Mountain Midges

Deuterophlebiidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Deuterophlebiidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Deuterophlebiidae: //ˌdjuː.tə.roʊˈflɛ.bɪ.aɪˌdiː//

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Summary

Deuterophlebiidae, or mountain midges, is a small and unique family of flies with specialized adaptations to life in fast-moving streams. They are notable for their fan-shaped wings and social behavior among males during the breeding season.

Physical Characteristics

Adults have broad, fan-shaped wings; males possess extremely long antennae; larvae have forked antennae and prolegs on the abdomen.

Identification Tips

Males are recognized by their long antennae and territorial behavior over running water; larvae can be identified by their distinct forked antennae and prolegs.

Habitat

Swiftly flowing streams.

Distribution

Has 6 species in our area, with a total of 14 species globally.

Diet

Larvae are likely detritivores, feeding on decomposing organic matter in streams.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes aquatic larvae that develop in swiftly flowing water before metamorphosing into adults.

Reproduction

Details of reproduction are not specified, but it typically involves the laying of eggs in or near water by females, with adult males contesting territories around these areas.

Ecosystem Role

Mountain midges may play a role in the aquatic food web as both prey and facilitators of nutrient cycling.

Evolution

Considered a sister group to all other flies within the order Diptera, potential placement in its own infraorder (Deuterophlebiomorpha) is not widely accepted.