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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Flies (Diptera) » "Nematocera" (Non-Brachycera) » Tipulomorpha » Limoniid Crane Flies (Limoniidae) » Limonia

Genus Limonia

Crane Fly - Limonia triocellata Visitor to Bathroom Mirror - Limonia immatura Pointy end - Limonia communis Folded-wing Cranefly, 1:57pm - Limonia cinctipes Insect for ID - Limonia Crane Fly - Limonia annulata Tipulidae ? - Limonia Tipulid? - Limonia
Classification
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class Insecta (Insects)
Order Diptera (Flies)
No Taxon ("Nematocera" (Non-Brachycera))
Infraorder Tipulomorpha
Family Limoniidae (Limoniid Crane Flies)
Genus Limonia
Numbers
143 species in North America (nearctica.com)
more than 2,000 species in 41 subgenera worldwide
Size
10-12 mm
Identification
antennae with 12 flagellomeres; radial sectorial vein with two branches
The adults of this species are characterized by elongate mouthparts used for taking nectar from flowers. They display an up-and-down bobbing motion on the surface of rocks or leaves. This bobbing is especially noticeable immediately after the fly has landed or when it has been disturbed.
Food
The larvae feed mainly on algae.
Life Cycle
The larvae spend their lives in gelatinous tubes constructed on rocks covered with algal growth, where the surface is constantly wet along streams or vertical cliffs.
Internet References
The Crane Flies of Pennsylvania (Dr. Chen Young, Carnegie Museum of Natural History)
Contributed by Robin McLeod on 20 July, 2005 - 8:17pm
Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Last updated 10 December, 2005 - 7:22pm

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