DIPTERA > BRACHYCERA | Higher Diptera

MUSCOMORPHA > SCHIZOPHORA > Calyptratae > Oestroidea > Rhinophoridae (8 species)

(subfamilies: none)

Undistinguished, bristly, black or grey flies that have previously been treated as a subfamily of Calliphoridae and are often still linked with that family. The larva are internal parasitoids of woodlice.

General family characteristics are given as very small to relatively large (2-11mm) flies, often with many bristles; usually grey to black with some pruinosity, or brownish yellow; arista bare to plumose; wings can be distinctly marked; vein M1 always curving forward towards, and sometimes connecting, with R4+5; lower calypter always small and pronounced; subscutellum narrow and distinct; hyperpleural (meral) bristles always present, although fewer in number and less strong than in related families; posterior spiracle with a lining of long hair-like bristles.

Rhinophora lepida is just about the smallest with a body length of only 2.5-4mm. Apart from its size and virtually clear undarkened wings, it can be distinguished from other rhinophorids or superficially similar calyptrate species, by the combination of a projecting upper mouth edge, yellow halteres (both only visible in side view) and, importantly, the wing venation where the stalk of R4+5 is clearly shorter than the upturned section of M1.

This particular species has a flight season from late June into September when it can be found in a wide variety of warm habitats where the adult like to visit flowers.

Updated Nov.24 (v.2)