Sphaeromiini
biting midges
Genus Guides
6Sphaeromiini is a tribe of predatory biting midges within the Ceratopogonidae. The tribe comprises approximately 7 and at least 40 described . Members are characterized as insectivorous, preying on other small insects. The Australian and New Guinea fauna has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, with significant documented in these regions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sphaeromiini: //sfɛəˌrɒmɪˈaɪnaɪ//
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Distribution
Australia and New Guinea have documented diversity, with additional described from these regions. The tribe has a broader distribution beyond these areas, though specific range details for the tribe as a whole are not well characterized in available sources.
Diet
Predatory; members feed on other insects.
Ecological Role
Predatory control of other small insect .
Similar Taxa
- HeteromyiiniAlso a tribe of predatory Ceratopogonidae; frequently treated alongside Sphaeromiini in taxonomic revisions due to shared insectivorous habits and morphological similarities.
More Details
Taxonomic revision history
The Australian and New Guinea fauna was poorly known until 1966, when 17 new were described. A subsequent revision added 32 additional species across nine , including three newly described genera: Crispomyia, Lanatomyia, and Leehelea.