Atherix marginata

Atherix marginata, the black-legged water-snipefly, is a species of ibis flies belonging to the family Athericidae, a small family very similar to the Rhagionidae.

Distribution

This species is present in most of Europe.

Description

The body is quite slender, eyes are rounded and well separated, antennae are trisegmented, costae are extended around the whole wings, and the abdomen has several dark and clear stripes. The legs are entirely black.

Biology

Adults can be found from May to Augusty. Adult females gather in large clumps and lay egg masses on tree branches or under bridges over flowing waters. In such a way, the first-stage larvae will fall into the water, where they start their lives. The larvae are aquatic and saprophagous. They show 6-8 abdominal segments.

Habitat

These ibis flies are usually found alongside shallow rivers and streams, especially in hilly areas., where the larvae develop as predators.