Lonchoptera bifurcata is a small dipteran in the Lonchopteridae, commonly known as the Small or . It has a Holarctic distribution across Europe, Asia, and North America. The exhibits in most of its range, with males rarely observed. inhabit damp environments while larvae develop in decaying organic matter.
Identification
In North America, distinguished from related by: pale-coloured bristles behind the ; several bristles on front of tibiae of first pair of legs (other species have single bristle); wings with fairly sharp points.
Images
Habitat
typically found around damp lawns and in ditches. Larvae develop in decaying organic matter.
Distribution
Holarctic: Europe, Asia, and North America. Records include Azorean islands (Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, São Jorge).
Behavior
In North America and elsewhere in its range, is primarily by ; males are very rarely seen.
Similar Taxa
- Other Lonchoptera speciesL. bifurcata distinguished by multiple tibial bristles on first leg pair, pale post-ocular bristles, and wing point shape in North America