Snipe flies

Definition

A family of predatory or scavenging true flies (Diptera: Rhagionidae) characterized by an elongated, often downward-curved proboscis that resembles the bill of a snipe, and typically slender bodies with long legs. Adults frequent moist woodlands and riparian margins; larvae are generally soil-dwelling predators or saprophages.

Etymology

From the resemblance of the proboscis to the long, slender bill of a snipe (bird in family Scolopacidae).

Example

Rhagio mystaceus, the 'downlooker' snipe fly, perches head-down on tree trunks in European forests to ambush small prey.

Synonyms

• Rhagionidae

Related Terms

• Diptera
• Proboscis
• predatory flies
• Rhagio
• aquatic insects
• riparian habitat

Usage Notes

Strictly refers to family Rhagionidae, not to other long-proboscid flies such as bee flies (Bombyliidae) or robber flies (Asilidae). The common name is widely used in European and North American entomological literature, though regional vernaculars may apply 'snipe fly' to superficially similar unrelated taxa.