An observation of leaping behaviour in larvae of Drosophilidae (Diptera)

Abstract

Leaping behaviour was observed in Drosophilidae larvae discovered in tomatoes. Two species were identified based on molecular techniques---Drosophila immigrans and Scaptodrosophila kirki. Jumping has not been reported in either of these two species. It is unclear whether the larvae of one or both species jumped and what the function of this behaviour is in this instance.