Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
formerly included in the family Rhagionidae (Snipe Flies)
Numbers
5 species in 2 genera in North America (
nearctica.com)
Identification
Adult: costa extends around entire wing; wings patterned; lower calypter much reduced or absent; stout tapered abdomen; longish legs; 1st & 2nd antennal segments doughnut-shaped, last (3rd) segment with long bristle; tibiae spurred; feet with triple pad beneath tarsal claws
Larva: 7 pairs of abdominal prolegs and a single proleg on the last segment; lack true head; long fleshy filaments extend from hind end; short filaments protrude from each side of each abdominal segment
Range
genus Atherix is Holarctic and occurs over much of North America
genus Suragina is Afrotropical, Australasian, and Central American; restricted to Texas in North America
Habitat
Larvae found in pristine streams, adults nearby.
Food
larvae are aquatic and either predaceous on other invertebrates or saprophagous in wooden debris, submerged timbers, etc.
Internet References
common name reference plus larval and adult description (Pacific Northwest True Flies, Flyfishing Entomology)
common name reference (Glossary of Wetland Terms, Virginia Dept. Education)
distribution (Neal Evenhuis, Bishop Museum, Hawaii)
family description and illustrations of
Atherix ibis (British Insects: the Families of Diptera, L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz)
