title: Lizard feeding by Leptoconops (Brachyconops) californiensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) on desert sand dunes.
abstract: Adult females of Leptoconops (Brachyconops) californiensis Wirth & Atchley and 1 female of Leptoconops (Holoconops) sp. near knowltoni were collected from 5 species of lizards in desert sand dune habitats in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, California, and northern Sonora, Mexico. Feeding by L. californiensis was observed on the dorsum (usually the heads) of the lizards, with up to 6 L. californiensis on a host at 1 time. The L. sp. near knowltoni appeared to be trying to feed but did not contain blood. Midges fed during calm, warm daylight periods from March through October. Reptile feeding by Ceratopogonidae is reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside 92521, USA.
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Mullens
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barrows
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Borkent
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002140:California; D002519:Ceratopogonidae; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D008116:Lizards; D008800:Mexico