Phoridae

Common Name

Hump-backed Flies or Scuttle Flies

Overview

Phoridae, commonly known as hump-backed flies or scuttle flies, is a diverse family of small, often indistinguishable flies. They are recognized by their hump-backed appearance and erratic, scuttling movements when disturbed.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order:Diptera
• Family: Phoridae

Key Characteristics

• Small size, typically 0.5 to 6 mm in length.
• Distinctive hump-backed thorax.
• Reduced, veined wings; some species are wingless.
• Erratic, quick movements when disturbed, hence the name "scuttle flies."
• Antennae with a distinctive bristle (arista).

Life Cycle

• Egg: Laid in a variety of substrates, depending on species.
• Larva: Larvae are scavengers, feeding on decaying organic matter, fungi, or even other insects.
• Pupa: Pupation occurs in the larval feeding substrate.
• Adult: Short lifespan; primarily involved in reproduction and dispersal.

Behavior and Ecology

• Opportunistic feeders, with diverse diets ranging from decaying organic matter to plant materials and fungi.
• Many species are parasitoids or parasitic, targeting ants and bees.
• Known for their rapid, erratic running behavior, rather than sustained flight.

Notable Species

• Megaselia scalaris: One of the most studied and cosmopolitan species, known for its adaptability to various environments.
• Pseudacteon: Includes species that are parasitoids of ants, often used in biological control.

Conservation

Generally, species within the Phoridae family are not of conservation concern. Their widespread distribution and high reproductive rates contribute to robust population levels.

Significance to Humans

• Medical and Forensic Entomology: Some species are used in forensic investigations to estimate time of death.
• Agriculture: Some parasitic species are beneficial in controlling pest populations.
• Biodiversity Indicators: Presence can indicate the health of ecological systems, due to diverse habitats and feeding habits.

Fun Facts

• Flies in the family Phoridae can run at speeds up to 1.5 centimeters per second.
• Some species mimic the behavior and appearance of ants as a form of protection.
• The term "coffin flies" is used for some species because they are often found in buried cadavers.
• Certain Phoridae species exhibit sexual dimorphism, where males and females look markedly different.
• Phorid flies have been observed to transport pollen, acting as incidental pollinators.