braulid

Definition

A member of the family Braulidae, a group of small, wingless, commensal or parasitic dipteran flies that live among the hairs of bees, particularly honey bees (Apis spp.). Adults are highly modified, with reduced eyes, legs adapted for clinging, and no functional wings; larvae develop in the hive environment. Often called 'bee lice,' though they are true flies, not lice.

Etymology

From family name Braulidae + -id suffix denoting member of a taxonomic group.

Example

The braulid Braula coeca, a common associate of western honey bees, was once thought to be a true louse until its dipteran affinities were recognized.

Synonyms

• bee louse (misnomer)

Related Terms

• Braulidae
• Diptera
• commensalism
• Apis
• Phoresy
• wingless insect
• hive parasite

Usage Notes

The term 'braulid' is used both as a common noun for individual flies and collectively for the family. The common name 'bee louse' persists in older literature and beekeeping contexts but is taxonomically misleading; braulids are flies (Diptera), not lice (Psocodea). Braulids are obligate associates of bees and do not occur independently.