European odonata as hosts of forcipomyia paludis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

Abstract

The biting midge Forcipomyia (Pterobosca) paludis is the only ceratopogonid species known to parasitise Odonata imagines in Europe. In this study, based mainly on the analysis of about 200 photographically documented cases, data on host species, parasite load and undisturbed position on the odonate body were analysed. The list of hitherto known hosts is extended significantly to include 55 Odonata species. The records date from mid-May to the beginning of August. Most data originate from southern France, Switzerland, Austria and Germany, with a few from Sweden and Croatia. Only females of F. paludis were found on Odonata, attached to both sides of the wings with a preference for their basal half, and mostly facing the wing base. In Calopteryx spp. the midges were likewise present on the wing tips. In a few cases midges were also found on the odonate's thorax and abdomen. © 2008 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.