Hilarimorphidae
- Pronunciation
- /hih-LAIR-ih-mor-FID-ee-ee/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Hilarimorphidae
Definition
A small of true flies () of uncertain phylogenetic placement, possibly allied to the small-headed flies (Acroceridae). Most are Nearctic in distribution. are generally slender with reduced wing venation; larvae are poorly known but likely predatory or parasitic.
Full guide
Read the full Hilarimorphidae guide for identification, examples, and taxonomy.
Etymology
From Hilarimorpha (type , from Greek hilaros 'cheerful' + morphe 'form') + -idae ( suffix).
Example
Hilarimorpha are rarely collected, and their remains poorly documented compared to better-known dipteran such as Bombyliidae.
Synonyms
- hilarimorphid flies
Related Terms
- Acroceridae
- Diptera
- Brachycera
- Nearctic
- wing venation
- small-headed flies
Usage Notes
Placement within remains unresolved; some classifications treat Hilarimorphidae as incertae sedis within the superfamily Nemestrinoidea or as a separate lineage. The contains only a handful of described , making it one of the smaller dipteran families.