Limoniidae
Crane flies / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Limoniidae is the largest of four crane fly families, with more than 10,700 species in more than 150 genera. Some studies have suggested it to be a paraphyletic group, with some limoniids being more closely related to Tipulidae and Cylindrotomidae than to other limoniids.[1][2][3] Limoniid crane flies can usually be distinguished by the way the wings are held at rest. Limoniids usually hold/fold the wings along the back of the body, whereas other crane flies usually hold them out at right angles. Snow flies (genus: Chionea) such as Chionea scita have no wings at all.[4] Limoniids are also usually smaller than other crane flies, with some exceptions.[5]
Limoniidae | |
---|---|
Limonia nubeculosa | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Diptera |
Infraorder: | Tipulomorpha |
Superfamily: | Tipuloidea |
Family: | Limoniidae |
Diversity | |
ca. 150 genera |
The classification of Limoniid crane flies has been varied in the past, with the group treated both as subfamily and family,[6] but the following classification is currently accepted.[7][8][9][10][11][12] (Species counts are approximate, and vary over time.).[9] Recent phylogenetic analyses have revealed the family to be paraphyletic and further research is suggested.[1][7]
- Family Limoniidae (Limoniid Crane Flies, more than 10,700 species)
- Subfamily Chioneinae (4,324 species and subspecies)
- Subfamily Dactylolabinae (59 species and subspecies)
- Subfamily Limnophilinae (2,593 species and subspecies)
- Subfamily Limoniinae (3,873 species and subspecies)
- Subfamily †Architipulinae (extinct)
- Subfamily †Drinosinae (extinct)
- Subfamily †Eotipulinae (extinct)
These flies are found in damp places throughout the world, and many species form dense swarms in suitable habitats.