Orthorrhapha

Definition

A historically recognized, now obsolete infraorder of Brachycera (Diptera) comprising all flies with pupae that lack the circular puparial seam characteristic of Cyclorrhapha. The group was defined by pupal morphology rather than phylogeny and is paraphyletic, encompassing all brachyceran infraorders except Muscomorpha (which includes Cyclorrhapha and Aschiza). Modern classifications have abandoned Orthorrhapha in favor of monophyletic groupings such as Stratiomyomorpha, Tabanomorpha, and Asilomorpha.

Etymology

From Greek orthos (straight, correct) + rhaphē (seam, suture), referring to the straight or non-circular seam of the puparium

Example

Robber flies (Asilidae), horse flies (Tabanidae), and soldier flies (Stratiomyidae) were formerly classified under Orthorrhapha because their pupae form within a hardened, straight-seamed puparium rather than the circular puparium of house flies and their relatives.

Related Terms

• Brachycera
• Cyclorrhapha
• Muscomorpha
• Aschiza
• Stratiomyomorpha
• Tabanomorpha
• Asilomorpha
• paraphyly
• Puparium

Usage Notes

Obsolete in current taxonomy but persists in older literature, museum catalogs, and regional checklists. When encountered, Orthorrhapha should be understood as a non-monophyletic assemblage roughly equivalent to 'non-cyclorrhaphan Brachycera.' Specialists now place former orthorrhaphan families across multiple infraorders; precise modern placement requires consultation of contemporary phylogenetic studies. Contrast with Cyclorrhapha, whose circular puparial seam allows adults to emerge using a ptilinum.