The immature stages of the necrophagous fly Liopiophila varipes and considerations on the genus Liopiophila (Diptera: Piophilidae)

Abstract

The preimaginal stages of Liopiophila varipes (Meigen, 1830) (Diptera: Piophilidae), the only species of the genus Liopiophila Duda, are described. The first and second-instar larvae and the puparium are described for the first time. The morphology of the third-instar larva is described in detail and compared with previous descriptions. Despite recent classifications suggested considering Liopiophila as a synonym of Prochyliza Walker, the presence of two rows of spines on the ventral creeping welts and fan-shaped anterior spiracles with lobes arranged in two groups in larvae and puparium support the validity of Liopiophila as a genus and its consideration as the sister group of the genus Stearibia Lioy. A key to the genera of the subtribe Piophilina based on the known larvae is provided