From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Wormlions |
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Genera
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- Alhajarmyia Stuckenberg, 2003
- Isalomyia Stuckenberg, 2002
- Lampromyia Macquart, 1835
- Leptynoma Westwood, 1876
- Namaquamyia Stuckenberg, 2002
- Vermileo Macquart, 1834
- Vermilynx Stuckenberg, 1995
- Vermiophis Yang, 1979
- Vermipardus Stuckenberg, 1960
- Vermitigris Wheeler, 1930
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The Brachyceran family Vermileonidae (the sole member of the infraorder Vermileonomorpha) is a small family of uncertain affinities and unusual biology, containing fewer than 80 rare species in 10 genera. The larvae of vermileonids are called wormlions and have evolved the same elaborate feeding behavior as is seen in the Neuropteran family Myrmeleontidae, or the "ant-lions"; that is, they make cone-shaped "pits" in sandy areas and feed on insects that fall into the pits. They are, like ant-lions, primarily found in desert or other sandy habitats, and are voracious predators. The adults are small, slender, and fragile flies, vaguely reminiscent of small crane flies.
[edit] Classification
The infraorder Vermileonomorpha is often included within the Tabanomorpha, though the most recent classifications place them as its sister taxon.
[edit] External links
