Otitidae

Definition

An obsolete family name in the order Diptera, now treated as a synonym of Ulidiidae (the picture-winged flies). Historically applied to a group of small to medium-sized flies characterized by patterned wings with distinct bands or spots, herbivorous or detritivorous larval habits, and the smoothly curving subcostal vein that distinguishes them from the related Tephritidae (true fruit flies).

Etymology

From Otites (type genus) + -idae (family suffix)

Example

Early 20th-century dipteran literature often placed genera such as Otites and Tetanops in Otitidae, whereas modern classifications subsume these within the expanded family Ulidiidae.

Synonyms

• Ulidiidae

Related Terms

• Ulidiidae
• Tephritoidea
• Tephritidae
• Diptera
• Picture-winged flies
• subcostal vein

Usage Notes

Otitidae is encountered primarily in historical taxonomic literature; contemporary entomology uses Ulidiidae. The name change reflects phylogenetic revisions rather than a simple renaming—modern Ulidiidae encompasses a broader, cosmopolitan assemblage of tephritoid flies. When consulting older works, readers should map Otitidae to the current Ulidiidae concept.