Family Bittacidae - Hangingflies

Family named by Handlirsch, 1906. Named for genus Bittacus, which see.

Arnett, p. 832, lists four genera and 11 species. (1)

10 species in 4 genera listed at nearctica.com

10-20 mm

Resemble large crane flies (Diptera: Tipulidae). Close examination reveals four wings (not two) and no halteres. Hang by front and middle legs from low plants, and use hind legs to capture passing prey. Tarsi have only one claw. Have a prominent "beak" like Scorpionflies, but wings are unspotted, at least in North American species.

Bittacus is a widespread genus (8 spp.) of eastern woodlands. Rests with wings folded.

Black-tipped Hangingfly (Hylobittacus apicalis) is active during the day; found in eastern United States. It rests with wings outspread, and has black wingtips.

Orobittacus obscurus is nocturnal and rests with wings folded; found in California.

Apterobittacus apterus is a wingless species found in California.

Typically woodlands near streams; adults often attracted to lights.

May-September or October (Bittacus, North Carolina)

Predatory on small insects, especially Diptera. Capture prey with hind legs while hanging by front legs from perch.

Males offer nuptial gifts of prey to females. They mate while hanging from a perch. Eggs are rectangular, with a depression on each side. They are laid on marshy ground during summer, and hatch the next spring. Larvae resemble caterpillars and are unique among the larvae of holometabolous insects in that they have ocelli.