Braulidae

Definition

A family of wingless true flies (Diptera) commonly called bee lice, comprising two genera—Braula and Megabraula—that live obligately in honey bee (Apis) colonies. Adults are minute, flattened, and secondarily wingless, with reduced eyes and legs adapted for clinging to host bees. Their life history combines phoresy (riding on bees), inquilinism (living within the nest), and kleptoparasitism (stealing food from bees), particularly by intercepting trophallaxis or feeding on nectar and pollen stores.

Etymology

From the type genus Braula, of uncertain origin; the common name 'bee lice' reflects their louse-like appearance and habit, though they are true flies, not lice (Psocodea).

Example

Braula coeca, the most widespread species, rides on the thorax of worker honey bees and may reduce colony productivity by consuming food stores; its flattened body and clawed tarsi allow it to cling securely to host hairs during flight.

Synonyms

• bee lice (common name)

Related Terms

• Diptera
• inquiline
• kleptoparasitism
• Phoresy
• Braula
• Apis
• winglessness
• myrmecophile

Usage Notes

Despite the common name 'bee lice,' Braulidae are dipterans, not lice. The family is sometimes overlooked in bee health assessments because adults resemble mites or lice under casual inspection. All described species are associated with Apis; no records exist from stingless bees or other corbiculate groups. The reduction of wings and eyes represents convergent evolution with other nest-dwelling flies (e.g., some Phoridae), not homology with parasitic lice.