Rank Family | Suborder Nematocera Scientific name Blephariceridae Higher classification Blephariceromorpha Order Fly | |
Similar Fly, Dixidae, Deuterophlebia, Athericidae, Thaumaleidae | ||
The Blephariceridae, commonly known as net-winged midges, are a nematoceran family in the order Diptera. The adults resemble crane flies except with a projecting anal angle in the wings, and different head shape, absence of the V on the mesonotum, and more laterally outstretched, forward-facing legs. They are uncommon, but dozens of genera occur worldwide, and over 200 species.
They are found near fast-flowing streams where the larvae live. Blepharicerid larvae are filter feeders and have suckers on their abdominal tergites, used to adhere to rocks in the torrents in which they live. These suckers are sometimes called creeping welts. These are of unique evolutionary origin within the Diptera.
One recent classification based largely on fossils treats this family as the sole member of its infraorder, but this has not gained wide acceptance.
Taxonomy
