Bibionidae

Definition

A family of nematoceran flies (order Diptera) comprising approximately 650–700 species worldwide, commonly known as March flies or lovebugs. Adults are typically stout-bodied with short antennae and reduced wing venation; they emerge in conspicuous spring swarms and frequently mate in copula, accounting for colloquial names such as 'love bugs' or 'honeymoon flies.' Larvae are soil-dwelling saprophages or root-feeders. The family comprises three subfamilies (Bibioninae, Penthetriinae, Pleciinae) with Bibio as the type genus.

Etymology

From Neo-Latin Bibio (type genus, of uncertain origin, possibly from Latin bibere 'to drink' referring to nectar-feeding adults) + -idae (family suffix).

Example

Swarms of Bibio marci (St. Mark's fly) emerging in European woodlands in late April are a classic phenological indicator of spring and a familiar example of Bibionidae biology.

Synonyms

• March flies
• lovebugs
• honeymoon flies

Related Terms

• Diptera
• Nematocera
• Bibionomorpha
• Bibio
• Plecia
• Penthetria
• holometabolous
• saprophagy
• swarming behavior

Usage Notes

The common name 'March flies' is regionally applied and sometimes extends to other spring-emerging dipterans; in Australia the term often refers to horse flies (Tabanidae). Specialists reserve Bibionidae for the family level and distinguish the three subfamilies by antennal segmentation and wing venation. The copulatory behavior that produces 'lovebug' common names is characteristic of Bibioninae and Pleciinae but not universal across the family.