The Cylindrotomidae or long-bodied craneflies are a family of crane flies. About 115 species in 9 genera occur worldwide.
Most recent classifications place the group to family level. this was not supported by recent phylogenetic analyses by Petersen et al.[1] however Zhang et al.[2] have overturned this with their phylogenetic analyses. Thus they remain an established family.
They are mostly large flies of around 11–16 mm and yellowish to pale brownish in colour. They have long, slender antennae with 16 segments; the wings, legs and the abdomen are all very long.
The larvae are all phytophagous (with the exception of the genus Cylindrotoma) and are found living on terrestrial, semiaquatic and aquatic mosses. The larvae of the genus Cylindrotoma live on various flowering plants. Adults are found in damp, wooded habitats.
Cylindrotoma distinctissima The Cylindrotomidae or long-bodied craneflies are a family of crane flies. About 115 species in 9 genera occur worldwide.
Most recent classifications place the group to family level. this was not supported by recent phylogenetic analyses by Petersen et al. however Zhang et al. have overturned this with their phylogenetic analyses. Thus they remain an established family.
