Life cycle characteristics in Tanytarsus sylvaticus (van der Wulp,1859) (Chironomidae, Diptera)

Abstract

The life cycle of Tanytarsus sylvaticus (van der Wulp, 1859) has been analysed in two quite different sites in Belgium (Mirwart, Ardennes and Diksmuide, West-Flanders). T. sylvaticus is strictly univoltine; its single emergence period occurs in early spring. A summer diapause in the 3rd instar is typical of this species. The synchronization of the emergence period, however, seems to depend, on a second diapause, this time in the 4th instar, during winter.