Family DIXIDAE Schiner, 1868
Compiler and date details
2011 - Karin Koch & Christine Lambkin, Queensland Museum
1999 - E.-M.E. Bugledich, CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Introduction
The Dixidae is a worldwide family of some 200 species. Adult Dixidae are slightly built resembling delicate mosquitoes (Culicidae, to which they are related) but with a short proboscis, short-haired antenna, unscaled wing, and with a characteristically curved stem of wing vein R2+3. Adults, which do not feed, are found close to the aquatic natal site, resting in shaded places or forming swarms.
Larval Dixidae are easily recognisable in life by their `U'-shaped posture on the surface film of standing and marginal flowing waters, hence the vernacular name of `meniscus midges'. When preserved, the larvae have a strong resemblance to some mosquitoes, but they are easily differentiated by the circles of hairs on several dorsal abdominal segments. Dixid larvae feed by filtering fine particles from the surface film, using sweeping movements of the labral brushes. They will move into the hygropetric (madicolous) zone, crawling in their `U'-shape in surface films of rocks. Dixid eggs are laid in masses at the edge of water bodies.
Earliest records of fossil dixids derive from the Lower Cretaceous of southern Australia, with several taxa found in more recent amber.
There has been little study of the Australian Dixidae and life history information is needed to validate the current generic placements.
General References
Tonnoir, A.L. 1923. Australian Dixidae (Dipt.). Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 1923: 58-71
History of changes
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Jun-2011 | 10-Jun-2011 | MODIFIED | ||
| 12-Feb-2010 | (import) |