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AH_Cave Fungus Gnat Speolepta leptogaste pupa_3760.jpg
Cave Fungus Gnat (Speolepta leptogaster) pupa. Often considered a troglobite as the larvae have not been found outside of cave-like habitats. The larva is usually found on the cave walls on a mucus-covered slide that is supported by a network of silk threads. The larva moves about this construction, gliding along the mucus with ease. The silk is covered in tiny droplets that are at times consumed by the larva, possibly as a means of consuming fungus that builds up on the droplets over time. Th ePupa can be seen suspended from the silk threads. This colony was found in a long-abandoned lead mine. Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, UK. March.