Cecidomyiidae (predator midges)
Author(s): Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University
Source: Wikimedia Commons
| Vernacular names | |
|---|---|
| • English: | predator midges |
| • Español: | cecidómidos |
| • Français: | cécidomyidés |
Cecidomyiidae (predator midges)
This family contains around 5,000 species of small, often tiny flies, usually ½ to 4 mm long. Most are plant parasites and construct galls. However, the larvae of some species are insect predators and these are covered here. Adults only live for a few days and often do not feed.
The adults are mosquito-like with long legs and long antennae. They are usually yellow, orange or red in colour, hairy and with large wings. The antennae have around 15 segments, including 2 characteristic basal ones, with whorls of hairs. The compound eyes meet above the antennae.
Synonyms:
Itonididae
For more details see the respective page in Wikipedia.
Note:
This page deals only with predators of insect pests. For other groups of Cecidomyiidae see:
The following species are currently entered under this family:
