Cyclorrhapha
- Pronunciation
- /si-KLOR-ahf-ah/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Cyclorrhaphan
- Plural
- Cyclorrhaphans
Definition
A subsection of the order Diptera (true flies) characterized by the presence of a circular, seam-like opening in the puparium from which the adult fly emerges, and by a complex metamorphosis with distinct larval, pupal, and adult stages.
Etymology
From Greek 'kyklos', meaning 'circle', and 'rhaphe', meaning 'seam'.
Example
The Cyclorrhapha are further divided into many superfamilies, such as the Muscoidea (house flies and relatives) and Tephritoidea (fruit flies and relatives).