Sciapodinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Empidoidea
Family: Dolichopodidae
Subfamily: Sciapodinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sciapodinae: /ˌsaɪəˈpɒdɪni/

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

Images

Condylostylus caudatus P1460460a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Condylostylus caudatus - Kitchener, Ontario 2018-06-05 by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Dolichopodid Fly (28221171666) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Condylostylus sipho from kottayam kerala by Deepugn. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Condylostylus comatus 209597239 by skitterbug. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Dolichopodid Fly (28177283501) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Sciapodinae is a subfamily of long-legged flies within the Dolichopodidae family, characterized by their unique head structure and wing features. They display a wide distribution across tropical and subtropical regions, with minimal representation in North America, and are recognized for their ecological roles in these environments.

Physical Characteristics

Members of Sciapodinae typically have a deeply excavated vertex and branched vein M1+2 in their wings. They often portray a dumbbell-like head shape when viewed from the front. Most display long legs and perch with wings spread, except for the genus Sciapus.

Identification Tips

To identify members of the Sciapodinae, look for the deeply excavated vertex, the prominent fork in vein M1+2, and general wing posture. Key features include wing position when at rest, presence of certain bristles on fore coxae, and the curvature of vein R4+5.

Habitat

They are commonly found perching on broad leaves in various environments, predominantly in the Southern hemisphere and tropics.

Distribution

Sciapodinae are more diverse in South America, sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australasia. They are noted to be less common, with only five species recorded west of the Rocky Mountains in North America, one of which is introduced.

Collecting Methods

Netting
Entomological traps

Preservation Methods

Pinned specimens
Ethanol preservation

Evolution

Sciapodinae is suggested to have originated during the Early Cretaceous on the supercontinent Gondwana, with evolutionary history supported by the distribution patterns of its genera.

Similar Taxa

Dolichopodidae

Misconceptions

Some may mistakenly believe that all members of the family Dolichopodidae have similar features, but specific characteristics like wing posture and vertex shape differentiate Sciapodinae from other genera.