The phoretic association of Nanocladius (Nanocladius) rectinervis (Kieffer) (Diptera: Chironomidae) on Nigronia serricornis Say (Megaloptera: Corydalidae)

Abstract

Nanocladius (Nanocladius) rectinervis larvae were discovered living phoretically on larval Nigronia serricornis in the Humber River, Ontario. No previous record of this association is known. Late-instar N. (N.) rectinervis appear to be host specific to N. serricornis.Nanocladius (N.) rectinervis larvae live in silken tubes attached to the mesothoracic venter ofthe host and feed on detrital material caught up in the body folds of the host. Overwintering occursas late-instar larvae; pupation and emergence of the chironomid appears to precede the terrestrial pupation of the host. Phoresy seems to provide mobility, habitat stability, and protection for the chironomid.