March Flies
Bibionidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Infraorder: Bibionomorpha
- Family: Bibionidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Bibionidae: /ˌbɪbiˈɒnɪdiː/
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Images
Summary
Bibionidae, known as March Flies or Lovebugs, consist of around 650-700 species and are recognized for their mating behaviors and ecological roles as pollinators. Their larvae are important decomposers in various habitats, but some species can be agricultural pests.
Physical Characteristics
Small to medium-sized flies with robust bodies, usually dark, often with brightly colored thorax. Body length from 4.0 to 10.0 mm. The body is black, brown, or rusty, with thick legs. Antennae are moniliform. Wings have two basal cells but lack a discoidal wing cell, with R4+5 being simple or branched. Strong protibial spurs are present. Tarsi are five-segmented with tarsal claws, pulvilli, and a well-developed empodium.
Identification Tips
Genera can be distinguished by wing veins. Wing characteristics include two basal cells, other defining venation features, and strong protibial spurs in the front tibiae.
Habitat
Larvae live gregariously in the top layers of soil and leaf litter, rotten wood, and dung. Adults are often found on flowers.
Distribution
Most diverse in the Neotropical and Palaearctic regions; wide distribution patterns vary considerably between genera worldwide.
Diet
Larvae feed on leaf and needle litter, decaying organic matter, and living plant roots. Some genera larvae are xylophagous and bore in decaying wood. Adults feed on nectar, pollen, honeydew, and plant liquids.
Life Cycle
Adults emerge synchronously in large numbers, forming mating aggregations. Females dig a small chamber in the soil to lay eggs and die shortly after. Larvae develop underground and do not wander far from their birthplace.
Reproduction
Males form loose swarms and copulate with females upon their emergence. Female bibionines lay eggs in small chambers dug in the soil or on the soil surface.
Ecosystem Role
Adults are important pollinators in orchards, especially for certain species of Orchidaceae and Iridaceae. Larvae contribute to soil health and humus accumulation.
Economic Impact
Some larvae are pests of crops including cereals, vegetables, and ornamentals, while adults are significant pollinators.
Cultural Significance
Known colloquially as 'lovebugs' because of their prolonged mating behaviors; often observed in large swarms in spring.
Collecting Methods
- Light traps
- Netting adults during swarming events
- Sampling larvae from soil or compost
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Alcohol preservation
- Mounting specimens
Evolution
Bibionidae has an extensive fossil record, with some species dating back to the Jurassic. Fossils show considerable similarity to modern species.
Misconceptions
Commonly mistaken as pests due to their swarming behavior, particularly in mating seasons, rather than being recognized for their ecological role as pollinators.
Tags
- Diptera
- Bibionidae
- March Flies
- Lovebugs