Diptera.info

larval instar

One of the developmental stages of the larva, between successive moults (the term instar can also be used to describe any developmental stage including egg, pupa or imago, so must not be used without stating which part of the life cycle is being referred to, i.e., always write larval instar even though the terms egg instar, pupal instar, imago instar are very rare). The number of larval instars is six or seven in black flies (Simuliidae) and four in most other Nematocera. Along the second line of evolution of flies, Brachycera have from five to eight instars while the maggots of the most advanced flies (Cyclorrhapha) have only three. One or two species have no moults. Sometimes moults occur before the larva hatches from the egg. Muscidae, for example, are arranged in three groups according to whether they are trimorphic (i.e., have three free larval instars), dimorphic (i.e., pass the first instar in the egg, have two free larval instars), or monomorphic (i.e., pass the first two instars in the egg, have one free larval instar). Monomorphic larvae are always predatory; trimorphic and dimorphic larvae feed first on decaying matter (are saprophagous), but they may or may not be predatory in their final instar.
Recommended literature: Smith, K.V.G., 1989. An introduction to the immature stages of British flies. Diptera larvae, with notes on eggs, puparia and pupae. - Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects 10(14): 1-280. As an excellent reference with keys to suborders, families, subfamilies and genera.

lectotype

A syntype

designated as the single name-bearing type specimen subsequent to the establishment of a nominal species or subspecies. (From the Glossary of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature).

leg setae

These are setae header=[setae] body=[seta <img src='../../infusions//terms/images/no_image.gif' style='vertical-align:middle;' />] delay=[0] fade=[on]

placed on the surface of a leg. Often setae placed on femora or tibiae have diagnostic value, but there can also be setae on other parts of the legs. The leg is divided into eight imaginary planes: dorsal

header=[dorsal] body=[1. Located on the dorsum. For legs this means that these are considered as if they were in the position as given in the illustration. So, even if a leg is pointing upwards in a specimen, one should image that the leg was positioned in a horizontal plane, perpendicular to the body axis.<br />
<br />
2. Located in a more position towards the dorsum. For example, a seta can be located dorsal to another seta.<br />
<br />
Opposite: ventral.<br /><img src='http://www.diptera.info/images/orientation.gif' style='vertical-align:middle;' />] delay=[0] fade=[on]

, posterodorsal header=[posterodorsal] body=[Located in the plane between posterior and dorsal. <img src='http://www.diptera.info/images/orientation.gif' style='vertical-align:middle;' />] delay=[0] fade=[on]

, posterior

, posteroventral header=[posteroventral] body=[Located in the plane between posterior and ventral. <img src='http://www.diptera.info/images/orientation.gif' style='vertical-align:middle;' />] delay=[0] fade=[on]

, ventral

, anteroventral header=[anteroventral] body=[Located in the plane between anterior and ventral. <img src='http://www.diptera.info/images/orientation.gif' style='vertical-align:middle;' />] delay=[0] fade=[on]

, anterior

, and anterodorsal header=[anterodorsal] body=[Located in the plane between anterior and dorsal. <img src='http://www.diptera.info/images/orientation.gif' style='vertical-align:middle;' />] delay=[0] fade=[on]

header=[anterodorsal] body=[Located in the plane between anterior and dorsal.<br /><img src='http://www.diptera.info/images/orientation.gif' style='vertical-align:middle;' />] delay=[0] fade=[on]

. The leg flexes in the dorsal-ventral plane and if the leg is rotated on the coxa this is the important fact and not the position of the leg relative to the whole fly. Twin rows of small dorsal setae running the length of the femur and tibia act as a guide in some flies. Presence, absence, number and relative size of leg setae may be very significant taxonomic characters in many Diptera.

lesser dung flies

Vernacular name used for the family Sphaeroceridae.
Links: http://en.wikiped...eroceridae.

lesser house flies

Vernacular name used for the family Fanniidae, more precisely for Fannia canicularis.
Links: http://en.wikiped.../Fanniidae.

little house flies

lesser house flies (synonym)

love bug

Vernacular name for Plecia nearctica Hardy, 1940 (Pleciidae s.str. or Bibionidae s.l.).
Also known as lovebug, kissybug, telephone bug, double-headed bug, and honeymoon fly.
Links: http://en.wikiped...i/Love_bug

lovebug

love bug (synonym)

lower calypter

The proximal lobe of the posterobasal portion of the axillary membrane that joins the hind margin of the wing to the thorax is called the lower calypter. It begins as a narrow, membranous ligament arising from the furrow between the scutellum and the postnotum and ends where the more distal lobe, the upper calypter, folds sharply over it.

About the site