- 4 species in North America
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Athericidae |
Identification Tips:
• First 7 segments of abdomen each have a pair of protrusile prolegs
• Two stout tails at end of abdomen
• No distinct head
• Two fang-like mouth parts protrude from thorax
Life History:
• Larvae found in swift, well oxygenated water of rivers and streams
• Crawl and burrow among stones, aquatic vegetation or organic debris
• Predatory on soft-bodied invertebrates
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
| Most | ||||
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Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.
