Biology of Euxesta eluta (Dipt.: Ulidiidae): behavior in the attack and putrefaction of corn ears

Abstract

Morphological studies of the inmature instars, life cycle, and bioecological aspects of Euxesta eluta (Dipt.: Ulidiidae) are presented. The analysis of the data shows that: a) morphological characteristics (spiracles, cephalopharyngeal skeleton) are sufficient criteria to identify and distinguish Euxesta eluta from other maize associated Diptera, and b) their mechanism of attack to the corn field gives support to the hypothesis that ?the presence and degree of field infestation by Euxesta eluta is independent of the previous attack of the ears by other insects, especially caterpillars?.