Snipe Flies
Rhagionidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Infraorder: Tabanomorpha
- Family: Rhagionidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhagionidae: //ræˈdʒaɪoʊnəˌdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Rhagionidae, or snipe flies, are a distinct family of medium to large flies recognized for their long proboscis and characteristic resting posture. They are predators of small insects, with a varied diet among adults and larvae. Found in diverse habitats worldwide, they are known for some species being biting pests.
Physical Characteristics
Medium-sized to large flies with slender bodies and stilt-like legs. The mouthparts are adapted for piercing. Most species are brown and yellow flies; some species are black with white, yellow, or green spots or stripes. The body may be bare or covered with short hairs.
Identification Tips
Look for adults resting head downward on tree trunks or foliage. The prominent proboscis resembles the beak of a snipe.
Habitat
Adults are commonly found in woods, especially near moist places. They typically rest on foliage or grass. Larvae inhabit moist meadow soil, moss, decaying wood, under bark, and occasionally in water.
Distribution
Worldwide; less than half of the species in the area are found in eastern regions.
Diet
Adults and larvae are predatory on small insects. Many species do not bite, but certain females of Symphoromyia are known biting pests.
Life Cycle
The details of the life cycle are not extensively documented, but larvae are primarily terrestrial and some are aquatic.
Ecosystem Role
They play a role in controlling small insect populations, as both adults and larvae are predatory.
Health Concerns
Some female species, particularly Symphoromyia, can be biting pests, causing discomfort to humans and animals.
Collecting Methods
- Netting from foliage
- Trapping near moist habitats
- Hand collecting on tree trunks
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Ethanol preservation
- Drying specimens
Evolution
This family contains some of the most primitive extant Brachycera, and may have diversified approximately 170 million years ago.
Similar Taxa
- Athericidae
- Vermileonidae
- Austroleptidae
- Bolbomyiidae
Misconceptions
Many may confuse snipe flies with regular houseflies due to their appearance, but they are distinct due to their specialized mouthparts and behaviors.
Tags
- flights
- predatory
- habitat
- ecosystem
- diversity