| Limoniidae Temporal range: | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Limonia nubeculosa | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Infraorder: | Tipulomorpha |
| Superfamily: | Tipuloidea |
| Family: | Limoniidae |
| Diversity | |
| ca. 150 genera | |
Limoniidae is the largest of four crane fly families, with more than 10,700 species in more than 150 genera. Some studies have suggested it to be a paraphyletic group, with some limoniids being more closely related to Tipulidae and Cylindrotomidae than to other limoniids. [1] [2] [3] Limoniid crane flies can usually be distinguished by the way the wings are held at rest. Limoniids usually hold/fold the wings along the back of the body, whereas other crane flies usually hold them out at right angles. Snow flies (genus: Chionea ) such as Chionea scita have no wings at all. [4] Limoniids are also usually smaller than other crane flies, with some exceptions. [5]
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The classification of Limoniid crane flies has been varied in the past, with the group treated both as subfamily and family, [6] but the following classification is currently accepted. [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] (Species counts are approximate, and vary over time.) [9] . Recent phylogenetic analyses have revealed the family to be paraphyletic and further research is suggested. [1] [7]
- Family Limoniidae (Limoniid Crane Flies, more than 10,700 species)
- Subfamily Chioneinae (4,324 species and subspecies)
- Subfamily Dactylolabinae (59 species and subspecies)
- Subfamily Limnophilinae (2,593 species and subspecies)
- Subfamily Limoniinae (3,873 species and subspecies)
- Subfamily †Architipulinae (extinct)
- Subfamily †Drinosinae (extinct)
- Subfamily †Eotipulinae (extinct)
These flies are found in damp places throughout the world, and many species form dense swarms in suitable habitats.
