On the Life History of Trichocera Saltator (Harris) (Diptera, Trichoceridae)

SUMMARY A species of Trichocera lives in the larval stage in cow pats, the larvae feeding on the dung. Although the definition of some of the species of Trichocera is difficult it is believed that the species associated with the cow dung is Trichocera saltator (Harris). Variation of the adult morphology is discussed. The larval stages feed and grow in the coldest months of the year, between October and February, despite the habitat often being completely frozen during frosts. The larvae enter a diapause in March and adults do not emerge until September or later. The length of life of the adult in the laboratory in the winter is from five to fifty‐nine days. The adults appear to be most active at night. Different species of Trichocera in Britain may have different life histories.