Adult natural history

Abstract

The internal anatomy of adult Phoridae is less well known than the external morphology, which is covered in numerous taxonomic works on the family (Chapter 8). Detailed anatomical studies were carried out by Schmitz (1929g), who also reviewed the external morphology (1938n). The anatomy of female Termitoxeniinae has been intensively studied, with particular reference to the reproductive system. However, it was partly misinterpreted in terms of the, now discarded, hermaphroditism theory of Wasmann (5.6). The full literature on the anatomy of Termitoxeniinae is cited by Borgmeier (1964a). Benner and Curtis (1988) provide a detailed treatment of the internal reproductive organs of Megaselia scalaris.

The insect interests me much more when engaged in its work than when stuck on a pin in a cabinet (Fabre, 1918)