Ochthera


Ochthera is a genus of flies in the family of Shore flies. The genus is distinctive because of the swollen raptorial forelegs. The larvae are predaceous on midge larvae while the adults feed on midges and mosquitoes. The genus is found around the world with about 37 species. The species Ochthera chalybescens has been shown to prey on African malaria vectors.

Behaviour

It has been noted that foreleg waving may be involved in displays and UV reflective patches on the face and fore coxae may be involved.
Spreading and waving of the foreleg is involved in same sex encounters as well as with male and female pairs during approach. It is not known if it is a threat or a recognition display. Adult Ochthera mantis have been noted to probe sand with their proboscis and when they detect prey such as chirononomid larvae, they are excavated using the fore tibial spines and held between the tibia and femora as the prey is consumed.
All species in the genus are predaceous.

Species

These 55 species belong to the genus Ochthera:
Data sources: i = ITIS, c = Catalogue of Life, g = GBIF, b = Bugguide.net