Nematocera
Guides
Anisopodidae
Wood Gnats, Window-Gnats
Anisopodidae is a small, cosmopolitan family of gnat-like flies comprising 154 described extant species across 15 genera, with additional fossil taxa known from the Jurassic through Cenozoic. Commonly called wood gnats or window-gnats, most species are small to medium-sized (4–12 mm), though genera Olbiogaster and Lobogaster are notably larger (17–18 mm) with distinctive spatulated abdomens. The family's phylogenetic placement remains controversial, with proposals ranging from sister group to Brachycera to recognition as multiple distinct families. Some authors recognize four separate families: Anisopodidae, Mycetobiidae, Olbiogastridae, and Valeseguyidae.
Apiloscatopse uncinata
A small, poorly known scatopsid fly described from North America. The genus name Apiloscatopse indicates a hairless or sparsely pilose condition relative to other scatopsids. The specific epithet uncinata (Latin for 'hooked') likely refers to some hooked structure, though the original description has not been examined. The species was described by Melander in 1916 and remains rarely encountered in collections or literature.
Atrichopogon peregrinus
biting midge
Atrichopogon peregrinus is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae. The specific epithet "peregrinus" (Latin for "wanderer" or "foreigner") suggests a potentially wide-ranging or introduced distribution, though detailed geographic records remain limited. As a member of the genus Atrichopogon, it belongs to a diverse group of small, blood-feeding flies commonly known as no-see-ums or punkies. The species was described by Johannsen in 1908, indicating it has been recognized in scientific literature for over a century, though comprehensive biological studies appear sparse.
Axymyia furcata
Axymyia furcata is a xylophilic, semi-aquatic nematoceran fly and the sole described species in the genus Axymyia. Once considered rare, the species has been documented across twenty U.S. states and two Canadian provinces in the eastern Nearctic. Its larvae develop in water-filled rot holes and cavities of living hardwood trees within deciduous forests. Research indicates post-glacial range expansion from southern Appalachian refugia, with possible survival in northern refugia including the Driftless area and southeastern Ohio.
Axymyiidae
A small family of nematoceran flies comprising four extant genera and nine described species, with eight additional fossil species. Axymyiidae is the sole member of the infraorder Axymyiomorpha, though historically classified within Bibionomorpha. The family is distributed across the Holarctic and Oriental regions. Larvae are xylophilic and semi-aquatic, developing in saturated decaying wood.
Bibionomorpha
Gnats and Allies
Bibionomorpha is a diverse infraorder of lower Diptera (Nematocera) containing over 2,000 described species across ten extant families. The group includes economically and ecologically significant families such as Mycetophilidae (fungus gnats), Cecidomyiidae (gall midges), Sciaridae (dark-winged fungus gnats), and Bibionidae (march flies). Larvae are predominantly saprophagous or fungivorous, with the Cecidomyiidae being predominantly gall-formers. The infraorder originated in the Triassic, with major superfamilies diversifying from the late Triassic through the Cretaceous. The Anisopodidae is phylogenetically significant as the presumed sister taxon to the entire suborder Brachycera.
Canthyloscelidae
Canthyloscelidae is a small family of nematoceran flies closely related to Scatopsidae. The family contains approximately 15 extant species distributed across New Zealand, North America, South America, Japan, and Russia, plus one species known from Jurassic fossils. Most species are considered endangered due to their specialized habitat requirements.
Ceratopogon
no-see-um, biting midge, punkie
Ceratopogon is a genus of biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae) first described by Meigen in 1803. The genus has an almost cosmopolitan distribution, with species recorded across multiple continents. Members of this genus are minute flies, typically 1–3 mm in body length, and are part of the diverse Ceratopogonidae family that includes over 600 species in North America alone.
Ceratopogonidae
biting midges, no-see-ums, sand flies, punkies, midgies
Ceratopogonidae is a family of minute flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as biting midges, no-see-ums, or punkies. Adults range from 1–6 mm in length, with most species between 1–3 mm. The family contains over 5,000 described species distributed worldwide except Antarctica and the Arctic. While many species feed on the blood of vertebrates including humans and livestock, the majority feed on the hemolymph of other insects. Several species serve as important pollinators of tropical crops, notably cacao.
Cordyla
Cordyla is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, subfamily Mycetophilinae, tribe Exechiini. These small flies are characterized by a hunchbacked body profile, elongate coxae, and relatively long legs compared to similar groups. The genus has been documented from Eocene fossil deposits, including well-preserved specimens from the Green River Formation of Colorado. Species-level identification typically requires examination of eye structure and other subtle morphological features.
Cordyla manca
Cordyla manca is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, first described by Johannsen in 1912. It belongs to the subfamily Mycetophilinae and tribe Exechiini. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be associated with fungal habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species is known from very few observations.
Cordyla volucris
Cordyla volucris is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, subfamily Mycetophilinae, described by Johannsen in 1909. The genus Cordyla is characterized by a hunchbacked thorax and relatively long legs compared to similar fungus gnat families. Fossil specimens attributed to this group have been identified from the Eocene Green River Formation in Colorado, though definitive species-level identification of fossil material remains challenging. The family Mycetophilidae has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with several subgroups elevated to family rank.
Corethrella brakeleyi
frog-biting midge
Corethrella brakeleyi is a species of frog-biting midge in the family Corethrellidae. It has been recorded in Canada for the first time in Quebec. The species is haemophagous, feeding on blood. Larvae have been found in association with the mosquito Culiseta melanura.
Cylindrotomidae
long-bodied craneflies
Cylindrotomidae, commonly known as long-bodied craneflies, are a small family of crane flies (Diptera: Tipuloidea) comprising approximately 65–71 extant species in 9 genera and more than 16–20 extinct species. The family represents a classic 'ghost lineage' with no fossil record during the Mesozoic despite diversification of their sister family Tipulidae in the Cretaceous. Crown group diversification began in the Paleogene, with the oldest fossils dating to approximately 56 million years ago. The family is divided into two subfamilies: Cylindrotominae, which are primarily Holarctic in distribution, and Stibadocerinae, which exhibit a Gondwanan distribution with genera restricted to Australia, Chile, and East Asia.
Diamesa nivoriunda
winter midge, snow midge
Diamesa nivoriunda is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae. Adults are active during winter months and have been observed walking on snow during warm spells. Like other members of the genus Diamesa, this species does not feed as an adult. The larvae develop in cold, running water where they feed on organic debris. The species belongs to a group commonly referred to as "winter midges" or "snow midges" due to their cold-season activity pattern.
Dixidae
Meniscus Midges
Dixidae (meniscus midges) are a small family of nematocerous Diptera comprising fewer than 200 species. Adults are small, frail gnats that remain near aquatic habitats and do not feed. Larvae are aquatic filter-feeders that inhabit unpolluted freshwater margins, where they rest in a distinctive U-shaped posture at the water surface film. The family occurs on all continents except Antarctica and has been documented since the Jurassic period.
Docosia dichroa
Docosia dichroa is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, first described by German entomologist Hermann Loew in 1870. The species belongs to the subfamily Leiinae and tribe Leiini, placing it among the more derived lineages of fungus gnats. As with other members of Mycetophilidae, the larvae likely develop in association with fungi, though specific life history details remain poorly documented.
Dolichopeza carolus
Dolichopeza carolus is a species of large crane fly in the family Tipulidae. It belongs to the genus Dolichopeza, a group characterized by exceptionally elongated legs and bodies among crane flies. The species was described by Charles Paul Alexander in 1940. It is distributed across eastern North America.
Elephantomyia westwoodi
Elephantomyia westwoodi is a species of limoniid crane fly in the family Limoniidae. The species is known to have three recognized subspecies: E. w. adirondacensis, E. w. antillarum, and the nominate E. w. westwoodi. It belongs to the genus Elephantomyia, a group of small, delicate crane flies. Limited information is available regarding its specific biology and ecology.
Erioptera parva
Erioptera parva is a species of limoniid crane fly in the family Limoniidae. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1859. It belongs to the genus Erioptera, which comprises small to medium-sized crane flies. The species has two recognized subspecies: Erioptera parva parva and Erioptera parva brasiliensis.
Feuerborniella opposita
Feuerborniella opposita is a species of moth fly in the family Psychodidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1901. The genus Feuerborniella comprises small, delicate flies commonly associated with moist or aquatic environments. As a member of Psychodidae, it belongs to a diverse family of nematoceran Diptera with larvae typically found in wet habitats. The species is documented from a limited number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underrecorded.
Forcipomyia bystraki
Forcipomyia bystraki is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Grogan & Wirth in 1975. The genus Forcipomyia includes species with diverse ecological roles, including pollinators of cacao trees and parasites of other insects. Males of Forcipomyia species are distinguished by their bushy, plumose antennae. Larval stages typically develop in moist environments, feeding on algae, plant debris, or fungi.
Forcipomyia glauca
Forcipomyia glauca is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Macfie in 1934. The genus Forcipomyia is notable for containing species that serve as specialized pollinators of cacao trees (Theobroma cacao), though the specific ecological role of F. glauca has not been individually documented. Adult females of many Forcipomyia species feed on blood or hemolymph, while males possess distinctive plumose antennae. The species has been recorded in Brazil.
Forcipomyia macswaini
Forcipomyia macswaini is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Wirth in 1952. The genus Forcipomyia is notable for containing species that serve as specialized pollinators, including the chocolate midges responsible for pollinating cacao trees. Members of this genus are typically minute flies, often measuring only 1-3 mm in body length. The specific epithet honors entomologist J.W. MacSwain, who made significant contributions to the study of Ceratopogonidae.
Gliaspilota glutinosa
Gliaspilota glutinosa is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1862. As a member of this family, it is likely associated with plant gall formation, though specific host plants and gall morphology remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States, with Vermont being a documented location.
Gonomyia puer
Gonomyia puer is a species of limoniid crane fly described by Alexander in 1913. It belongs to the family Limoniidae, a large group of generally small, delicate crane flies. The species has a broad distribution spanning the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with records from the eastern United States through the Caribbean and into South America. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with moist habitats where larvae develop in decaying organic matter.
Hesperinus
Hesperinus is the sole genus in the relict family Hesperinidae, a small group of nematoceran flies in the infraorder Bibionomorpha. The genus contains approximately 8 extant species distributed primarily across the Palaearctic region, with single species in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Three fossil species have been described from Eocene Baltic amber. The family represents a phylogenetically isolated lineage with limited ecological and biological documentation.
Hexatomini
Hexatomini is a tribe of limoniid crane flies (family Limoniidae) comprising approximately 16 genera and at least 250 described species. The tribe includes several well-known genera such as Hexatoma, Limnophila, and Elephantomyia. Members are generally small to medium-sized crane flies distinguished from related tribes by specific wing venation patterns and genitalia structures. The group has a cosmopolitan distribution with species documented across multiple continents.
Leia
Leia is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, first described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1818. These small, delicate flies are classified within the subfamily Leiinae and tribe Leiini. The genus comprises numerous species distributed across various regions, with larvae typically developing in decaying organic matter and fungi. Adults are generally found in moist, shaded habitats where their larval food sources occur.
Leptotarsus
Leptotarsus is a genus of true crane flies (Tipulidae) established by Guerin-Meneville in 1831. The genus is taxonomically complex, containing numerous subgenera (including Aldrovandia, Araucomyia, Aurotipula, Chlorotipula, Habromastix, Leptotipula, Longurio, Macromastix, Maoritipula, Pehlkea, Phymatopsis, Tanypremna, and others) that reflect morphological diversity across multiple biogeographic regions. Species are distributed across the Southern Hemisphere, with significant representation in Australia, New Zealand, South America, and various Pacific and Atlantic islands. The genus is characterized by elongated body proportions typical of crane flies, with substantial variation in size, coloration, and leg morphology among constituent species.
Limoniidae
Limoniid Crane Flies, Limoniidae, Short-palped Crane Flies
Limoniidae is the largest family of crane flies, comprising over 10,700 species in more than 150 genera. Members are distinguished from other crane flies primarily by their wing posture at rest: wings are typically held folded along the body rather than perpendicular to it. The family includes notable wingless snow flies in the genus Chionea, which are active in winter. Limoniids are generally smaller than other crane flies and occupy diverse habitats worldwide. Recent phylogenetic studies indicate the family is paraphyletic, with some limoniids more closely related to Tipulidae and Cylindrotomidae than to other limoniids.
Lygistorrhina
long-beaked fungus gnats
Lygistorrhina is a genus of fungus gnats characterized by elongated mouthparts. The genus was established by Skuse in 1890 and contains at least 20 described species. Members are classified in the family Keroplatidae (sometimes treated as Lygistorrhinidae). These insects are part of the diverse Diptera fauna associated with fungal habitats.
Micropygomyia vexator
Micropygomyia vexator is a small moth fly species in the subfamily Phlebotominae (sand flies), described by Coquillett in 1907. It belongs to the genus Micropygomyia, which is characterized by reduced wing venation and small body size. Like other phlebotomine sand flies, it is presumed to have blood-feeding females, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded in the Americas.
Molophilus
Molophilus is a large genus of crane flies in the family Limoniidae, first described by John Curtis in 1833. The genus contains numerous species distributed across multiple continents, with recognized subgeneric divisions including Austromolophilus, Eumolophilus, Molophilus, and others. Species-level biology has been documented for some members, including studies of larval ecology and adult biology in M. ater.
Mycetobia divergens
wood gnat
Mycetobia divergens is a species of wood gnat in the family Anisopodidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1856. The genus Mycetobia is the type genus of the subfamily Mycetobiinae within this small family of nematoceran flies. Wood gnats in this family are generally associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. Specific biological details for M. divergens remain poorly documented in published literature.
Mycetophilidae
Fungus Gnats
Mycetophilidae is a family of small flies commonly known as fungus gnats, comprising approximately 3,000 described species in 150 genera with the true diversity likely much higher. These nematoceran flies are strongly associated with fungal habitats throughout their life cycle, particularly at the larval stage. Adults are characterized by a distinctly humped thorax, well-developed coxae, and often spinose legs. The family is well-represented in fossil deposits dating to the Cretaceous period, indicating an ancient and diverse lineage.
Mycetophilinae
fungus gnats
Mycetophilinae is a subfamily of fungus gnats within the family Mycetophilidae. It contains more than 30 genera and approximately 2,000 described species, organized into two tribes: Exechiini and Mycetophilini. Members are classified in the suborder Nematocera, a group of 'primitive' flies characterized by aquatic or moisture-dependent larval stages. The subfamily is distinguished from related fungus gnat subfamilies by specific morphological and taxonomic criteria, though precise diagnostic features for the subfamily level are not detailed in available sources.
Neolimnophila placida
Placid Crane Fly
Neolimnophila placida is a crane fly species in the family Limoniidae, subfamily Chioneinae. It is widely distributed across the Holarctic region, occurring in both the Nearctic and Palaearctic realms. The species has been documented from northern North America through much of Europe and across northern Asia to Japan. Like other limoniid crane flies, it is associated with moist habitats where larvae develop in decaying organic matter.
Ormosia romanovichiana
Ormosia romanovichiana is a species of limoniid crane fly described by Charles Paul Alexander in 1953. It belongs to a family of small, delicate crane flies that are often mistaken for mosquitoes due to their slender bodies and long legs. The species has been documented across a broad range of eastern North America. Like other members of Limoniidae, adults are weak fliers and are frequently encountered in moist, shaded habitats.
Polymera
Polymera is a genus of crane flies (Diptera: Limoniidae) established by Wiedemann in 1821. The genus contains approximately 60 described species organized into two subgenera: Polymera (sensu stricto) and Polymerodes. Species occur across the Americas, with numerous taxa described by Charles Paul Alexander throughout the 20th century. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing venation and genitalic structures typical of the Limnophilinae subfamily.
Protanyderus
Protanyderus is a genus of primitive crane flies in the family Tanyderidae, a small family of Nematocera within Diptera. The genus was established by Handlirsch in 1909 and includes at least one accepted species, P. stackelbergi, described from Central Asia. Tanyderidae are considered one of the most basal lineages of crane flies, retaining plesiomorphic characteristics. Members of this genus are rarely encountered and poorly represented in collections.
Protanyderus margarita
Protanyderus margarita is a species of primitive crane fly in the family Tanyderidae, described by Charles Paul Alexander in 1948. Tanyderidae is a small, relict family of Diptera with limited modern diversity, often referred to as primitive crane flies due to their retention of ancestral characteristics. The genus Protanyderus represents one of the more widespread tanyderid genera, with species distributed across various regions.
Pseudolimnophila
Pseudolimnophila is a genus of crane flies in the family Limoniidae, established by Alexander in 1919. The genus contains two subgenera: Pseudolimnophila (sensu stricto) and Calolimnophila. Species are small to medium-sized with distinctive wing venation and male genitalia structures. The genus has a broad global distribution with approximately 64 species across multiple biogeographic regions.
Pseudolimnophila inornata
Pseudolimnophila inornata is a species of limoniid crane fly in the family Limoniidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1869 under the basionym Limnophila inornata. The species is recognized as having two subspecies: the nominate P. i. inornata and P. i. vidua Alexander, 1943. As a member of the Limoniidae, it belongs to a diverse family of slender, long-legged crane flies commonly found in moist habitats.
Psychoda sigma
moth fly
Psychoda sigma is a small moth fly in the family Psychodidae, commonly known simply as 'moth fly.' First described by Kincaid in 1899, this species belongs to the subgenus Tinearia within the genus Psychoda. Moth flies are characterized by their dense body pilosity and small size, typically measuring only a few millimeters in length. The species has been documented in North America and parts of Europe, including Belgium and Denmark.
Psychodinae
Moth Flies, Drain Flies, Filter Flies, Sewer Flies
Psychodinae is the nominate subfamily of moth flies (Psychodidae), commonly known as drain flies or filter flies. Adults are small, hairy flies rarely exceeding 5–6 mm in length, with distinctive kidney-shaped eyes connected by an eye-bridge. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution, including subantarctic islands. Larvae are aquatic or semi-terrestrial, developing in diverse moist habitats ranging from natural springs and phytotelmata to artificial environments like drains and sewage systems.
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.
Reichertella producta
Reichertella producta is a minute dipteran in the family Scatopsidae (minute black scavenger flies), described by Cook in 1957. Members of Scatopsidae are typically small, dark-colored flies found in moist, decaying organic matter. The genus Reichertella is poorly documented in available literature, and no specific natural history details have been published for R. producta.
Rhegmoclemina
Rhegmoclemina is a genus of minute black scavenger flies (Diptera: Scatopsidae) established by Enderlein in 1936. It belongs to the tribe Rhegmoclematini within the subfamily Scatopsinae. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal species-level descriptions and ecological data available. Records indicate presence in Norway and Sweden.