Morphology and bionomics of Thoracochaeta johnsoni (Spuler) (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae)

Abstract

The morphology of the Sphaerocerid fly, Thoracochaeta johnsoni (Spuler), which frequented human dwellings around oyster farms in Mushiake, Okayama Pref., was redescribed for the first time in Japan. The adult fly is halophilous, blackish brown in color and 1.3-1.8mm in length. A mass of adults emerged from oyster shells abandoned near oyster farms and frequently attracted to light in the evening. The larva breeds in moist layer of oyster shells.