Aquatic Insects of Michigan
by Ethan Bright, Museum of Zoology Insect Division and School of Natural Resources and Environment
University of Michigan
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- Keys/Identification
- Aquatic Insects of Michigan
Ptychopteridae (Phantom crane flies) of Michigan - Identification
Four species in three genera are found in Michigan. These flies resemble tipulids (crane flies), they lack the two anal wing veins that reach the wing margin as in Tipulidae. Larvae are conspicuous with the long respiratory siphon, adaptive for the stagnant saturated mud substrates of wetlands and stream margins where they feed on decaying organic matter.
Adults
(adapted from Alexander 1981)
1a a. Flagellum with 13 segments b. M vein of wing branched Ptychopterinae, Ptychoptera Meigen
1b a. Flagellum with 18-19 segments b. M vein of wing unbranched Bittacomorphinae, 22a(1b) a. Wing with distal radial and medial cells with macrotrichia b. First tarsomere of all legs not dilated Bittacomorphella Alexander
2b a. Wing without macrotrichia in distal radial and medial cells b. First tarsomere of all legs conspicuously dilated Bittacomorpha Westwood
Pupa
1a a. All tarsi lying parallel b. Wing pads with M vein branched Ptychopterinae, Ptychoptera Meigen
1b a. Fore tarsus lying above mid tarsus b. Wing pads with M unbranched Bittacomorphinae, 22a(1b) a. Right respiratory horn small, degenerate, left horn very long b. Abdominal tubercles weak, tipped with several strong setae Bittacomorphella Alexander
2b a. Right respiratory horn elongate, left horn short and degenerate b. Abdominal tubercles strong, elongate, crowned by a circlet of 4-5 spines and tipped with setiferous papillae Bittacomorpha Westwood
Larva
1a a. Hypostoma separated from hypostomal bridge, its anterior margin multitoothed b. Mandible with 3 large outer teeth c. Prolegs and apical curved claws small and inconspicuous d. Coloration pale yellow or brown Ptychopterinae, Ptychoptera Meigen
1b a. Hypostoma apparently fused with hypostomal bridge that closes head capsule ventrally, its anterior margin bilobed b. Mandible with a single outer tooth c. Prolegs prominent ventrally on Ab1-3, each with a conspicuous curved claw d. Coloration rusty red or black 22a(1b) a. Predominately blackish in color b. Respiratory siphon light yellow, entirely retractile c. Very long projections encased in a black horny substance, covering the entire body d. Mandible with an inner comb of teeth
2b a. Predominately reddish in color b. Body tapering gradually to a long, slender, partly retractile respiratory siphon c. Transverse rows of shorter stellate tubercles covering the entire body d. Mandible without an inner comb of teeth Bittacomorpha Westwood
Page created: November 25, 2013; Last updated: November 25, 2013 (EB)