Bibio superfluus
Schiner, 1868
Garden Maggot
Bibio superfluus, commonly known as the Garden Maggot, is a of march fly in the Bibionidae. are active in spring, with males forming conspicuous swarms that attract females for mating. The species exhibits strong in structure. Larvae develop in soil where they feed on decaying organic matter and plant roots.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Bibio superfluus: //ˈbɪ.bi.oʊ suˈpɜr.fluː.əs//
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Identification
Males have large, spherical, that meet at the top of the . Females have disproportionately small heads relative to body size. All Bibio possess a pair of stout, downcurved spurs at the apex of the tibia on the first leg—this distinguishes them from the similar Dilophus, which has a ring of shorter teeth instead.
Habitat
occur in open areas where males swarm near ground level and low vegetation. Larvae inhabit rich soils, manure, compost, and decaying organic matter.
Distribution
Recorded across North America. iNaturalist observations indicate presence in the United States and Canada.
Seasonality
emerge in spring, with peak activity in April and May.
Diet
Larvae feed on decaying plant material, manure, compost, and roots of grasses and herbs. have been observed feeding on nectar.
Life Cycle
Females use their spurred forelegs to dig into soil several inches deep and deposit in masses of 200–300. Larvae develop in soil, likely as mature larvae before pupating in early spring.
Behavior
Males form dense swarms near the ground to attract females. Prolonged copulation and post-copulatory mate guarding by males has been observed in related Bibio .
Ecological Role
Larvae function as decomposers in soil . On occasion, larvae may become pests of cereal crops, vegetables, and rangeland grasses.
Human Relevance
may occur in large numbers and become a nuisance. Larvae occasionally damage agricultural crops and pasture grasses.
Similar Taxa
- DilophusAlso in Bibionidae, but lacks the long tibial spurs on the forelegs; instead has a ring of shorter teeth. Generally smaller, less robust, and often reddish rather than black.
- Plecia nearcticaThe ',' a related bibionid with red and black body, found primarily in southeastern United States. Not a but frequently confused due to usage.