On the biology of the bird parasite Neottiophilum praeustum (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera, Neottiophilidae)

摘要

AbstractThe first data on blood-sucking ectoparasitic larvae ofNeottiophilum praeustum(Meig.) which develop in bird nests are presented in Russia, with the fieldfareTurdus pilarisL. as a host example. Larval development takes not more than 10–12 days but no puparia are formed until late autumn. The larvae ofNeottiophilumresemble those of calliphorid flies both in body structure and life mode. The main diagnostic characters ofNeottiophilumlarvae distinguishing them from calliphorid ones are the spiracular disk of the posterior spiracles being positioned dorsal rather than ventral to the stigmal plate and lying outside rather than inside its peritreme. In addition, the anterior spiracles have 14–15, rather than 3–8 spiracular chambers.]]>