Acalyptrata

Pronunciation
/ah-ka-LIP-tra-tuh/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Acalyptrate
Plural
Acalyptrates

Definition

A group of flies within the large and diverse section Schizophora that lack calypters, the small membranous flaps at the base of the wings found in some other flies.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' meaning 'without' and 'kalyptē', meaning 'cover' or 'hiding place'.

Example

The drosophilid flies, including the common fruit fly, are part of the Acalyptrata group.

Synonyms

  • Acalyptrate flies

Related Terms

Usage Notes

Acalyptrata is a diverse group including many families of flies, characterized primarily by the lack of calypters.