Hangingflies
Bittacidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Mecoptera
- Family: Bittacidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Bittacidae: /ˈbɪtəkəˌdiː/
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Images
Summary
Bittacidae is a family of scorpionflies known as hangingflies, characterized by their unique hunting method of capturing prey while suspended from low vegetation. The family includes various genera with a predominant presence of the genus Bittacus, which encompasses a significant proportion of the species.
Physical Characteristics
10-20 mm in length; resemble large crane flies but have four wings and no halteres. They have a prominent "beak" similar to Scorpionflies, and their wings are unspotted, especially in North American species. Tarsi have only one claw.
Identification Tips
Distinguished from crane flies by their two pairs of wings and lack of halteres. They hang from low plants using their front and middle legs.
Habitat
Typically found in woodlands near streams; adults are often attracted to lights.
Distribution
Approximately 10 species in 4 genera found north of Mexico; around 170 species in 16 genera worldwide, with the majority of species in the genus Bittacus.
Diet
Predatory on small insects, especially Diptera. They capture prey using their hind legs.
Life Cycle
Eggs are rectangular, laid on marshy ground in summer, and hatch the next spring. Larvae resemble caterpillars and possess ocelli.
Reproduction
Males capture prey as nuptial gifts to females during mating, which takes place while hanging from a perch.
Ecosystem Role
Predators of small insects, playing a role in controlling Diptera populations.
Collecting Methods
- Hanging traps
- Netting around low vegetation
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Pinning for adult specimens
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with crane flies due to their similar appearance, but they are a distinct order with notable differences like the presence of two pairs of wings.
Tags
- Bittacidae
- Hangingflies
- Mecoptera
- Predatory Insects