Terrestrial-larvae
Guides
Atrichopogon
biting midges, grass punkies
Atrichopogon is a genus of small biting midges in the family Ceratopogonidae, subfamily Forcipomyiinae. Species occur across multiple continents with documented records from the Neotropical region, Patagonia, Europe, and Asia. Some species are ectoparasites of larger insects, while others develop on aquatic vegetation or in terrestrial habitats such as rotting wood. Immature stages show habitat-specific distribution patterns: larvae of A. wirthi occur on water lettuce leaves, and larvae of European Meloehelea subgenus species inhabit rotting pine wood.
Dryopidae
long-toed water beetles
Dryopidae is a family of aquatic beetles in the superfamily Byrrhoidea, commonly known as long-toed water beetles. Adults possess dense hydrofuge hairs that enable underwater respiration and extended claws that give the family its common name. Despite being aquatic, adults cannot swim and instead cling to floating detritus. The family is distinguished from similar riffle beetles (Elmidae) by antennae that are not clubbed. Most species have terrestrial larvae, though the genus Stygoparnus has fully aquatic larvae and adults.
Helichus
Helichus is a genus of small beetles in the family Dryopidae, found worldwide except Australia and Antarctica. Adults measure 1–8 mm and inhabit aquatic or riparian environments. The genus is notable for having terrestrial larvae despite the aquatic lifestyle of adults, a trait that may be unique among water-associated insects.
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)