Microdontinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Syrphidae
Subfamily: Microdontinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Microdontinae: /ˌmaɪkroʊˈdɒntɪniː/

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

Images

Summary

The subfamily Microdontinae encompasses about 400 species of hoverflies that are primarily myrmecophiles living in ant nests. Their larvae are predators or scavengers in these nests, and many adult species do not exhibit flower-visiting behavior commonly associated with other hoverflies.

Physical Characteristics

Microdontinae larvae exhibit no readily apparent body segmentation, differing significantly from other syrphid larvae. Some adult species have no functional mouthparts and cannot feed.

Identification Tips

A number of genera (e.g. Masarygus, Paragodon, Schizoceratomyia, and Surimyia) lack the 'spurious vein' which is characteristic of all other Syrphidae.

Habitat

Microdontinae are found primarily in the nests of ants, living as myrmecophiles.

Distribution

Approximately 35 species in 6 genera are recognized in the area, while globally there are over 450 species in 53 genera, with more than 170 species in the Neotropics.

Diet

Larval Microdontinae are scavengers of ant brood or predators within ant nests.

Ecosystem Role

Microdontinae play a role in the predation and scavenging within ant colonies, contributing to the ecological dynamics of these environments.

Similar Taxa

Syrphidae

Misconceptions

Unlike most syrphids, adult Microdontinae do not frequent flowers and may have no mouthparts to feed as adults.