Watersnipe Flies

Athericidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Tabanomorpha
Family: Athericidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Athericidae: //æˈθɛrɪsɪˌdiː//

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

Summary

Athericidae, known as water snipe flies or ibis flies, is a small family of flies that are mostly nectar-feeders, with some species exhibiting blood-feeding behavior. The larvae are primarily predaceous and are specially adapted to their aquatic environment.

Physical Characteristics

Adult athericids have stout, tapered abdomens, slightly elongated legs, and aristate antennae. Males exhibit sexual dimorphism with holoptic eyes. Larvae possess a well-developed head capsule dorsally and long abdominal prolegs with crocheted hooks, aiding in movement through fast-flowing montane streams.

Identification Tips

Males have holoptic eyes; adults are usually found resting on the upper surface of leaves near their breeding streams. Larvae can be identified by their distinctive morphology with prominent prolegs and head capsule.

Habitat

Larvae inhabit pristine, fast-flowing montane streams and torrents; adults are found nearby in the vegetation.

Distribution

Species are found worldwide, with 5 species in 2 genera in specific areas and greater than 130 species in 12 genera globally.

Diet

Adults primarily feed on nectar; some adults, such as Suragina and Suraginella, are blood feeders. Larvae are predaceous or saprophagous, preying on invertebrates after the first instar.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid all at once, after which the adults die. Larvae undergo at least one molting before becoming predatory. Larvae do not feed in their first instar.

Reproduction

All species of Athericidae deposit their eggs at once before dying; method of mating not detailed in the provided data.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae are key predators of other aquatic invertebrates, such as caddisflies, while adults may play roles as nectar feeders and blood feeders.

Health Concerns

Some species have been noted for hematophagy; however, not all genera within Atherix are blood-feeding.

Evolution

Athericidae was formerly classified under Rhagionidae but was reassessed and found to be more closely related to Tabanidae. It contains two subfamilies: Dasyommatinae and Athericinae.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Historically, Atherix has been assumed to contain blood-feeding species, which is incorrect for the Palearctic Atherix ibis whose mouthparts are not adapted for biting.