Limoniidae

Limoniid Crane Flies, Limoniidae, Short-palped Crane Flies

is the largest of , comprising over 10,700 in more than 150 . Members are distinguished from other crane flies primarily by their posture at rest: wings are typically held folded along the body rather than perpendicular to it. The family includes notable wingless snow in the genus Chionea, which are active in winter. Limoniids are generally smaller than other crane flies and occupy diverse worldwide. Recent phylogenetic studies indicate the family is , with some limoniids more closely related to and Cylindrotomidae than to other limoniids.

Pilaria tenuipes by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Erioptera vespertina by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bill Keim. Used under a CC-BY license.

Hexatomini by (c) Steve Kerr, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Kerr. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Limoniidae: /lɪˈmoʊni.aɪdiˌiː/

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

Identification

can be distinguished from and other by posture at rest: wings are folded along the of the body rather than held horizontally at right angles. The family is also characterized by smaller body size compared to most other crane flies, though exceptions exist. The lacks a . The of the maxillary is short and never longer than the subapical segment. are typically 14- or 16-segmented (rarely 6-, 10-, or 17-segmented), usually verticillate with of trichia. A distinct V-shaped is present between the mesonotal and near the wing bases. is diagnostic: the always fuses with the through Sc1, and radial R2 fuses with R3 rather than with the costa as in most other crane flies.

Images

Habitat

occupy exceptionally diverse and microhabitats. are found in earth rich in humus, swamps and marshes, leaf litter, and wet spots in woods. Some inhabit soils with moderate humus content along stream borders. Others occur in dry to saturated decaying wood in streams, where larvae feed on fungal mycelia. Some species inhabit decaying materials, woody and fleshy , or fresh water especially rapidly flowing streams. Intertidal zones and brackish water support certain species. Steep cliff with constantly wet films of and moist to wet cushions of mosses or liverworts on rocks or earth also harbor limoniids. are found in damp places throughout the world, with many species forming dense swarms in suitable habitats.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution. Found on all continents where occur. The is represented in Colombia by 93 , in Korea by multiple including Limonia and Hexatoma, in Japan by diverse Eloeophila species, in China by numerous species across multiple genera, in Europe including Spain and France, and throughout North America.

Seasonality

activity varies by and . Snow in the Chionea are active in winter, appearing most commonly in October-November and February-March. Other species show activity during warmer months.

Life Cycle

are mostly aquatic or semi-aquatic, in contrast to the terrestrial larvae of most other . Larval stages have been described for some , including L. parvipennis in Korea where the previously unknown larva and were documented with characteristics. Larvae of Chionea species feed and grow during summer months, with in fall. of Chionea may live up to two months. Females of some species can produce numerous ; Chionea females produce up to 194 eggs, stored even in the thoracic cavity due to the absence of muscles.

Behavior

of many form dense swarms in suitable . Phantolabis lacustris was the first tipuloid observed skating on water surface, possessing morphological for this . Snow in the Chionea occupy the subnivean environment—microclimates in cavities beneath snow created by arching grassblades, leaf litter, and rodent tunnels—allowing activity in freezing conditions. have been observed using as phoretic for .

Similar Taxa

TipulidaeLarge that hold perpendicular to body at rest rather than folded along the back; generally larger body size
CylindrotomidaeAnother ; recent phylogenetic studies suggest some are more closely related to Cylindrotomidae than to other limoniids, indicating convergent morphological similarities