Mycetophilinae
fungus gnats
Mycetophilinae is a of within the . It contains more than 30 and approximately 2,000 described , organized into two tribes: Exechiini and Mycetophilini. Members are classified in the suborder , a group of '' characterized by aquatic or moisture-dependent larval stages. The subfamily is distinguished from related fungus gnat subfamilies by specific morphological and taxonomic criteria, though precise diagnostic features for the subfamily level are not detailed in available sources.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mycetophilinae: /ˌmaɪsɛtoʊˈfɪlɪniː/
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Identification
Mycetophilinae can be distinguished from the related Sciophilinae within by taxonomic placement, though specific morphological characters separating these subfamilies are not clearly documented in available sources. Within the broader complex, Mycetophilidae (including Mycetophilinae) differ from () in that the do not meet above the in Mycetophilidae, whereas they do in Sciaridae. Specimens are generally 5–10 mm in length, though this size range overlaps with some Sciaridae and cannot be used alone for identification.
Images
Habitat
are associated with aquatic or moist environments, as is characteristic of generally. Available sources do not specify distinct preferences that separate Mycetophilinae from other .
Similar Taxa
- SciophilinaeAnother within ; taxonomic separation exists but specific distinguishing morphological characters are not detailed in available sources
- Sciaridae that resemble ; distinguished by that meet above the and generally smaller size (typically under 5 mm)
- ChironomidaeNon- that can resemble in fossil and general appearance; distinguished by longer , longer and relatively narrower , and in males