Bibio rufipes
(Zetterstedt, 1838)
March fly
Bibio rufipes is a of in the Bibionidae. emerge in spring, with males forming conspicuous swarms that blanket ground and low vegetation. Females possess adaptations including stout, downcurved spurs on the fore tibiae used to excavate soil for -laying. The species occurs across northern Europe including Norway and Sweden.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Bibio rufipes: /ˈbɪ.bi.oʊ ˈruː.fɪˌpɛs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Bibio by characters of the male genitalia. Females have tiny relative to body size; males have large, spherical, that meet at the top of the head. Fore tibiae bear a pair of stout, downcurved spurs in females. Similar to Dilophus species, which have rings of shorter teeth on fore legs rather than long spurs, and are typically smaller, less robust, and frequently reddish rather than black.
Habitat
Rich soils supporting decaying organic matter. found in open areas where males swarm near ground level and low vegetation.
Distribution
Northern Europe: confirmed present in Norway and Sweden.
Seasonality
Spring ; active mid-spring.
Diet
Larvae feed on decaying plant material in soil, manure, compost, and roots of grasses and herbs. have been observed feeding on nectar.
Life Cycle
Females use fore tibial spurs to dig into soil several inches deep, depositing in masses of 200–300. Larval development occurs in soil; mature larvae likely overwinter, pupating in early spring. are short-lived.
Behavior
Males form dense swarming near the ground to which females are attracted for mate selection. Prolonged copulation and post-copulatory guarding by males occurs, with pairs remaining conjoined for extended periods.
Ecological Role
Larvae function as decomposers, breaking down decaying plant material in soils. Occasionally may damage roots of cereal crops, vegetables, and rangeland grasses.
Human Relevance
can emerge in large numbers, potentially creating nuisance conditions. Not known to bite or sting.
Similar Taxa
- Dilophus speciesLack long fore tibial spurs (have rings of shorter teeth instead); usually smaller, less robust, and often reddish rather than black.
- Plecia nearctica (lovebug)Restricted to Atlantic and Gulf coast states; flies in copula for days; red with black body, whereas Bibio rufipes is predominantly black.