Snipe flies

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

Sensitive Benthos

Moderately Tolerant Benthos

Pollution Tolerant Benthos

Snipe-fly larvae

Metamorphosis:

complete (see our life cycle page for more information)

Larvae:

elongated, cylindrical, slightly flattened; cone-shaped abdomen is characteristic; two, long, fringed filaments at end of abdomen, color varies; length up to 1/2 inch.

Reproduction:

female deposits eggs on overhanging vegetation and immediately dies and remains attached to egg mass; larvae hatch and drop into water

Adults:

a moderately sized fly that is usually found around low bushes, shrubbery, and tall grasses.

Food:

larvae are predaceous, adults mostly feed on blood.

Scientific Family:

Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Athericidae

Indicator Role:

The snipe fly is commonly associated with fairly clean waters.

Information Source:

McDonald, B., W. Borden, J. Lathrop.1990. Citizen Stream Monitoring: A Manual for Illinois. Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources, ILENR/RE-WR-90/18. Springfield, Illinois.