Australian Biological Resources Study

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Family BEROTHIDAE


Compiler and date details

T.R. New La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia

Introduction

The Berothidae are structurally diverse, but all Australian taxa are referable to the Berothinae, one of four subfamilies in this group (U. Aspöck 1986). Many species are restricted to the northern or dryer parts of Australia, and most genera are endemic. The narrow-winged Stenobiella Tillyard, 1916 and broader-winged Spermophorella Tillyard, 1916 represent contrasting appearances in the family.

Fragmentary biological information is available for Spermophorella (Tillyard 1916) species of which lay stalked eggs in batches and have subcortical larvae. Nothing is known of larval feeding habits, but larvae of a North American species of Lomamyia Banks, 1904, feed on termites, which they subdue chemically.

Recent studies on Australian Berothidae by U. & H. Aspöck, cited below in context, have transformed knowledge of our fauna.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
18-Feb-2014 BEROTHIDAE 17-Feb-2014 REVIEWED Dr Federica Turco (QM)
12-Feb-2010 (import)