Tanyderidae

Definition

A family of long, delicate nematoceran flies (Diptera) commonly called primitive crane flies. Adults are recognized by their spotted or mottled wings and habit of resting on vegetation near streams; larvae inhabit wet decaying wood or sandy and gravelly margins of streams. The family is distinguished from the true crane flies (Tipulidae) by plesiomorphic wing venation and genitalic characters.

Etymology

From Greek tany- (long, stretched) + dera (neck, throat), referring to the elongated, slender body form.

Example

Adults of Protanyderus, a genus in Tanyderidae, are collected by sweeping riparian vegetation where they rest with wings folded roof-like over the body.

Synonyms

• Primitive crane flies

Related Terms

• Tipulidae
• Nematocera
• Diptera
• crane fly
• riparian habitat
• aquatic larvae

Usage Notes

Sometimes confused with Tipulidae (true crane flies) due to convergent body form; specialists distinguish Tanyderidae by more complete wing venation with fewer crossvein reductions and by male genitalic structure. The family is relatively small and relictual, with most extant species in the Southern Hemisphere.