Macroveliidae

Pronunciation
/mak-roh-VEL-ee-ih-dee/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Macroveliidae

Definition

A small of semi-aquatic true () comprising macroveliid , characterized by their association with riparian and transitional zones between aquatic and terrestrial environments. The family contains at least four and represents a distinct lineage within the infraorder , separate from the more diverse with which they were formerly grouped.

Full guide

Read the full Macroveliidae guide for identification, examples, and taxonomy.

Etymology

From Greek makros (large, long) + (the name of smaller ), referring to their relatively larger body size compared to typical veliids.

Example

of Macrovelia, the type of Macroveliidae, are found skimming on the water surface film along rocky stream margins in western North America, where they prey on small trapped in the surface tension.

Related Terms

Usage Notes

Formerly treated as a (Macroveliinae) within ; elevated to rank based on morphological and molecular evidence. The distinction from Veliidae is primarily based on genitalic characters and pretarsal structure. Not to be confused with Macroveliinae as a subfamily rank.