Raspi, A., & Bertolini, L. 1993 Contributions to the knowledge of Diptera Chamaemyiidae. VI. Ethological and morphological notes on Leucopis (Leucopomyia) silesiaca Egger and Leucopis (Leucopomyia) alticeps Czerny.. Frustula Entomologica, Pisa (N.S.) 16: 119-132.
Notes: The morphology and biology of Leucopis alticeps and L. silesiaca were studied in Tuscany, Italy, in 1988-90. These are the only two species of the subgenus Leucopomyia found in Italy. The larvae prey on the eggs of species of Coccidae, Pseudococcidae and Eriococcidae in the egg-sac. L. alticeps completed at least 4 generations between May and September on the coccid Lichtensia viburni on olive, but many other hosts were recorded, including the coccid Chloropulvinaria floccifera and the pseudococcid Planococcus citri. The white eggs were laid beside the egg-sac or beside the young female host. The biology of Leucopis silesiaca was similar and this species could live on the same hosts as L. alticeps but completed only 2 generations between May and June on Lichtensia viburni on olive. In August and September, L. silesiaca is found only at a certain altitude and it is suggested that the two species probably occupy different ecological niches. The larvae of these species could be distinguished by the more pronounced posterior spiracular protuberances of L. alticeps. A single larva could consume about 500 eggs during its developmental period.