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Towards a functional understanding of the cyclorrhaphan larval head (Diptera, Cyclorrhapha)

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Abstract

The larval stage is thought to play a significant role in radiations of Diptera (Insecta), but for the Cyclorrhapha (Diptera), a well-supported and diversified clade, evaluating larval roles is hindered by low taxon sampling, unresolved morphology and presumed similarity. This paper reviews investigations of the cyclorrhaphan larval head based on wider taxon sampling and functional assessment. It examines whether misunderstandings and superficial levels of analysis may have overestimated these difficulties. Functional assessment is a technique for investigating larvae and begins the process of making larvae better known as living organisms. For instance, functional assessments of larvae in the lower Cyclorrhapha helps resolve structures including the antenna and mandible whose homology is unclear. The levels of sclerotisation, alignment and fusion of head structures can predict feeding mechanisms and help turn the enigmatic cyclorrhaphan larval head into an analysable component.

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Acknowledgements

I am grateful to Keith Bland, Peter Chandler, Francis Gilbert, Geoff Hancock, Steve Hewitt, David Horsfield, Iain MacGowan, Maria Angeles Marcos-García, Richard Lyszkowski, Antonio Ricarte, Kenn Watt and Geoff Wilkinson and the late Colin Hartley and David Robertson for their support, collaboration and encouragement over many years.

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    Graham E. Rotheray

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Rotheray, G.E. Towards a functional understanding of the cyclorrhaphan larval head (Diptera, Cyclorrhapha). Zoomorphology 142, 265–278 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00435-023-00599-3

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