Sphaeromiini

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Culicomorpha
Family: Ceratopogonidae
Subfamily: Ceratopogoninae
Tribe: Sphaeromiini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sphaeromiini: //sfɛəˌrɒmɪˈaɪnaɪ//

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Summary

Sphaeromiini is a tribe of biting midges in the family Ceratopogonidae, comprising about 7 genera and at least 40 described species.

Physical Characteristics

Large Ceratopogonidae, body length up to 5 mm. Tarsomere 5 of female is armed ventrally with stout black blunt spines (batonnets). Fourth tarsomeres usually cylindrical.

Identification Tips

Males typically do not have plumose antennae. Females hunt for males, and during mating, the male is usually consumed by the female.

Diet

Females are presumed to feed on the blood of vertebrates, while males typically do not feed.

Reproduction

Mating occurs with the male being consumed by the female.

Ecosystem Role

As biting midges, they can be part of the food web, serving as prey for larger predators and affecting their populations.

Evolution

Borkent (2014) reclassified North American species of Sphaeromiini, moving them to the tribe Johannsenomyiini except for Sphaeromias.