Dixidae sp. (Schiner, 1868)
Scientific name: Dixidae sp. (Schiner, 1868)
Common name:
French name:
Order: Diptera
Family: Dixidae
Wingspan : Body length less or equal to 5 mm, long legs.
Biotope: Elongated and cylindrical larvae grow just below the surface of water.
Geographic area: All continents except Antarctica.
Observation period :
Dixidae show bodies and wings without scales. The antennae are thread-like (not feathery) on both sexes.
The proboscis is short, the palps are pendent. These insects do not bite or suck blood like real mosquitoes.
The thorax is angular and domed on the top.
Wings may be translucent or spotted depending on species.
Telling species apart is difficult and requires a close examination of the genitalia.

Dixidae sp. - Yvelines, France - December 29th 2015
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Dixidae sp.
I observed this Dixidae in my compost tank at a period of the year when you do not see many insects.


Dixidae sp. - Yvelines, France - December 29th 2015
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Dixidae sp.
Front view with the palps.


Dixidae sp. - Yvelines, France - December 29th 2015
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Dixidae sp.
Here is a view of the wings, they are hyaline (translucent).
The translucent wings and the markings on the thorax seem to match the Dixella genus but this is only a hypothesis that I am not able to confirm.

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