Anthomyiidae

Definition

A large family of muscoid flies (order Diptera, superfamily Muscoidea) comprising approximately 1,100 described species worldwide. Adults are typically small to medium-sized, drab gray to black in coloration, with reduced chaetotaxy that makes identification difficult without examination of male terminalia. The family includes economically significant root-maggot pests (e.g., Delia spp. in onion, cabbage, and seed corn) and kelp flies (Fucellia spp.) conspicuous on intertidal beaches. Anthomyiidae are distinguished from related Muscidae and Fanniidae by combinations of head, thoracic, and genitalic characters, particularly the structure of the male hypopygium.

Etymology

From the type genus Anthomyia (Greek anthos 'flower' + myia 'fly') + family suffix -idae.

Example

The seed-corn maggot Delia platura (Anthomyiidae) is a cosmopolitan pest whose larvae tunnel into germinating seeds of maize, beans, and cucurbits, causing stand reduction in cool, wet springs.

Related Terms

• Muscoidea
• Diptera
• Calyptratae
• Delia
• Pegomya
• root maggot
• kelp fly
• Fanniidae
• Muscidae

Usage Notes

Anthomyiidae are frequently confused with small Muscidae or Fanniidae in field settings; definitive identification requires microscopic examination. The family has undergone repeated taxonomic revision, and older literature may place some genera (e.g., Hylemya, Hylemyza) in now-defunct families or treat Anthomyiinae and Pegomyinae as separate families. The common name 'root-maggot flies' applies specifically to the anthomyiid pest complex, not to all members of the family.