Aquatic-larvae
Guides
Ochlerotatus punctor
Ochlerotatus punctor is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, originally described from Europe but now recognized as having a broader distribution including North America. The species has been the subject of taxonomic study, with a notable record of a bilateral gynandromorph specimen from Germany. Like other members of the genus, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with aquatic larval stages.
Ochthera mantis
mantis fly, mantis shore fly
Ochthera mantis is a predatory shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Charles De Geer in 1776. The species is notable for its raptorial forelegs, which are modified for seizing prey and resemble those of praying mantises—hence its common name. Both adults and larvae are predatory, with adults hunting small insects along shorelines and larvae feeding aquatically on midge and mosquito larvae. It is a Holarctic species with a limited distribution in Europe.
Odontomyia
soldier flies, brigadier flies
Odontomyia is a genus of soldier flies in the family Stratiomyidae. Species in this genus are characterized by distinctive color patterns, often with orange or yellow markings on dark backgrounds. The genus occurs across temperate and tropical regions of Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Larvae are aquatic, inhabiting ditches and other freshwater habitats. Some species serve as indicators of habitat quality in wetland ecosystems.
Odontomyia aldrichi
Odontomyia aldrichi is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by Johnson in 1895. The genus Odontomyia belongs to the tribe Stratiomyini within the subfamily Stratiomyinae. Members of this genus are characterized by their aquatic larval biology and adults often exhibit patterned eyes with horizontal banding. The species is part of a genus with primarily Nearctic distribution, though some species extend into the Neotropics.
Odontomyia cincta
Odontomyia cincta is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. The species is known from the United States and Canada, with distribution records from Vermont and other locations. As a member of the subfamily Stratiomyinae, its larvae are likely aquatic, a trait characteristic of this subfamily. Adults are recognized by features typical of the genus Odontomyia, including patterned eyes with horizontal banding that may facilitate detection of horizontally polarized light.
Odontomyia hoodiana
Odontomyia hoodiana is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by Bigot in 1887. The genus Odontomyia belongs to the subfamily Stratiomyinae, a group whose larvae are typically aquatic. As with many soldier flies, adults likely exhibit patterned eyes with horizontal banding, a trait common in this subfamily that has been linked to detection of horizontally polarized light. The species is known from North America (Canada, United States, and Mexico).
Odontomyia interrupta
Odontomyia interrupta is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. The genus Odontomyia belongs to the subfamily Stratiomyinae, whose larvae are known to be aquatic. Adults in this genus and related genera often exhibit patterned eyes with horizontal banding, which may function in detecting horizontally polarized light—potentially useful for locating mates and oviposition sites near water. The species occurs in North America, with records from the United States and Canada.
Odontomyia profuscata
Odontomyia profuscata is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by Steyskal in 1938. The genus Odontomyia belongs to the subfamily Stratiomyinae, a group whose larvae are aquatic. Adults in this genus often exhibit patterned eyes with horizontal banding, a trait associated with detection of horizontally polarized light. This species occurs in North America.
Odontomyia pubescens
Odontomyia pubescens is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by Day in 1882. The genus Odontomyia is part of the subfamily Stratiomyinae, whose larvae are known to be aquatic. Adults of related species often exhibit patterned eyes that may be adapted for detecting horizontally polarized light, a trait associated with aquatic lifestyles in insects. This species has been recorded from the United States and Canada.
Oreoleptidae
Oreoleptid Flies
Oreoleptidae is a monotypic family of flies established in 2005 based on the single species Oreoleptis torrenticola. The family was discovered in the Rocky Mountains where larvae inhabit torrential streams and groundwater wells. Adults were reared from larvae after decades of larval collections that could not be matched to any known adult stage. The family shows morphological affinities to both Pelecorhynchidae and Athericidae/Tabanidae, with distinctive male genitalia linking it to the latter group.
Oreoleptis torrenticola
Oreoleptis torrenticola is the sole species in the monotypic genus Oreoleptis and family Oreoleptidae, a family of flies established in 2005 based on this single species. The species was described from specimens collected in the Rocky Mountains, where its larvae inhabit torrential streams and have also been found in groundwater wells. This enigmatic dipteran represents a distinct lineage whose larval morphology shows similarities to Athericidae and Tabanidae but possesses distinctive abdominal prolegs.
Palpada
Plushback Flies
Palpada is a genus of 85 species of flower flies (hoverflies) in the tribe Eristalini, distributed across the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. Adults are often colorful and bee-like in appearance. The genus is distinguished from related Eristalini genera by specific morphological characters including uniform eye pile, pale hairs on the meron, and distinctive wing venation. Larvae are aquatic 'rat-tailed' maggots with extensible breathing siphons that allow survival in low-oxygen environments.
Palpada albifrons
White-faced Plushback
Palpada albifrons is a rare species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) characterized by its distinctive white-faced appearance and aquatic larval stage. Adults are medium-sized flower flies commonly found on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species has a disjunct distribution, occurring from Mexico northward along coastal areas of the United States, with additional records from South America. The larvae are aquatic rat-tailed maggots that inhabit organic-rich standing water.
Palpada pusilla
Bicolored Plushback
Palpada pusilla is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Bicolored Plushback. It is a member of the tribe Eristalini, which includes species whose larvae are known as "rat-tailed maggots" due to their distinctive posterior breathing siphon. The species has been documented across all 27 states of Brazil based on distribution records. Adult flies are pollinators that visit flowers, while larvae develop in organic-rich aquatic environments.
Palpada texana
Wide-eyed Plushback
Palpada texana is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Eristalini. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic larval habitats typical of the Eristalina subtribe. The species was described by Hull in 1925. Adults are presumably pollinators, though specific behavioral observations for this species are limited.
Palpada undescribed-species-near-furcata
An undescribed species in the hoverfly genus Palpada, closely related to P. furcata. As a member of tribe Eristalini, its larvae are rat-tailed maggots—aquatic larvae with an extensible posterior breathing siphon that allows respiration while living in oxygen-poor, organic-rich waters. The genus Palpada includes species commonly found in urban, suburban, and rural areas in putrid standing water.
Parapoynx obscuralis
obscure pondweed moth, American china-mark, vallisneria leafcutter
Parapoynx obscuralis is an aquatic moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881. The species is native to North America, with a range extending from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Texas, Wisconsin, and Ontario. It has been introduced to Great Britain, where it is naturalised in aquatic nurseries. The larvae are aquatic and feed on submerged aquatic plants.
Parhelophilus porcus
black bog fly
Parhelophilus porcus, commonly known as the black bog fly, is an uncommon syrphid fly species recorded from northern North America. Adults are flower-visiting insects that obtain nectar and pollen from blooms. The species possesses the rat-tailed larval form characteristic of related aquatic or semi-aquatic hoverflies, with an elongated breathing siphon.
Petrophila schaefferalis
Schaeffer's Petrophila
Petrophila schaefferalis is a small crambid moth described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1906. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in size, with females notably larger than males. Adults are active from spring through early autumn. The larvae are aquatic, a characteristic shared with other members of the genus Petrophila. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Polydontomyia curvipes
Dimorphic Sickleleg
Polydontomyia curvipes, commonly known as the dimorphic sickleleg, is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) and the sole member of its monotypic genus. Formerly classified under Lejops, it was reassigned to the resurrected genus Polydontomyia based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in leg structure, with males possessing the distinctive curved hind legs referenced in its specific epithet. As a member of the Eristalini tribe, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic larval habitats typical of rat-tail maggot flies.
Prionocyphon
marsh beetles
Prionocyphon is a genus of marsh beetles in the family Scirtidae, containing at least 20 described species. The genus has a broad distribution spanning the Northern Hemisphere and Australia. Species are associated with moist microhabitats, particularly water-filled tree holes and similar lentic environments. The Australian species P. niger was described from rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest habitats in Queensland and New South Wales.
Psellidotus
Psellidotus is a genus of soldier flies in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Stratiomyinae, and tribe Stratiomyini. The genus was established by Rondani in 1863 and contains approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the New World, with greatest diversity in the Neotropical region. Adults are characterized by patterned eyes with horizontal banding, a trait associated with detection of horizontally polarized light and linked to the aquatic larval habitat typical of stratiomyine flies. The genus is taxonomically challenging, particularly in South America where species boundaries with the related genus Hedriodiscus become unclear.
Psellidotus annamariae
soldier fly
Psellidotus annamariae is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Brimley in 1925. It belongs to the subfamily Stratiomyinae and tribe Stratiomyini. The genus Psellidotus is closely related to Odontomyia and Hedriodiscus, with species boundaries becoming less distinct in the Neotropics. Like other stratiomyine soldier flies, adults typically exhibit strikingly patterned eyes with horizontal banding, a trait associated with detection of horizontally polarized light and linked to aquatic larval habitats.
Psellidotus defectus
Psellidotus defectus is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Stratiomyinae. The genus Psellidotus belongs to the tribe Stratiomyini and is closely related to Hedriodiscus, with which it can be difficult to distinguish in the Neotropics. Like other members of the subfamily Stratiomyinae, the larvae are aquatic. Adults are known to visit flowers, and species in this genus exhibit strikingly patterned eyes with horizontal banding, an adaptation associated with detection of horizontally polarized light that may aid in locating aquatic habitats for oviposition.
Psellidotus hieroglyphicus
soldier fly
Psellidotus hieroglyphicus is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It is one of numerous species in the genus Psellidotus, which belongs to the subfamily Stratiomyinae. The species was described by Olivier in 1811. Like other members of its subfamily, the larvae are aquatic. Adults are characterized by patterned eyes with horizontal banding, a trait shared with many stratiomyine flies and thought to be associated with detection of horizontally polarized light for locating water sources.
Psellidotus novella
Psellidotus novella is a soldier fly species in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Stratiomyinae. The genus Psellidotus belongs to the tribe Stratiomyini, a group characterized by aquatic larvae and adults that often exhibit striking eye patterns. Species in this genus are poorly known in the Neotropics, with most known only from original descriptions. The specific epithet "novella" suggests a relatively recent description, though detailed published information on this particular species remains limited.
Pseudolimnophila contempta
Pseudolimnophila contempta is a species of crane fly in the family Limoniidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1869. It belongs to a genus characterized by reduced wing venation and aquatic or semi-aquatic larval habitats. The species occurs across eastern North America, from Ontario and Newfoundland south to Kansas and Florida. Like other limoniid crane flies, adults are delicate, long-legged flies with slender bodies. The genus name refers to its superficial resemblance to true limoniids of the genus Limnophila.
Psorophora signipennis
Mottled Mosquito
Psorophora signipennis, commonly known as the Mottled Mosquito, is a species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. The species is distributed across Middle America and North America. Like other members of the genus Psorophora, it is presumed to be a predatory mosquito with larvae that feed on other mosquito larvae, though specific behavioral studies for this species have not been documented. Adult females are blood-feeders, while both sexes consume nectar for flight energy.
Psychodidae
Moth flies, Drain flies, Sink flies, Filter flies, Sewer gnats, Sand flies
Psychodidae is a large family of true flies comprising over 2,600 described species worldwide, with highest diversity in humid tropical regions. Members exhibit distinctive short, hairy bodies and wings that create a moth-like appearance. The family encompasses two ecologically divergent groups: non-biting moth flies that inhabit moist, decaying organic matter and plumbing systems, and blood-feeding sand flies (subfamily Phlebotominae) that serve as disease vectors.
Psychodomorpha
Psychodomorpha is a nematoceran infraorder of flies comprising three families—Psychodidae, Blephariceridae, and Tanyderidae—plus the superfamily Scatopsoidea (Canthyloscelidae, Scatopsidae, Valeseguyidae). These flies are generally small to minute with hairy or scaled wings and long, often multi-segmented antennae. The group includes moth flies, sand flies, and other obscure dipterans with diverse aquatic and semi-aquatic larval habitats.
Ptychoptera quadrifasciata
phantom crane fly
Ptychoptera quadrifasciata is a species of phantom crane fly in the family Ptychopteridae. The common name 'phantom crane fly' refers to the family's characteristic hovering behavior and delicate appearance. Adults are typically found in moist, wooded habitats near streams or wetlands. Larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with decaying organic matter. The species is native to eastern North America.
Sericomyia bifasciata
Long-nosed Pond Fly
Sericomyia bifasciata, commonly known as the Long-nosed Pond Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly described by Williston in 1887. It belongs to the genus Sericomyia, whose larvae are known as "rat-tailed maggots" with long breathing siphons adapted to aquatic environments. However, the larvae of this particular species remain unknown. Adults have been observed in the northeastern part of North America.
Sericomyia chalcopyga
Sericomyia chalcopyga is a species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) in the family Syrphidae. As a member of the tribe Sericomyiini, its larvae are "rat-tailed maggots" with extensible posterior breathing siphons adapted to aquatic environments. The species was described by Loew in 1863. Like other Sericomyia species, adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Sericomyia lata
White-spotted Pond Fly
Sericomyia lata is a syrphid fly commonly known as the White-spotted Pond Fly. Adults are medium-sized hoverflies, 11.6–15.2 mm in length, with distinctive black bodies and large white abdominal spots. The species is widespread across North America, with highest concentrations in eastern regions. Like other members of its genus, the larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats and possess the characteristic rat-tailed breathing siphon typical of Sericomyia.
Sericomyia nigra
Polar Pond Fly
Sericomyia nigra is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Portschinsky in 1873. It belongs to the tribe Milesiini within subfamily Eristalinae. The species is known from Scandinavia (Norway and Sweden) based on distribution records. As a member of the genus Sericomyia, its larvae likely develop in bog mat pools, though this specific habitat association has not been directly documented for S. nigra itself. Adults are presumably pollinators, as is characteristic of the family.
Sericomyia sexfasciata
Six-banded Pond Fly
Sericomyia sexfasciata is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) commonly known as the Six-banded Pond Fly. It belongs to the subfamily Eristalinae and tribe Milesiini. Like other members of its genus, the larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1849.
Sericomyia tolli
Great-nosed Pond Fly
Sericomyia tolli is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Frey in 1915. It belongs to the genus Sericomyia, whose larvae are known as 'rat-tailed maggots' and inhabit aquatic environments. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal observational records available.
Sialis
Holarctic Alderflies
Sialis is a genus of alderflies in the family Sialidae, characterized by small, brown, heavy-bodied insects with forewings 10–20 mm long. The genus is distinguished from other Megaloptera by having fewer than fifteen square cells along the upper edge of the front wings. Adults are diurnal and active in late spring. Larvae are aquatic predators that develop over two years before pupating in shoreline soil.
Simuliidae
black flies, buffalo gnats, turkey gnats, white socks
Black flies are small, humpbacked flies in the family Simuliidae, comprising over 2,200 formally described species. Only females bite, using serrated mandibles to slash skin and lap pooled blood for egg development. They are vectors of Leucocytozoon parasites causing leucocytozoonosis in birds and, in some regions, filarial worms causing river blindness in humans. Larvae develop exclusively in flowing freshwater, attaching to submerged substrates with specialized hooks.
Simulium annulus
Ringed Black Fly
Simulium annulus is a species of black fly in the family Simuliidae, first described by Lundstrom in 1911 under the basionym Melusina annula. It belongs to the large genus Simulium, which comprises blood-feeding dipterans commonly known as black flies or buffalo gnats. The common name "Ringed Black Fly" suggests a distinctive annular marking pattern, though specific morphological details are not well documented in available sources. Like other simuliids, it likely has an aquatic larval stage and terrestrial adult stage.
Simulium tuberosum
Twinn's black fly, superfluous black fly, tubercled black fly
Simulium tuberosum is a species of black fly (family Simuliidae) first described by Lundström in 1911. It belongs to the S. tuberosum species group, a cytologically complex assemblage of sibling species distinguished primarily by chromosomal characteristics. The species has been recorded from Norway, Sweden, Alaska, and northeastern North America. Like other black flies, it has aquatic larval and pupal stages and terrestrial adults.
Sisyra nigra
Black Spongillafly, Black Spongefly
Sisyra nigra is a small lacewing in the family Sisyridae, commonly known as the Black Spongillafly. It is the most widely distributed of the three British Sisyridae species and occurs across the Holarctic region. The species has a unique life cycle with fully aquatic larvae that are specialized predators of freshwater sponges, while adults are terrestrial and dispersive. S. nigra is notable for its distinctive achiasmatic sex chromosome segregation mechanism during male meiosis, which differs from other Neuroptera and supports the basal phylogenetic position of Sisyridae within the order.
Sphegina campanulata
Orange-horned Hammertail, Orange-horned Pufftail
Sphegina campanulata is a syrphid fly (hoverfly) species described by Robertson in 1901. It is fairly common in the northeastern United States. The species is known for its distinctive orange-horned appearance and is one of approximately 45 observations documented on iNaturalist. Like other members of the genus Sphegina, it exhibits the characteristic hovering flight ability common to syrphid flies.
Stenomicra
Stenomicra is a genus of small flies in the family Periscelididae, first described by Coquillett in 1900. The genus contains more than 20 described species, with at least one species documented from phytotelmata of Araceae plants in the Neotropical Region. Larval stages have been described for at least one species, indicating development within plant-held water bodies.
Stilobezzia
Stilobezzia is a genus of predaceous biting midges in the family Ceratopogonidae, comprising more than 330 described species worldwide. Adult females are predators of other small insects. Immature stages develop in aquatic and semiaquatic habitats. The genus is absent from Antarctica and some islands.
Stratiomyinae
Stratiomyinae is a subfamily of soldier flies (family Stratiomyidae) containing approximately 40 genera arranged in three tribes: Oxycerini, Prosopochrysini, and Stratiomyini. Members are distinguished by larvae that are aquatic or semi-aquatic, a trait that separates them from many other stratiomyid subfamilies. Adults often exhibit striking eye patterns with horizontal banding, which has been linked to polarization vision potentially used for locating water surfaces for mating and oviposition. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution with significant diversity in both Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Stratiomyini
soldier flies
Stratiomyini is a tribe of soldier flies (family Stratiomyidae) characterized by adults with strikingly patterned eyes that often display horizontal banding. Members of this tribe are frequently wasp- or bee-mimics in appearance. The tribe includes genera such as Odontomyia, Psellidotus, and Hedriodiscus. Larvae of the subfamily Stratiomyinae, which includes Stratiomyini, are aquatic.
Stratiomyomorpha
Soldier Flies and Allies
Stratiomyomorpha is a parvorder of brachyceran flies comprising approximately 3,000 species, dominated by the family Stratiomyidae (soldier flies) with two smaller associated families. The group is characterized by broad morphological diversity ranging from slender to robust body forms. Larvae occupy varied aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. Adults are often conspicuous, frequently displaying metallic coloration.
Stratiomys normula
Stratiomys normula is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Loew in 1866. It is one of several North American species in the genus Stratiomys that exhibit wasp-mimicking coloration. The species has been recorded from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is diurnal and associated with wetland habitats where its larvae develop.
Tabanini
horse flies, deer flies
Tabanini is a tribe of horse and deer flies within the family Tabanidae, containing at least 220 described species. Members are robust, medium to large flies with prominent eyes and biting mouthparts. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Tabanus and Hybomitra, many of which are biting pests of mammals including humans and livestock.