科研之友
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摘要
Many species of social parasites are rare and endangered and knowledge of their interaction with hosts is often scarce. This is particularly true for Microdon syrphid flies, many of which are obligate social parasites of ants. Since cryptic speciation is common in social parasites, the precise number of Microdon species is unknown and only a few apparently exist all across Europe. Here we present data on the host ant specificity, larval behavior and habitat preferences of Microdon major. This species was considered as a sibling species of M analis by Schmid (2004) mostly on the basis of some morphological differences between pupae and different host ant use. In this paper we report the first Italian record of M. major. Larvae and pupae of this species were found in two nests of Formica lemani and in one colony of Formica fusca. The three infested nests had been built under stones and fallen wood, and M. major instars were found in the wood debris, close to, or inside the brood chambers. M major was found in sunny mountain meadows, surrounded by trees. On the contrary, M. analis is associated with Lasius ants and occurs in more wet habitat, such as the "Molinietum". During our field survey we observed a small M. major larvae preying on ant brood. Only very limited information is available, however, on the habitat preferences and host ant specificity of these Microdon species, and we stress the need to improve our understanding of their biology before we can draw appropriate schemes for the conservation of these rare social parasites, as well as for gaining a more complete understanding of their taxonomy.
- 出版日期2011
