Forcepflies

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Meropeidae: //məˈroʊ.pi.aɪˌdiː//

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Images

Summary

Meropeidae, commonly known as earwigflies or forcepflies, is a small family within the order Mecoptera that includes three known living species, with males notable for their unique claspers. Their biology is largely unknown, and they are considered living fossils with historical significance tracing back to the Jurassic.

Physical Characteristics

Body length ranges from 8-15 mm; males possess unique slender claspers at the end of the abdomen.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive male claspers which are unique to Meropeidae within Mecoptera.

Distribution

North America, Southwestern Australia, Brazil.

Evolution

The family Meropeidae consists of extant members that are considered living fossils, with a history dating back to the Jurassic period and showcasing a disjunct distribution as remnants of a once widespread lineage.

Similar Taxa

• Eomeropidae

Tags

• Earwigflies
• Forcepflies
• Mecoptera
• Meropeidae