ABSTRACT
ECOLOGICAL STUDIES IN Euxesta eluta AND Euxesta annonae (DIPTERA Otitidae)

Daniel Frías L.1
 

Ecological aspects of two diptera of the Family Otitidae, Euxesta eluta and Euxesta annonae that in Chile parasite Zea mays were studied.
Results showed that these species present differences in their lifes cycles. Moreover, these diptera preferentially oviposit on cron ears at different maturity stages exhibiting also differences in the strategies for oviposition. Studies considering relative abundance of eggs, larvae and adults in time, indicate that E. annonae and E. eluta have a different seasonal accurrence.
The results indicate that these diptera utilize different ecological niches. this finding would explain the coexistence of these two species in those occasions in wich overlapping occurs during the year.

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1Profesor auxiliar, Unidad de Genétia y Evolución Experimental, Depto. Biología Celular y Genética, U de Chile, Sede Norte, Casilla 6556, Correo 7, Santiago, Chile.