BEHAVIOR:

 

EMERGENCE:

  • Larvae go through four instars before pupating
  • Most growth happens during the first three instars
  • Tipulids have pharate pupae (i.e., a "prepupal"stage formed upon cessation of feeding by the last larval instar)
  • The larval to pupal moult coincides with the detachment of the adult epidermis from the old pupal cuticle (apolysis) and thus the exact timing of these various stages is frequently difficult to follow
  • In some aquatic species, the last larval instar moves onto land to "pupate" in burrows or moss and subsequent respiration takes place through the persisting larval spiracles
  • In those species in which the pupa remains submerged, generally those living in swift streams, cutaneous respiration through two cuticles is thought to occur, but this may be feasible only in such well-oxygenated environments
  • (Williams, 1992 pg.82)
  • Females emerge containing eggs ready for fertilization
  • The male will usually emerge at the same time or shortly before the female and will wait for her to mate
  • (Williams, 1992 pg. 3)
  • The Adults are short live
  • (Thorp, 1991 pg.629)
  • Egg stage usually less than 2 weeks 4 larval instars pupal stage is 5-12 days long life cycle is 6 weeks to 4 years (ie. larger ones have longer life cycle) most are univoltine a few ar bivoltine adults short-lived and most probably don't feed (http://www.biology.eku.edu/SCHUSTER/bio%20806/diptera.htm)

OVIPOSITION:

  • Copulation occurs in flight within hours of emergence
  • The ovipositor is from the cerci or lateral sternal portions of the 9th abdominal segment
  • Deposition varies greatly depending on the genus, some deposit directly into wet soil or algal mats
  • Some deposit directly onto the waters surface or drop from the air
  • Sometimes swarmming and rhythmic waving of colored body parts is displayed during copulation
  • Females will bob when feeding or laying eggs
  • (Williams, 1992 pg. 83)

ACTIVITY:

  • None available

LOCOMOTION:

  • Pupa:
  • Peristaltic method, exarate condition non-pharate (pre-adult, prior to emergence)
  • This stage is very active, moving by spines and processes on the abdomenal segments of the pupal cuticle
  • (Williams, 1992, pg. 76)
  • Larval:
  • Creeping welts- found on the ventral portions of some of the abdominal segments are thickened and bear rows of teeth or dense hairs
  • These act as an anchor, allowing the peristalic movement
  • (Williams, 1992 pg81)
  • Adults:
  • Slow flyers, which allows them to be easily preyed upon