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[Vol. 92 
(Figure 13). This is very tentatively interpreted to represent Db3 
(consistent with Ashe and Watrous (1984)), but the homologies of 
this seta are uncertain. Similarly, the campaniform sensilla between 
Db3 and P3 on abdominal terga II-VII is interpreted to represent 
C4 which has been displaced posteriorly, rather than C5. This is 
based on the facts that C5 is not found on other terga, and C5 is 
located between P3 and P4 in all other aleocharine larvae which 
have been examined for this characteristic. However, this sensilla 
could actually represent C5 which has been displaced into an 
aberrant position. 
Resolution of these and other problematic chaetotaxic homolo- 
gies will hopefully be facilitated by future comparative studies of 
larvae of both closely related and more distantly related aleo- 
charines. 
The tergal chaetotaxy of larvae of M. venustula is reduced to a 
pattern very suggestive of that described by Ashe (In press) for 
larvae of the fungus feeding Gyrophaenina. However, there are sig- 
nificant differences between members of these groups in mouthpart 
structure of both larvae and adults as well as other gross body 
differences. In addition, structure of the tergal gland and associated 
structures differ in significant ways. Based on these very striking 
differences between Meronera larvae and those of the Gyrophae- 
nina, similarities in tergal chaetotaxy of larvae of these two groups 
are almost certainly derived in parallel and do not indicate a close 
relationship. 
Conclusions 
Several general features of the life history and ecology of Meron- 
era venustula are suggested by this study. Presence of adults (and 
absence of larvae) in early spring implies that adults are the over- 
wintering generation. This is consistent with a similar report of 
Blatchley (1910); however, he did not give data to support his state- 
ment. Available data do not preclude the possibility that pupae or 
prepupal larvae overwinter and emerge to adults in spring. How- 
ever, absence of tenerals from among adults collected is not consist- 
ent with this interpretation. 
The sex ratio in the early season adult population appears to be 
strongly biased toward females (11 females:4 males in this sample). 
It is possible that this represents a collecting artifact. If, however, 
