Immature stages, morphology and feeding behaviour of the saprophytic syrphids Copestylum tamaulipanum and Copestylum lentum (Diptera: Syrphidae)

Abstract

Adults of Copestylum tamaulipanum and C. lentum were reared from larvae collected from decaying platyclades of the cactus Opuntia in the state of Veracruz (Mexico). The larvae and puparia of both species, as well as preliminary data about their life cycles are described. The feeding behaviour of the larva in relation to the morphology of the cephalopharyngeal skeleton is analysed.