Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Large larva attacking earthworm

Posted by Louis Boumans on 10-08-2009 00:11
#1

I found this large (ca. 18-20 mm) larva vigorously attacking a large earthworm. It curled around the rear end of the worm and punched its skin. It walks quickly and has pseudopods.

I brought both worm and larva home. There, the larva appeared no longer interested in the worm, but had its bellyclearly filled with its victim's blood. The worm is badly injured but still alive.

Which fly could this be? Muscidae. Caliphoridae, Sarcophagidae?

Edited by Louis Boumans on 10-08-2009 00:16

Posted by Louis Boumans on 10-08-2009 00:13
#2

worm has lesions / constrictions at the rear end;

Posted by Louis Boumans on 10-08-2009 00:14
#3

blood in the larva's gut

Posted by andrzej grzywacz on 10-08-2009 07:59
#4

I know that Pollenia (Calliphoridae) are parasites of earthworms, but I don't know is this one belongs to this genus.

Posted by Louis Boumans on 10-08-2009 10:08
#5

Thanks, Andrzej;

i know that Pollenia are endoparasites. However that does not necessarily exclude that they might also take a blood meal after their endoparasitic stage - I don't know if these pupate inside their host.

I think Sarcophagidae is the best bet, but who knows?

Posted by Tony Irwin on 10-08-2009 20:43
#6

Looks like it has a head capsule, so Rhagio is more likely. They are known predators of earthworms.

Posted by Louis Boumans on 12-08-2009 21:09
#7

Thanks Tony,

I hadn't thought of that option. I'll try if I can make a pciture of the head.