Eriopterini is a tribe of limoniid crane flies within the Limoniidae. It encompasses more than 20 and over 3,800 described , making it one of the most species-rich groups of crane flies. Members are small to medium-sized flies with characteristic elongated legs and reduced wing venation compared to other crane fly lineages.
Identification
Eriopterini are distinguished from other limoniid tribes primarily by wing venation patterns, particularly the reduction or modification of specific . The R vein typically shows distinctive branching, and the medial field of the wing often exhibits characteristic patterns. Antennal structure, with 14–16 flagellomeres in most , provides additional diagnostic features. Male genitalia, especially the structure of the gonostylus and , are critical for species-level identification.
Images
Distribution
Eriopterini has a global distribution with documented across all major biogeographic regions. The tribe shows particular diversity in temperate and tropical forest , with numerous species in isolated mountain ranges and island systems.
Similar Taxa
- LimoniiniAnother tribe within Limoniidae; distinguished by differences in wing venation, particularly the arrangement of in the discal and medial fields, and typically more complete wing venation patterns.
- HexatominiLimoniid tribe with generally larger body size, more robust build, and different antennal proportions; wing venation usually shows less reduction than in Eriopterini.
More Details
Taxonomic uncertainty
counts for Eriopterini vary considerably between sources (460 versus 3,800+), reflecting ongoing taxonomic revision and differing interpretations of generic boundaries within the tribe. The higher figure likely includes species not yet formally transferred from related .