Zur Ernährungsweise der Muscina-Larven (Diptera: Muscidae).

Abstract

Induced by an appearance of Muscina stabulans Fall. within a cage containing pupae and adults of the Colorado Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) at Berlin, in August 1957, investigations were made concerning the larval food of the Muscina-species, especially the question: are Muscina larvae able to parasitize other insects? A critical survey of literature and rearing experiments proved the Muscina larvae to be phyto- or zoo-necrophageous. After the second larval stage, however, they become able to live carnivorous upon the larvae of other Diptera. Up to this time there is no incontestable observation demonstrating Muscina larvae to be parasites on insects or other animals. Therefore the Muscina-species are to be obliterated from the lists of parasites.