Hemerodromiinae

dance flies

Hemerodromiinae is a of predatory () distributed worldwide. Members possess forelegs adapted for capturing . The subfamily contains two tribes: Chelipodini and Hemerodromiini, with numerous including Chelipoda, Hemerodromia, Chelifera, and Neoplasta. Many are associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic , particularly streams and moist environments.

Hemerodromia by (c) Zachary Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zachary Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Hemerodromia by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hemerodromiinae: /ˌhɛmɪroʊˈdroʊmɪaɪni/

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Identification

Hemerodromiinae are distinguished from other by forelegs with modified and adapted for seizing . Chelipodini typically have elongated bodies with reduced including loss of crossvein dm-cu in some lineages; Hemerodromiini generally have more bodies. Males of some exhibit pronounced with exaggerated characters. Separation from Clinocerinae requires examination of leg structure and wing venation details.

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Habitat

Primarily associated with lotic freshwater including streams, rivers, and spring runs. Many require moist substrates; some have obligate associations with calcareous streams and tufa formations in karst systems. develop in submerged decaying wood, moist soils, or stream substrates. often found in riparian vegetation or immediately adjacent to water bodies.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with biogeographic patterns reflecting Gondwanan . Present on all continents except Antarctica. High diversity in moist montane forests; in Southeast Asia, diversity peaks at upper-mid to sub-summit elevations (1500–2500 m). European fauna well-documented in Mediterranean, Balkan, and Central European regions. Southern Hemisphere lineages include relictual Gondwanan elements in New Zealand, New Caledonia, Lord Howe Island, and Vanuatu.

Seasonality

Most with in spring and summer. Some species present throughout the year in suitable ; winter occurrence recorded for select species in mild climates. Peak activity generally coincides with periods of high humidity and stable stream flows.

Diet

are predatory, feeding on small dipterans including . are predatory: those of Neoplasta parahebes feed on chironomid larvae in submerged wood tunnels. Specific ranges for most remain undocumented.

Life Cycle

, three larval , , . Eggs laid under bark of submerged decaying wood or in moist substrates; incubation approximately 10–11 days at room temperature in studied . Larval development occurs in submerged wood or moist soils; in decaying wood or stream substrates. Larval can reach high levels (9.2 per 100 cm² wood surface recorded).

Behavior

are active using forelegs to capture flying or perched . Mating occurs in unidirectional position in studied . Adults of some species readily feed on prey smaller than themselves. are substrate-dwelling predators. Some species show microhabitat specificity for particular stream or moisture regimes.

ClinocerinaeAlso aquatic with predatory ; distinguished by leg structure and , particularly details of foreleg and male .
EmpidinaeOther ; lacks the specialized foreleg structure of Hemerodromiinae and typically occupies different .