Crane Fly in Search of ID - Epiphragma solatrix

Crane fly

of Epiphragma solatrix . Move to Limoniidae, E. solatrix in Bugguide. - Chen

… Chen Young, 18 June, 2006 - 11:33pm

Thanks, Chen!

Thanks, Chen! I really appreciate the ID.

… Stephen Cresswell, 19 June, 2006 - 4:24am

Question

Chen, how does one distinguish Limoniidae Crane Flies from Tipulidae?

… Stephen Cresswell, 20 July, 2006 - 4:10am

Look under microscope:

Most craneflies have 4 segments of maxillary palpus. In Tipulidae – terminal segment of maxillary palpus elongate, longer than the first three segments combined. And their antennae usually with 13 segments.
These two images

show the elongate terminal maxillary palpus under the head and also the 13 segments of antennae.

Limoniidae – terminal segment of maxillary palpus short or subequal to the third segment. Antennae usually with 14 or 16 segments. Can't find a good image to illustrate these characters, this one

maybe okay to see the maxillary palpus, but not too clear for the number of antennae. - Chen

… Chen Young, 20 July, 2006 - 8:59am

Wow

Wow, pretty daunting for those who photograph and do not collect! We are lucky to have you to help determine which family.

How reliable is the idea that Tipulidae tend to rest with their wings outstretched, and Limoniidae tend to rest with their wings folded over their abdomen?

… Stephen Cresswell, 20 July, 2006 - 10:45am

Not reliable at all...

Onc can see both outstreched and folded all over the two groups. - Chen

… Chen Young, 20 July, 2006 - 11:14am