Mating-swarms
Guides
Bibio femoratus
March fly, Lovebug
Bibio femoratus is a medium-sized fly in the family Bibionidae, commonly known as the March fly or lovebug in the southeastern United States. Adults are recognized by their black bodies with orange or red thorax and legs, and a diagnostic dark spot on the leading edge of the wing. The species forms conspicuous mating swarms in early spring, with pairs remaining coupled for extended periods. Larvae develop in soil and feed on decaying organic matter.
Blacini
Blacini is a tribe of braconid parasitoid wasps within the subfamily Brachistinae. Members are minute, dark-colored wasps with distinctive non-cyclostome mouthparts and a carina along the posterior head margin. The tribe was elevated from subfamily status in 2011 based on molecular phylogenetic evidence. The genus Blacus dominates the tribe with approximately 40 described New World species and cosmopolitan distribution, while remaining genera are largely restricted to South and Central America.
Chironominae
non-biting midges
Chironominae is a subfamily of non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) containing over 2,000 described species across three tribes: Chironomini, Pseudochironomini, and Tanytarsini. Members are globally distributed and primarily aquatic in their immature stages. The subfamily includes economically and ecologically significant genera such as Chironomus, Polypedilum, and Tanytarsus. Adults are characterized by reduced mouthparts and do not feed; larvae are diverse in habitat specialization, ranging from freshwater lakes and rivers to marine environments and phytotelmata.
Hybotidae
typical dance flies, hybotid dance flies
Hybotidae is a family of small predatory flies within the superfamily Empidoidea, comprising over 1,600 described species worldwide. Formerly treated as a subfamily of Empididae, Hybotidae is now recognized as a distinct family based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. Adults are generally predatory on small invertebrates, while larvae occupy diverse microhabitats including leaf litter, dung, fungi, roots, and aquatic or semiaquatic environments. The family exhibits notable morphological diversity, with some species displaying specialized leg modifications for prey capture and mating.
Hybotinae
dance flies
Hybotinae is a globally widespread subfamily of hybotid flies, commonly known as dance flies. Adults are predatory and frequently observed in mating swarms where males perform characteristic 'dancing' movements. The subfamily has undergone taxonomic revision, with Hybotinae elevated to family rank (Hybotidae) by some European authorities, though this classification remains inconsistently adopted. The group includes at least 12 genera and is particularly diverse in the Oriental Realm.
Myrmedonota
Myrmedonota is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) first described by Cameron in 1920. The genus was first recorded from Mexico in 2013 with the description of two new species, M. shimmerale and M. xipe. Members of this genus exhibit myrmecophilous associations, aggregating toward agitated ants and potentially preying on them. The genus is suggested to be more diverse in the New World than previously recognized, though its taxonomy remains in a state of confusion.
Tipulidae
Large Crane Flies, Crane Flies
Tipulidae is a large family of true flies in the order Diptera, comprising over 4,200 described species in more than 30 genera. Members are commonly known as crane flies or large crane flies, characterized by their elongated bodies and exceptionally long, slender legs. Adults are typically short-lived and often do not feed; their primary purpose is reproduction. Larvae occupy diverse moist habitats including soil, leaf litter, decaying wood, and aquatic environments, where most feed on decaying organic matter. The family has a fossil record extending to the Late Jurassic.
DipteraNematoceracrane-fliesdecomposerssaprophagousshort-lived-adultsmating-swarmsturfgrass-pestsharmless-to-humansworldwide-distributionLate-Jurassic-fossilsCharles-Paul-Alexandermaxillary-palps13-antennal-segmentsLimoniidaePediciidaemosquito-hawk-misnomerdaddy-longlegs-confusionleatherjacketsaquatic-larvaeterrestrial-larvaespring-emergencelight-attractionwingless-snow-crane-flies-in-genus-Chionea-(now-Limoniidae)