Brachyceran Flies
Lat. “Brachycera“ suborder
of class
“Insects“ 1 suborder, 1 genus, 17 families, 43 species
This summary provides information about the physical characteristics and classification of Brachycera flies. The key physical characteristics include reduced antenna size, fused flagellum with a protruding arista, two or fewer segments in the maxillary palp, extension of the larval head capsule into the prothorax, distinct parts in the larval mandible, separated epandrium and hypandrium in males, and the absence of a premandible on the labrum. The classification of Brachycera is a topic of confusion and controversy, with historical names still persisting despite not being used for decades. The Tree of Life Web Project is a useful resource for information on Brachycera.
A summary of the main physical characteristics is:
Antenna size (with eight or fewer flagellomeres) is reduced. In many species the third segment, the flagellum, is fused, except from a bristle called the arista that is sticking out from the fused flagellum. The arista consist of no more than three segments called aristomeres.
The maxillary palp (an elongated appendage near the mouth) has two segments or fewer.
The back portions of the larval head capsule extend into the prothorax (the anterior part of the thorax, which bears the first pair of legs).
Two distinct parts make up of the larval mandible (lower jaw).
The epandrium and hypandrium of the genitalia are separated in males.
No premandible is present on the lower surface of the labrum (the roof of the mouth).
The configuration of the CuA2 and A1 wing veins is distinct.Brachyceran flies can also be distinguished through behavior. Many of the species are predators or scavengers.
Classification
The structure of subgroups within the Brachycera is a source of much confusion and controversy; many of the names used historically (e.g., Orthorrhapha) have not been used in decades, but still persist in textbooks, checklists, faunal catalogs, and other sources. Additionally, most recent classifications no longer use the Linnaean ranks for taxa (e.g., the Tree of Life Web Project), and this creates its own set of problems.
See also
Larger brachycera
External links
The Tree of Life Web Project: Brachycera
Brachycera images
