Revision of Life Cycle of Chetoneura shennonggongensis (Diptera: Keroplatidae, Keroplatinae) From Jiangxi Province, China from Thu, 2009-11-19 21:58

We report the first description of the biology of non-bioluminescent Keroplatidae from China. The life cycle of Chetoneura shennonggongensis is documented from laboratory culture and from field observations. The larval stage usually lasts 8–10 months. Large amounts of pupae are observed in late June, where they remain suspended horizontally or vertically from silk threads. The pupal suspending postures differ from other Keroplatidae species. Sexual differentiation is evident from the pupal stage. July is the peak time of adult emergence. Mating usually takes place immediately upon female emergence if adult males are available. The adult life span is short. Females live a maximum of 5 days and males 7 days. Egg development time varies from 20–30 days depending on environmental temperature. Larvae hang long sticky silk threads with a series of mucous droplets to capture prey. Some behaviors associated with snare construction and prey capture are also described.