Predation by <i>Ostenia robusta</i> on <i>Costelytra zealandica</i> pupae

Abstract

Soil sampling in a cereal crop near Southbridge Canterbury revealed dipteran larvae attacking Costelytra zealandica (White) pupae Approximately 50 of the pupae had larvae associated with them DNA sequencing analysis of larval specimens indicated they most likely belonged to the family Dolichopodidae Larval specimens were reared through to adults and were identified as Ostenia robusta (Hutton) (Diptera Dolichopodidae) This is the first record of the association of O robusta larvae with C zealandica pupae A general description of the adult and larva of this species is provided along with DNA sequencing data and observations on its association with C zealandica pupae The potential role of O robusta in regulating populations of C zealandica is briefly considered