Taxonomy and Feeding Biology of Net-winged Midges in Dominica

Abstract

One species of net-winged midge, belonging to the family Blephariceridae, is known from the island of Dominica. This project involved examining specimens brought back from Dominica. We compared the morphology of male and female mouthparts, and we concluded that this species expressed sexual dimorphism in their mouthparts. We also compared the species to previously reported blepharicerids in the Lesser Antilles to determine the possibility of a new species in Dominica. Specimens expressed variation in the genitalia and were concluded to belong to the species Paltostoma schineri. Lastly, gut contents were analyzed to determine if there are different food sources for adult male and female flies. The contents displayed different compositions, but further research is required.