Aulacigastridae

Definition

A small family of true flies (Diptera) commonly called sap flies, characterized by their association with fermenting or exuding plant sap and slime fluxes on wounded or diseased trees. Adults are typically small, compact flies with reduced wing venation; larvae develop in fermenting sap flows and under bark. The family was historically broader, encompassing what is now recognized as the separate family Stenomicridae (removed by Papp, 1984).

Etymology

Example

Aulacigaster leucopeza, a widespread Holarctic species, aggregates at oak slime fluxes where adults feed on microbial films and larvae tunnel in the fermenting sap-soaked wood beneath.

Synonyms

• sap flies

Related Terms

• Diptera
• Stenomicridae
• Acalyptratae
• sap flux
• slime flux
• myophagy

Usage Notes

The common name 'sap flies' is shared with some other dipteran groups attracted to fermenting tree exudates; precise identification requires examination of wing venation and genitalic characters. Formerly included Stenomicridae, so older literature may use Aulacigastridae in the broader sense.