Athericidae

Definition

A small family of brachyceran flies (Diptera: Tabanoidea), commonly called water snipe flies or ibis flies. Adults are typically found near streams and rivers; larvae are aquatic predators in flowing water. The family was segregated from Rhagionidae in 1973 based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence and is now recognized as sister to Tabanidae (horse and deer flies).

Etymology

From genus Atherix + -idae (family suffix)

Example

Larvae of Atherix ibis form dense aggregations in fast-flowing streams, where they prey on aquatic insect larvae and small invertebrates before pupating in marginal substrates.

Synonyms

• water snipe flies
• ibis flies

Related Terms

• Tabanidae
• Rhagionidae
• Tabanoidea
• Brachycera
• Diptera
• Snipe fly
• aquatic insect larvae

Usage Notes

Formerly treated as a subfamily of Rhagionidae; modern phylogenetics places Athericidae as a distinct family within Tabanoidea. The common name 'ibis fly' refers to the genus Atherix, whose adults form mating swarms resembling flying ibis birds. Not to be confused with aquatic snipe flies in other families.