Description and biology
The family comprises about fourteen described species, distributed mainly throughout the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are strongly associated with fast-flowing, cold mountain rivers and streams, from which their common name derives. [2]
Larvae are dorsoventrally flattened and cling tightly to rock surfaces in turbulent water using large, eversible, hook-tipped prolegs on the abdomen. These structures allow them to resist current while grazing on fine organic detritus and microbial films. Pupae occur on the same smooth stones, often in small depressions or crevices. [2]
Adults emerge at dawn to form brief swarms above rushing water, where males defend territories and display with their oversized antennae. They are delicate flies with short adult lifespans—typically only a few hours—and are not known to feed. Their broad, silvery wings are often reflective in sunlight. Females have smaller heads and reduced mouthparts; after mating, they submerge to lay eggs on submerged substrates, reportedly shedding their wings in the process, although this has rarely been observed directly. [2]
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