Code QD119999

Larval Thaumaleidae resemble larval Lutzomyia (Psychodidae), Forcipomyia (Ceratopogonidae), and several Chironomidae. The unpaired prolegs, ventrally-directed truncate head, and prothoracic spiracles on a short respirator tube will allow recognition.

Thaumaleid larvae are predominantly hygropetric in vertical, thin water films alongside waterfalls and torrents. They are intolerant of elevated temperaturesand are most frequent in fully shaded localities. They feed by grazing on diatoms. Little or no life history information is available on Australian species: recent taxonomic revision (Theischinger, 1986) is based on the adult stage alone.

Reference:

Theischinger, G. (1986) Australian Thaumaleidae Insecta: Diptera. Records of the Australian Museum 38 : 291-317.

Checklist to the Australian species of Thaumaleidae

Austrothaumalea Tonnoir.

Austrothaumalea australis Theischinger. WA.

Austrothaumalea barrydayi Theischinger. NSW.

Austrothaumalea capricornis Theischinger. NSW.

Austrothaumalea cervula Theischinger. NSW.

Austrothaumalea commoni Theischinger. NSW.

Austrothaumalea denticulata Theischinger. Tas, NSW, Qld, Vic.

Austrothaumalea fusca Theischinger. Tas.

Austrothaumalea macalpinei Theischinger. NSW.

Austrothaumalea minnamurrae Theischinger. NSW, Qld.

Austrothaumalea similis Theischinger. Tas.

Austrothaumalea simplex Theischinger. Tas.

Austrothaumalea sinuosa Theischinger. NSW.

Austrothaumalea spinosa Theischinger. NSW, Tas.

Austrothaumalea tasmanica Theischinger. Tas.

Austrothaumalea tonnoiri Theischinger. NSW.

Austrothaumalea uptoni Theischinger. NSW.

Austrothaumalea victoriae Theischinger. Vic.

Austrothaumalea zentae Theischinger. NSW, Tas.

Niphta Theischinger.

Niphta bickeli Theischinger. NSW.

Niphta collessi Theischinger. ACT.

Niphta farecta Theischinger. NSW.