- A large, diverse family
- 577 species in North America
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Tipulidae |
Identification Tips:
Larvae
• Body cylindrical, relatively thick with no legs
• Head not visible; withdrawn into thorax
• 1 to 7 pairs of short, fleshy lobes arranged at tip of abdomen
• 10-25 mm
Adults
• Body shaped like mosquito, but much larger
• Extremely long legs
Life History:
• Larvae found in a variety of still and flowing water habitats
• Among stones, organic debris or in sand or thick algae on rocks
• Some types are found in brackish water and intertidal areas
• Breath through openings (spiracles) at end of abdomen
• Most shred or collect organic detritus to eat; a few are predators
• Especially important in breakdown of leaf litter
• Adults are flying insects that feed on nectar
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
| Some | Most | Some | ||
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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.
