Tiger Crane Flies
Nephrotoma
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Infraorder: Tipulomorpha
- Family: Tipulidae
- Subfamily: Tipulinae
- Genus: Nephrotoma
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nephrotoma: //ˌnɛfroʊˈtoʊmə//
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Images
Summary
Nephrotoma is a genus of crane flies characterized by lustrous bodies and specific vein structures distinct from other crane flies. It comprises around 37 species in the local area, with a total of over 480 species globally, mostly found in Africa and Eurasia.
Physical Characteristics
Lustrous body, typically yellow with black or brown stripes and spots. In species with a black body, colored bands occur on the abdomen. The prescutum features three stripes; the proboscis is short and antennae are verticillate.
Identification Tips
Look for the short and oblique Rs vein and the sessile or short-petiolate cell M1. The polished body is a distinguishing feature from most other large northeastern crane flies.
Habitat
Deciduous and mixed forests, shrubland, and moist meadows.
Distribution
Worldwide except Australasia, with poor representation in the New World (14% of species); rich faunas in Africa and Eurasia.
Diet
Larvae live in soil and can be harmful to agricultural crops and ornamental plants.
Ecosystem Role
Larval stage can impact agricultural and ornamental plants negatively, indicating a role in plant health and soil ecology.
Economic Impact
Some species can be harmful to agricultural crops and ornamental plants.
Tags
- Nephrotoma
- Crane Flies
- Insecta
- Diptera
- Ecosystem Role
- Economic Impact