Wormlions

Vermileonidae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Vermileonidae: //ˌvɜːrmɪliˈɒnɪdiː//

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

Summary

Vermileonidae, or wormlions, is a small family of Diptera characterized by unique larval pit-trapping behavior, with fewer than 80 described species, many of which are rare in distribution. Their phylogenetic placement within Diptera remains somewhat uncertain.

Physical Characteristics

Slender, fragile, long-legged flies resembling small crane flies. Adult mouthparts are hypognathous, long, and straight, adapted for extracting nectar from flowers.

Identification Tips

Adult flies can be recognized by their slender shape and long legs, while larvae form characteristic cone-shaped pits in sandy areas.

Habitat

Larvae are primarily found in sandy habitats, often in semi-deserts, usually sheltered by rocks or bushes. Adults are often located in drier regions, particularly in western Africa and parts of the Iberian Peninsula.

Distribution

Primarily found in southwestern United States (Colorado, New Mexico, California) and also prevalent in dry regions of western Africa from the Cape to Morocco, and in the western Iberian Peninsula, mainly Portugal.

Diet

Larvae are voracious predators that feed on insects, particularly ants, that fall into their pit traps. Adults typically feed on nectar from flowers, although some species may not feed at all.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes distinct larval and adult stages; larvae create pitfall traps for capturing prey while adults may visit flowers for nectar.

Predators

Ground-hunting birds such as hoopoes and gallinaceous birds are known predators of the larvae, recognizing and probing their pit traps.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae play a significant role as predators in their ecosystems, assisting in regulating insect populations.

Evolution

Vermileonidae has a unique evolutionary history, previously considered part of Rhagionidae but recognized as a separate family since 1977 due to distinct biological and morphological traits. They are thought to be among the most primitive families of the infraorder Tabanomorpha.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

They were historically categorized under Rhagionidae, often leading to confusion with 'snipe-fly' nomenclature.