Apsilocephalidae
Nagatomi, Saigusa, Nagatomi & Lyneborg, 1991
Genus Guides
1Apsilocephalidae is a small of brachyceran flies in the superfamily Asiloidea, established in 1991 following separation from Therevidae. The family contains three extant (Apsilocephala, Clesthentia, Clesthentiella) and at least five extinct genera known from Cretaceous amber. Fossil evidence indicates morphological and ecological diversity in the Mesozoic, including nectarivorous with elongated mouthparts.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Apsilocephalidae: /æpˌsɪloʊˈsɛfəlaɪdiː/
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Identification
Separated from Therevidae by distinct genitalic and other structural characters; historically confused with that prior to 1991 revision. Extinct Cretaceous recognized by preserved amber inclusions with characteristic brachyceran features and specialized mouthpart elongation in some .
Distribution
Extant occur in unspecified modern distributions; fossil record from Cenomanian Burmese amber (~99 Ma, Kachin region, Myanmar) and potentially other Cretaceous deposits.
Diet
Nectarivorous feeding has been documented in fossil based on elongated mouthpart ; extant species diet unknown.
Behavior
role inferred for Cretaceous based on mouthpart suggesting nectar feeding.
Ecological Role
(documented for Cretaceous fossil ); ecological role of extant species unknown.
Similar Taxa
- TherevidaeHistorically treated as within Therevidae; separated based on distinct genitalic and structural characters in 1991 revision.