Trichoceridae
- 1 min read
- 3 chapters
Related on Lably
Through Cave
Range
Distributed globally. Most Trichoceridae species are found in non-tropical regions (Holarctic regions). There are 27 species in North America.
Sign in to keep reading
2 more chapters are free with a Lably account.
Description
Besides Trichoceridae, there are very few insects that appear in adult form during winter months. They are usually seen in the fall or early spring and can be seen on mild winter days. Adult trichocerids are medium-sized flies that are hard to distinguish in the field. Aside from the presence of ocelli, they have a V-shaped suture on the mesonotum and distinct wing venation (if present). Larvae are also found in colder months throughout the year. They live in decaying vegetable matter and can be distinguished by their well-developed head capsule, amphineustic spiracular arrangement, and are oblique/vertical.
Evolutionary history
The oldest fossil of the group is Mailotrichocera, which is known from the Early to Late Jurassic of Eurasia.