Question

Larviparity is a feature of

• A. Lepidoptera
• B. Hymenoptera
• C. Diptera
• D. Hemiptera

Hint:

Remember that flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) are classic textbook examples of larviparous insects. Associate "larviparity" with Diptera to quickly solve such evolutionary biology questions in entomology.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Insects display diverse reproductive strategies to maximize offspring survival.
While the majority of insects are oviparous (laying eggs that hatch externally), some species exhibit advanced reproductive strategies where embryonic development occurs inside the female reproductive tract.
Larviparity is a specific form of viviparity where the female retains fertilized eggs internally until they hatch, subsequently depositing active, free-living larvae directly onto the food source.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
This reproductive trait is highly developed and prominently observed within the order Diptera (true flies).
Prominent dipteran families that exhibit larviparity include Sarcophagidae (flesh flies), Tachinidae (parasitoid flies), and Glossinidae (tsetse flies).
In Sarcophagidae, adult females seek decaying organic matter or carrion and deposit first-instar larvae immediately.
This gives their offspring a competitive advantage over oviparous blowflies, as the larvae can begin feeding immediately without wasting time in the vulnerable egg stage.
In Tachinidae, some species deposit active larvae directly on or near host insects to facilitate rapid parasitization.
Other insect orders such as Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Hymenoptera (wasps, bees, ants), and Hemiptera (true bugs) are predominantly oviparous.
While some Hemiptera (like aphids) exhibit viviparity (specifically pseudoplacental viviparity), they give birth to active nymphs rather than morphologically distinct larvae.
Therefore, among the given choices, larviparity is a defining and notable feature strictly of the order Diptera.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Larviparity is a feature found only in Diptera among the listed options.
Thus, the correct option is 3 (C) only.