Rhagionidae
Guides
Arthroceras
Arthroceras is a genus of snipe flies (family Rhagionidae) established by Williston in 1886. It is the sole genus in the subfamily Arthrocerinae. Species range from 4.5 to 13 mm in body length and occur in both the Palearctic and Neotropical regions.
Arthroceras fulvicorne
Arthroceras fulvicorne is a species of snipe fly described by Nagatomi in 1966. It belongs to the family Rhagionidae and is classified within the subfamily Arthrocerinae. Three subspecies have been recognized: A. f. fulvicorne, A. f. nigricapite, and A. f. subsolanum. The species is known from a small number of observations, indicating it is either rare or underrecorded.
Arthroceras pollinosum
Arthroceras pollinosum is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, first described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1886. It belongs to the subfamily Arthrocerinae, a group characterized by distinctive antennal modifications. The species is known from very few observations, with only five records documented on iNaturalist as of the available data. Its specific epithet 'pollinosum' likely refers to a pollinose (dusty or pollen-covered) appearance, a common trait in this genus.
Chrysopilus
snipe flies
Chrysopilus is a diverse genus of snipe flies in the family Rhagionidae, comprising approximately 300 species with worldwide distribution across all biogeographical regions. The genus includes both extant and fossil species, with some fossil members preserved in amber. Several species exhibit metallic scaling on the exoskeleton, giving adults a distinctive appearance. Larval development occurs in moist, decaying organic substrates including rotting wood and damp soil.
Chrysopilus andersoni
Chrysopilus andersoni is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, described by Leonard in 1930. It belongs to a genus characterized by metallic coloration derived from delicate scales on the exoskeleton. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented compared to some congeners.
Chrysopilus basilaris
Chrysopilus basilaris is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae. It is found in the United States. Like other members of the genus Chrysopilus, adults are likely characterized by metallic scaling on the exoskeleton. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823.
Chrysopilus connexus
Chrysopilus connexus is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, described by Johnson in 1912. It is one of approximately 80 species in the genus Chrysopilus, which is characterized by metallic scaling on the body. The species is known from the United States, though detailed natural history information specific to this species is limited.
Chrysopilus foedus
Striped Sand Grasshopper
Chrysopilus foedus is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, first described by Loew in 1861. The genus Chrysopilus comprises approximately 200 species worldwide, with adults typically found in wooded or riparian habitats. Larval stages of Chrysopilus species are generally predatory, inhabiting soil or decaying organic matter. Specific biological details for C. foedus remain poorly documented in published literature.
Chrysopilus griffithi
Griffith's snipe fly
Chrysopilus griffithi is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, first described by Johnson in 1897. It is a member of the genus Chrysopilus, which is characterized by delicate metallic scales that give adults a sparkly, golden appearance. The specific epithet honors an individual named Griffith. Like other rhagionids, this species likely has larvae that develop in damp soil or decaying organic matter, though detailed life history information remains poorly documented.
Chrysopilus modestus
Chrysopilus modestus is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, described by Loew in 1872. The genus name derives from Greek 'chryso' (gold) and Latin 'pilus' (hair), referring to the metallic scaled appearance typical of the genus. The specific epithet 'modestus' suggests a relatively unadorned or subdued appearance compared to congeners. As a member of Rhagionidae, it belongs to a family of predatory flies whose larvae typically inhabit moist soil or decaying organic matter.
Chrysopilus ornatus
Ornate Snipe Fly
Chrysopilus ornatus is a small, metallic snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, distinguished by its ornate gold-colored scales that cover the body. Adults are found primarily in moist woodlands and forest edges of the northeastern United States and adjacent southern Canada, with activity peaking in June. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism: males have eyes in contact at the top of the head and more slender abdomens, while females have separated eyes and more robust, pointed abdomens. Surprisingly little is known about its life history; larvae are suspected to occur in damp soil rich in decaying organic matter or in rotting wood, and may be predatory on other invertebrates.
Chrysopilus proximus
Chrysopilus proximus is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae. It is one of approximately 200 species in the genus Chrysopilus, which is characterized by metallic scaling on the exoskeleton. The specific epithet "proximus" (Latin for "nearest") was assigned by Francis Walker in 1848. Like other members of its genus, this species belongs to a group of predatory or scavenging flies whose adult feeding habits remain poorly documented.
Chrysopilus quadratus
Quadrate Snipe Fly
Chrysopilus quadratus is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits moist woodland environments. The species is part of a group of flies known for their often ornate, metallic-scaled appearance, though specific details for this species are limited.
Chrysopilus testaceipes
Chrysopilus testaceipes is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, described by Bigot in 1887. It belongs to the genus Chrysopilus, which is characterized by metallic coloration derived from delicate scales on the exoskeleton. The specific epithet 'testaceipes' refers to the yellowish-brown (testaceous) coloration of the legs. Like other members of its genus, this species is poorly known biologically, with limited published information on its life history, behavior, or ecology.
Chrysopilus thoracicus
Golden-backed Snipe Fly
Chrysopilus thoracicus, commonly known as the golden-backed snipe fly, is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae. It is typically found in woodland habitats of eastern North America. The species is distinguished by its golden or yellowish coloration on the thorax, which gives rise to its common name. Adults are most commonly observed during late spring and early summer months.
Chrysopilus tomentosus
Chrysopilus tomentosus is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae. The genus name derives from Greek 'chryso' (gold) and Latin 'pilus' (hair), referring to the metallic golden scales that cover the body. Like other members of Chrysopilus, this species likely inhabits moist woodland environments. Adults are active during late spring and summer months. Very little is known about its specific biology or life history.
Chrysopilus xanthopus
Chrysopilus xanthopus is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, described by Hardy in 1949. The genus name derives from Greek 'chryso' (gold) and Latin 'pilus' (hair), referencing the metallic scaling characteristic of Chrysopilus species. As a member of the Chrysopilinae subfamily, it shares the ornate appearance typical of this group. Very little species-specific information is documented in available sources.
Rhagio
snipe flies, downlooker flies, down-looker flies
Rhagio is a worldwide genus of predatory snipe flies (Diptera: Rhagionidae) comprising approximately 170 species. Several species are known as 'downlooker' or 'down-looker' flies due to their habit of perching on tree trunks in a head-down position. The genus can be distinguished from other rhagionids by two key wing characters: an open anal cell and the absence of a kidney-shaped arista. Taxonomic revisions have been published for both eastern and western Nearctic species.
Rhagio albicornis
Rhagio albicornis is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, native to the eastern Nearctic region. First described by Say in 1823, the species was taxonomically revised by Chillcott in 1965, who synonymized Rhagio boscii and Xylophagus fasciatus with this species. It belongs to a genus of predatory flies whose larvae develop in soil or decaying organic matter. The species is part of a diverse eastern Nearctic fauna that includes several recently described species such as R. dichromaticus, R. floridensis, and R. orestes.
Rhagio dichromaticus
Rhagio dichromaticus is a species of snipe fly described by J.G. Chillcott in 1965. It is distinguished from congeners by its extremely dark coloration. The species was described from Louisiana and is one of three new species recognized in Chillcott's revision of eastern Nearctic Rhagio species. As a member of the family Rhagionidae, it belongs to a group of predatory or scavenging flies whose larvae typically inhabit moist soil or decaying organic matter.
Rhagio floridensis
Rhagio floridensis is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, described by Chillcott in 1965. It is distinguished from other eastern Nearctic Rhagio species by its yellow thorax and distinctively patterned wings. The species is known from Florida and Georgia.
Rhagio hirtus
Rhagio hirtus is a snipe fly species in the family Rhagionidae, recognized as a valid species in the revision of eastern Nearctic Rhagio species. It is closely related to R. orestes, from which it can be distinguished by its paler thorax and abdomen. The species is part of the genus Rhagio, commonly known as snipe flies, which are generally associated with moist woodland habitats.
Rhagio mystaceus
Common Snipe Fly, Down-looker Fly, Downlooker Snipefly
Rhagio mystaceus is a small to medium-sized snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, commonly known as the Common Snipe Fly or Down-looker Fly. Males measure 7–9 mm and females 6–8 mm. The species exhibits distinctive patterning including three dark dorsal stripes on the thorax, with the central stripe often bearing a thin pale line, and yellowish rings on the abdominal segments. The wings have dark tips. It is found in moist woodland habitats across middle and eastern North America.
Rhagio plumbeus
Lead-colored Snipe Fly
Rhagio plumbeus is a snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, characterized by its lead-gray coloration that gives the species its name. Adults are medium-sized flies found in moist woodland habitats during late spring and early summer. Like other members of the genus Rhagio, this species exhibits sexual dimorphism in eye structure, with males having holoptic eyes and females having dichoptic eyes. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America.
Rhagio punctipennis
lesser variegated snipe fly
Rhagio punctipennis, commonly known as the lesser variegated snipe fly, is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It is part of a diverse genus of predatory flies found primarily in woodland and forest edge habitats across North America.
Rhagio tringarius
Marsh Snipefly, Marsh Snipe Fly
Rhagio tringarius, commonly known as the marsh snipefly, is a species of fly in the family Rhagionidae. Adults measure 8–14 mm in length with yellow-orange abdomens and long slender legs. The species is native to Europe but has been recorded in the Nearctic region, representing a first record for North America. Larvae are predatory, dwelling in soil and litter where they hunt small beetles and earthworms. Adults are active from May to September and are typically found resting on leaves in vegetated habitats.
Rhagio vertebratus
snipe fly
Rhagio vertebratus is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae. Adults reach up to 8.5 mm in length. The species was originally described by Say in 1823. Walker later described R. intermedius, which was subsequently synonymized with R. vertebratus. It occurs in the eastern Nearctic region.
Symphoromyia cinerea
Symphoromyia cinerea is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, first described by Johnson in 1903. It belongs to the subfamily Spaniinae and is currently treated as an accepted species in taxonomic databases, though some sources list it as a synonym. As a member of Rhagionidae, it shares the general characteristics of snipe flies, which are predatory or hematophagous dipterans.
Symphoromyia hirta
Symphoromyia hirta is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, first described by Johnson in 1897. It belongs to the subfamily Spaniinae within the order Diptera. The species is currently accepted as valid, though some sources list it as a synonym of Symphoromyia (Paraphoromyia) hirta. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 4 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Symphoromyia sackeni
Symphoromyia sackeni is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, first described by Aldrich in 1915. The species belongs to the subfamily Spaniinae and is classified within the genus Symphoromyia. Like other snipe flies, adults are predatory and typically associated with moist habitats. The species name honors Osten Sacken, a prominent 19th-century dipterist.