Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Tiny, Tiny Indoor Fly. Is it a Midge?

Posted by Stephen on 01-11-2006 22:50
#1

As I was grading papers at 5:30 a.m. this little fly kept landing on the papers and walking around rapidly on them.

With the long front legs I thought of Chironomidae, female given the antennae. Is this the right family? Is it possible to carry the ID further?

West Virginia USA, 21 October 2006. Lenth 1.6 mm from the front of the eyes to the rear of the wings.

Posted by Paul Beuk on 01-11-2006 23:08
#2

It is Chironomidae. :)

Posted by Tony Irwin on 02-11-2006 00:33
#3

Female. Wing venation suggests Orthocladiinae, possibly Smittia or a related genus.

Posted by Paul Beuk on 02-11-2006 08:25
#4

Very tiny and black always would make me think of Smittia and related genera but I have no idea if there could be any others. I know similar little black midges are often prey of the smaller empids and one I had once identified was a Smittia.

Posted by Stephen on 02-11-2006 19:01
#5

Paul, Tony, Thanks for your help with the ID of this little guy!