Laboratory Rearing Techniques of Paedogenetic Gall Midges（Diptera: Cecidomyiidae）Collected from the Field and Effects of Temperature on the Paedogenetic Development of Mycophila sp

• Published in: Japanese Journal of Applied Entomology and Zoology Vol. 67; no. 2; pp. 57 - 61
• Main Authors: Tokuda, Makoto, Sawahata, Takuo, Furukawa, Akihiro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Japanese
• Published: Tokyo JAPANESE SOCIETY OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY 25.05.2023; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Cecidomyiidae; Developmental stages; Diptera; Forest floor; Insects; Laboratory methods; Larvae; Larval development; Life cycles; Mycophila; Paedogenesis; Rearing; rearing method; Temperature effects
• ISSN: 0021-4914; 1347-6068; 1347-6068
• DOI: 10.1303/jjaez.2023.57

Paedogenesis is a unique reproductive mode shown only by some fungivorous gall midges（Diptera: Cecidomyiidae）and a coleopteran species in insects. Recently, we found various species of paedogenetic gall midges in their natural habitats, such as decayed trunks and branches on the forest floor in Japan. In this study, we established a continuous rearing technique for paedogenetic gall midges in the laboratory using Flammulina velutipes mycelia growing on potato dextrose agar（PDA）media. In addition, the effects of temperature on the paedogenetic larval development were examined for Mycophila sp. A. The generation period of one paedogenetic cycle was 5.9 days at 24°C and a mother larva produced 15–16 young larvae on average. The developmental zero and thermal constant in the paedogenetic development were estimated to be 8.3°C and 92.7 degree-days, respectively, with the traditional linear method. The laboratory rearing method established in this study is useful for studying the developmental traits of paedogenetic gall midges as well as for examining the mechanism of reproduction mode shift from a paedogenetic to holometabolic life cycle.