, the bodies directed away from one
another and the wings folded over the abdomen. While thus united they
fly readily, sometimes the female taking the initiative, sometimes the
rather smaller male. The eggs are deposited in the soft earth in these
situations.
NATURAL AFFINITIES
In the Monographs (1869) Osten Sacken included the genus
_Dicranoptycha_ in his tribe (section) Limnobina anomala, or, as it
subsequently became known, the Rhamphidini, and still later the
Antochini. A recent survey of the immature stages of several Antochine
genera has shown that the tribe is merely an artificial grouping based
on superficial resemblance of the adult flies. This heterogeneous
assemblage includes representatives of at least three other tribes,
_Dicranoptycha_, together with _Antocha_, _Elliptera_, _Rhamphidia_,
etc., showing an undeniable affinity with the Limnobiini, whereas
_Teucholabis_, _Elephantomyia_, etc., show an equally clear
relationship with the Eriopterini. Moreover a close phylogenetic
relationship with the lowermost subtribes of the Hexatomini (_Ularia_,
_Epiphragmaria_, etc.), is easily apparent.
_Dicranoptycha_ shows the closest affinities with _Antocha_ and
_Rhamphidia_. The larvæ of these three genera, each of which typifies a
division, show the following common characters:
Abdominal segments with basal transverse creeping welts or areas of
microscopic points. The massive compact head-capsule with the
præfrontal sclerite large, distinct, the externo-lateral plates large,
mussel-shaped and very thin. The mentum is not completely divided
medially. The maxillæ are large and of primitive structure, the
cardines and stipites distinct, the two distal lobes large, subequal in
size, covered with hairs and bearing sensory organs. Mandibles with one
or more dorsal and two or more ventral teeth in addition to the apical
point.
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