Eriopterini
Genus Guides
18Eriopterini 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.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eriopterini: /ˌɛriːˌɒptəˈraɪniː/
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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 .