Microphorinae

Genus Guides

Microphorinae is a of flies currently classified within Dolichopodidae (sensu lato), though historically treated as a separate or subfamily of Empididae. The subfamily contains seven : two extant (Microphor and Schistostoma) and five extinct genera known from Cretaceous and Eocene amber deposits. The Nearctic fauna includes 33 across both extant genera, with Schistostoma being notably diverse. Extinct species in Microphorites exhibit remarkable leg modifications suggesting complex behavioral adaptations.

Schistostoma by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Microphorinae: //ˌmaɪkroʊˈfɔːrɪniː//

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

Identification

Microphorinae is distinguished from other Dolichopodidae by genitalic and leg characters; the two extant Microphor and Schistostoma can be separated by features of the male terminalia and leg structure. -level identification requires examination of genitalic . The extinct genus Microphorites is characterized by specialized leg modifications including flattened and shortened leg segments not seen in extant genera.

Images

Distribution

Extant occur in the Nearctic Region and West Palaearctic; at least one species present on Maltese Islands. Fossil known from Early Cretaceous Jordanian and Lebanese deposits, mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (Myanmar), and Eocene Baltic and Rovno amber.

Diet

Pollen feeding has been documented for some .

Life Cycle

Larval stage is known; stages are poorly documented.

Behavior

Flower visitation has been observed. Kleptoparasitism has been reported in some . Extinct Microphorites species exhibit leg specializations suggesting complex behavioral adaptations, potentially including courtship-related functions based on comparison with extant Dolichopodidae.

Similar Taxa

EmpididaeMicrophorinae was historically classified as a of Empididae; separated based on leg and genitalic characters and current molecular phylogenetic placement within Dolichopodidae.
ParathalassiinaeAnother of Dolichopodidae sensu lato historically excluded from core Dolichopodidae; both represent transitional lineages between Empididae and Dolichopodidae.

More Details

Taxonomic instability

The classification of Microphorinae has shifted repeatedly: treated as Microphoridae, of Empididae, and currently as subfamily of Dolichopodidae sensu lato. This reflects ongoing debate about the boundaries of Dolichopodidae versus Empididae.

Fossil record significance

The five extinct , particularly Microphorites from Cretaceous amber, provide critical evidence for the early diversification of empidoid flies and the evolution of leg modifications associated with behavioral complexity.

Nearctic diversity

A 2022 revision recognized 33 Nearctic : 5 in Microphor (2 new species described) and 28 in Schistostoma (17 new species, 9 new combinations). This represents a substantial increase from previously known diversity and included extensive taxonomic reorganization into species groups.