Chrysopilus asiliformis

Chrysopilus asiliformis, the 'little snipefly', is a species of 'snipe flies' (family Rhagionidae).

Chrysopilus asiliformis
Chrysopilus cf. asiliformis, male
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Rhagionidae
Genus:
Chrysopilus
Species:
C. asiliformis
Binomial name
Chrysopilus asiliformis
(Preyssler, 1791)
Synonyms
  • Chrysopilus aureus (Meigen, 1804)
  • Chrysopilus meridionalis Bezzi, 1898
  • Musca asiliformis Preyssler, 1791
  • Rhagio aureus Meigen, 1804
  • Rhagio aurulans Meigen, 1820
  • Rhagio luridus Meigen, 1820

Subspecies

Subspecies include:[1]

  • Chrysopilus asiliformis var. asiliformis (Preyssler, 1791)
  • Chrysopilus asiliformis var. meridiomalis Bezzi, 1898

Distribution

This widespread species is present in most of Europe.[2]

Chrysopilus asiliformis. Female

Habitat

This species inhabits various environments, as scrubs, woodland edges, wetlands and gardens.[3]

Description

The adults grow up to 6–9 millimetres (0.24–0.35 in) long. This fragile-looking fly shows a slender body. Head, thorax and abdomen are grey dusted, with dark stripes on the abdomen, without bristles The legs are rather long and thin, with brownish-yellow femora. The wings are hyaline with a dark well marked pterostigma. Eyes are greenish.[4]

Biology

Adults can be encountered from May through September. The larvae probably develop in soil.[3]

Bibliography
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. 2003 onwards. British insects: the families of Diptera. Version: 16 December 2010
  • Stubbs & Drake (2001) British Soldierflies and their Allies. BENHS. ISBN 1899935045.

References
  1. BioLib-
  2. Fauna europaea
  3. Nature Spot
  4. Mark van Veen Chrysopilus of Northwest Europe - Identification key - HCC
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