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Ptychopteromorpha

(Infraorder)

Overview

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The infraorder Ptychopteromorpha includes two uncommon families. In older classifications, the group is included within the infraorder Tipulomorpha, but it does not appear to be closely related at all, having only superficial similarities (e.g., slender bodies and long legs).

Photos

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Taxonomy

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The Infraorder Ptychopteromorpha is a member of the Suborder Nematocera. Here is the complete "parentage" of Ptychopteromorpha:

The Infraorder Ptychopteromorpha is further organized into finer groupings including:

Families

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Ptychopteridae

Ptychopteridae, the Phantom Crane Flies is a small family (three extant genera) of Nematocerous Diptera. Superficially similar in appearance to other "Tipuloid" families, they lack the of Trichoceridae, the 5-branched radial vein of Tanyderidae, and the two anal veins that reach the wing margin of Tipulidae. They are usually allied with the Tanyderidae based on similarities of the mesonotal suture; this group being called the Ptychopteromorpha. [more]

Tanyderidae

Tanyderidae, or primitive crane flies, of the order are long, thin, delicate insects with spotted wings, superficially similar in appearance to some Tipulidae, Trichoceridae, and Ptychopteridae. Most species are restricted in distribution. They are found in many parts of the world, including North America, South America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and various islands in the Pacific Ocean. Adults are usually found hanging from vegetation near streams. Larvae are found either in sandy stream margins or in wet, rotten wood. Fossil species are known. [more]

At least 54 species and subspecies belong to the Family Tanyderidae.

More info about the Family Tanyderidae may be found here.

Sources

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Last Revised: September 22, 2009
2009/09/22 10:08:57