OOTAXONOMIC INVESTIGATION OF 3 SPECIES OF MYCOMYA (DIPTERA, MYCETOPHILIDAE) - A SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPE STUDY

The egg-shell structure of three fungus-gnat species of the genus Myco mya (M. occultans, M. marginata, M. fimbriata) was investigated by sca nning electron microscope (SEM). Each species, pear-shaped with a sing le micropyle located at a pole, shows some distinctive characters in e gg morphology, namely different egg shape and size, together with chor ionic sculpturing of the micropylar area, egg surface and a specialize d ventral area. The latter, interpreted as a plastron, is detected for the first time in the eggs of Mycomyinae. Ootaxonomic data of these s pecies are compared with those of other Diptera and discussed in relat ion to adult behaviour and the microclimatic conditions of the laying biotope.