Snipe flies
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Sensitive Benthos
Moderately Tolerant Benthos
Pollution Tolerant Benthos
Metamorphosis:
complete (see our life cycle page for more information)
Larvae:
elongated, cylindrical, slightly flattened; cone-shaped abdomen is characteristic; two, long, fringed filaments at end of abdomen, color varies; length up to 1/2 inch.
Reproduction:
female deposits eggs on overhanging vegetation and immediately dies and remains attached to egg mass; larvae hatch and drop into water
Adults:
a moderately sized fly that is usually found around low bushes, shrubbery, and tall grasses.
Food:
larvae are predaceous, adults mostly feed on blood.
Scientific Family:
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Athericidae
Indicator Role:
The snipe fly is commonly associated with fairly clean waters.
Information Source:
McDonald, B., W. Borden, J. Lathrop.1990. Citizen Stream Monitoring: A Manual for Illinois. Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources, ILENR/RE-WR-90/18. Springfield, Illinois.
Other Links:
- Snipe Flies - Digital Key to Aquatic Insects of North Dakota
- Snipe fly larvae in Introduction to Benthic Macroinvertebrates by George Mason University, initiated by Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District