Stilt-legged Flies
Micropezidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Superfamily: Nerioidea
- Family: Micropezidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Micropezidae: /ˌmaɪkroʊˈpɛzɪdiː/
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Images
Summary
Micropezidae, commonly known as stilt-legged flies, comprise a moderate-sized family of acalyptrate muscoid flies characterized by their long legs and behavioral mimicry of wasps. They are found in moist habitats and are diverse in tropical areas.
Physical Characteristics
Small to large flies (4-15 mm) with long, thin legs and narrow wings. They have a small elongated or rounded head, small antennae, and lack vibrissae. The wings may be clear or have a smoky pattern, and their bodies are usually long and black.
Identification Tips
Look for the distinctive long legs and the prominent waving behavior with the front legs, mimicking wasps. They have a vertical row of bristles above the base of the mid-leg, characteristic of the subfamily Taeniapterinae.
Habitat
Moist areas such as marshes, wet woods, and old forests. They are found on low herbage, flowers, and decaying material.
Distribution
Worldwide, much more diverse in tropical regions; poorly represented in cooler climates. Noted diversity in the Neotropical region and absence in New Zealand and Macquarie Island.
Diet
Adults can be predatory on small insects or attracted to decaying fruit or animal dung. Larvae are either saprophagous, feeding in decayed vegetation or fungi, or phytophagous, feeding on roots of plants.
Life Cycle
Life cycles are not well documented; however, larva likely develop in decaying organic matter or within plant roots.
Conservation Status
Certain species, like Calycopteryx mosleyi, are considered vulnerable due to habitat destruction. Badisis ambulans larvae depend on the endangered Albany pitcher plant.
Ecosystem Role
They play a role in decomposition and nutrient cycling due to their saprophagous larvae and are also predators of small insects.
Evolution
The family has a fossil record that includes several species found in Baltic amber from the Late Eocene, but most fossils are poorly dated.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
They mimic wasps and ants, which may lead to confusion with these insects due to their behavior and appearance.
Tags
- Diptera
- Micropezidae
- Stilt-legged Flies
- Insects
- Biodiversity