Latin Name:
Family Lauxaniidae
(P.
Beuk, det.)
Body Length: 2.5 mm
Range: Throughout Alberta
Habitat: Areas with dense vegetation
Time of year seen: Summer
Diet: Various
Other: Flies in the Family Lauxaniidae are typically
small, robust flies which are brown, yellow, black or grey in color. The
wings of some species are opaque or spotted. Lauxaniidae occur in a broad
range of environments including sand dunes, grasslands, mangrove swamps,
mountainous areas and forested habitats. The majority of adult flies prefer
humid shaded habitats and are often seen on flowers amongst low lying
vegetation. A few species of adult flies have been observed feeding on
fungus.
Limited knowledge exists about the larval stages of Lauxaniidae. The
majority appear to feed on decaying vegetable matter. They can be
found in leaf litter, detritus and occasionally in birds nests. The
female flies lay their eggs among leaf debris, where the larvae live before
pupating.
Location: Calgary, AB
Date: Jun. 2, 2006
