Apioceridae

Definition

A small family of true flies (Diptera) containing the single genus Apiocera, commonly called flower-loving flies. Adults frequent blossoms in arid sandy habitats across the deserts of North America, South America, and Australia. The family was historically broader, with several genera now reassigned to Mydidae.

Etymology

From the type genus Apiocera (Greek apion, pear + kera, horn, referring to the pear-shaped antennae), with the family suffix -idae.

Example

In the Mojave Desert, apiocerid flies can be observed visiting creosote bush flowers during spring bloom periods, their elongate bodies and long legs distinctive among the dipteran fauna.

Synonyms

• flower-loving flies

Related Terms

• Mydidae
• Diptera
• Apiocera
• Brachycera
• Asiloidea

Usage Notes

Formerly included additional genera now placed in Mydidae; current circumscription is monogeneric. Not to be confused with Apiaceae, the plant family (carrots/parsley). The common name 'flower-loving flies' is also occasionally applied more loosely to other anthophilous dipterans, but in technical contexts refers specifically to Apioceridae.