Frog-biting midges

Corethrellidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Culicomorpha
Family: Corethrellidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Corethrellidae: //kɔˌrɛθrɛˈlɪdi.aɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Corethrellidae, known as frog-biting midges, are small biting insects that exclusively feed on the blood of frogs. They have a unique morphological appearance, distinct life cycles tied to their amphibian hosts, and some are implicated in the transmission of parasitic diseases.

Physical Characteristics

Tiny flies with a wing length of 0.6-2.5 mm. Wing venation is similar to Culicidae with R 4 branched, M 2 branched, Cu 2 branched. R1 is closer to Sc, or almost midway between Sc and R2. Swollen mid femur distinguishes this family from its close relatives.

Identification Tips

Look for the swollen mid femur and wing venation patterns that are similar to mosquitoes.

Habitat

Larvae are found in small bodies of water such as those isolated at the edges of bogs or small lakes.

Distribution

Worldwide, with most species in tropical and subtropical areas. Typically found in regions with abundant populations of host frogs.

Diet

Larvae are probably predaceous on small plankton. Adult females feed almost exclusively on the blood of frogs.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes larvae developing in small water bodies and adults being attracted to mating calls of frogs.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves eggs being laid near or in water where larvae develop.

Ecosystem Role

As obligate external parasites, they play a role in the dynamics of frog populations and can influence the health and population structure of their hosts.

Health Concerns

Some species are known vectors of the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma, which can cause trypanosomiasis among host frog populations.

Collecting Methods

Catching adults with light traps
Sampling larvae with dip nets from small water bodies

Preservation Methods

Preservation in alcohol
Pinning adults for morphological studies

Evolution

The family contains members dating back to the lower Cretaceous Period, around 110 million years ago.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

They are commonly mistaken for mosquitoes due to their size and feeding habits, but they primarily feed on frogs rather than mammals.