Bibio articulatus is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae.[1][2][3][4] Its distinctive features are its dark exoskeleton that varries from black to a deep red, and red/orange legs.[5]
Bibio articulatus | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Diptera |
Family: | Bibionidae |
Genus: | Bibio |
Species: | B. articulatus
|
Binomial name | |
Bibio articulatus Say, 1823
|
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c5/Redleggedmarchfly7324.jpg/220px-Redleggedmarchfly7324.jpg)
Range
editBibio articulatus is most commonly found in the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains, all the way to the coast.[6]
Habitat
editBibio articulatus can be found usually in rotting trees, or eating the leaves of plants without causing significant damage. It is also found in loose soil during its reproductive cycles.[5][6]
Sexual dimorphism
editThe sexual dimorphism in Bibio articulatus is mainly limited to eye size and body size, but has a few other varying traits. Male red-legged March flies have eye formations that are dramatically larger and take up most of the head, while females have small eyes that sit on the side of the head; although females are often larger in size than males. Also, females will typically have more red midsections, while males will have more black, and occasionally males will have more clear wings.[6]
Reproductive cycle
editBibio articulatus will usually begin appearing in March, and be most active during April and May before going dormant during June.[4] After the mating period, the female Bibio articulatus will lay eggs in loose soil or decaying substrate. These eggs are usually small, oblong, and vary in color. The larvae will hatch resembling small, featureless, worms. The larvae will eventually encapsulate itself in a pupa and gain its coloration. At the emergence from the pupa, the adult has functional wings and reproductive organs.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Bibio articulatus Report". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2018-04-30.
- ^ "Bibio articulatus species details". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 2018-04-30.
- ^ "Bibio articulatus". GBIF. Retrieved 2018-04-30.
- ^ a b "Bibio articulatus". inaturalist.org. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ a b c "Bibio articulatus". pictureinsect.com. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ a b c "Species Bibio articulatus". bugguide.net. Retrieved 2024-06-13.