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Empididae
Phylum Arthropoda
Class Insecta
Order Diptera
Suborder Orthorrhaphous-Brachycera
Family Empididae
Common Name  
 
Distinguishing Characteristics
  • Terminal abdominal segment with 1-4 rounded lobes bearing apical setae
  • Abdominal segments have paired prolegs with apical crotchets (small hooks)
  • Usually apneustic. If metapneustic, then posteriorsegment with one lobe below spiracles, and abdominal segments having ventral creeping welts
  • Metacephalic rods slender posteriorly (internal feature)
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Bibliography

Merritt, R W., K W. Cummins, and M B. Berg. An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Company, 2008