Primitive-fly
Guides
Deuterophlebia shasta
Deuterophlebia shasta is a species of mountain midge in the family Deuterophlebiidae, first described by Wirth in 1951. This family represents one of the most primitive lineages of true flies (Diptera), with larvae that are highly specialized for life in cold, fast-flowing mountain streams. The species epithet 'shasta' refers to Mount Shasta in northern California, indicating the type locality. Deuterophlebiidae larvae are notable for their unusual body plan, featuring six pairs of ventral suckers that allow them to cling to rocks in torrential currents.
Exiliscelis californiensis
Exiliscelis californiensis is a species of fly in the family Canthyloscelididae, a small group of primitive flies often referred to as "perissommatid-like" or "synneurid" flies. Described by Hutson in 1977, this species is endemic to California. The family Canthyloscelididae is poorly known biologically, with most species known from few specimens. Exiliscelis californiensis is one of only three documented observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or underreported.