Predaceous Midges
Ceratopogonini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Infraorder: Culicomorpha
- Family: Ceratopogonidae
- Subfamily: Ceratopogoninae
- Tribe: Ceratopogonini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ceratopogonini: /sɛrəˌtoʊpoʊˈɡoʊnɪnaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Ceratopogonini is a tribe of biting midges within the family Ceratopogonidae, comprising around 1200 species in approximately 60 genera worldwide. Females are known to be predatory, particularly towards the Chironomidae family, and may engage in cannibalism.
Physical Characteristics
Wing length usually 1-2 mm.
Distribution
Worldwide; more speciose in the Southern Hemisphere, especially the Neotropical region.
Diet
Females are predators of insects, especially Chironomidae. Some may exhibit cannibalism by eating their own mates.
Ecosystem Role
Predatory role within their habitats, mainly preying on Chironomidae.
Evolution
Evolved from Gondwanan ancestors.
Similar Taxa
- Stilobezzini
Tags
- Ceratopogonini
- Predaceous Midges
- Diptera
- Insects