Family: Limoniidae
Subfamily: Limnophilinae
Subgenus: Epiphragma
Length: most commonly 11-12 mm
The range of Epiphragma solatrix is extensive, running from Kansas and New York to at least as far south as Cuba and Mexico.
There are two generations per year, and Crane Fly expert Dr. Chen Young notes that the flies of the Spring generation have a larger body size than those born in the late summer generation.
Krivosheina (2009) listed the traits of typical Epiphragma spp. larvae. Among these traits are: Whitish/yellowish elongate body; a large brownish head capsule with black spots. Abdominal segments II through VII have "well-developed creeping welts" near the anterior margin of each segment. Commonly the larvae in this genus feed on the wood of tree trunks or logs, often in the drier outer layers.
Left: lateral view of head and thorax. Right: detail of abdominal tip of the female.
Insects of West Virginia
