Omnivorous and predaceous larval habits of Muscina angustifrons (Loew) (Diptera, Muscidae)

Abstract

The larval feeding habit of Muscina angustifrons (Loew) was investigated by obtaining adults that emerged from mushroom fruiting bodies, in three different locations in central Japan from May to November in 2004 and 2005. The adults of M. angustifrons emerged from 19 mushroom species. Most of them emerged from mushrooms in the families of Amanitaceae, Russulaceae, and Boletaceae that produced large fruiting bodies. The larvae of M. angustifrons could grow to adults by feeding on mushroom fruiting bodies, and also by eating artificial turtle bait. These results suggest that M. angustifrons can utilize diverse food materials as well as mushroom fruiting bodies in the field. Moreover, the third instar larvae preyed on drosophilid larvae in a rearing experiment, suggesting that they prey on other fly larvae in mycophagous fly communities.