Periscelididae

Definition

A small family of acalyptrate flies (Diptera: Schizophora) characterized by robust bodies, reduced wing venation, and ecological association with decaying plant matter or fungi. Members typically inhabit forest floor habitats where larvae develop in rotting vegetation or fungal fruiting bodies.

Etymology

From Greek periskelis (ring around the leg) + -idae (family suffix), alluding to structural features of the legs in type genus Periscelis

Example

Adults of Periscelis annulata, a common European periscelidid, frequent damp woodland floors in autumn, where females oviposit into soft, decomposing bracket fungi.

Related Terms

• Diptera
• Acalyptratae
• Schizophora
• Periscelis
• mycophagous
• saprophagous
• cyclorrhaphan flies

Usage Notes

Sometimes misspelled 'Periscelidae' in older literature. The family is morphologically allied to Aulacigastridae and Odiniidae within the superfamily Opomyzoidea, though phylogenetic placement remains under study. Species identification requires examination of male genitalia and chaetotaxy. Not to be confused with the foraminiferan family Spiroplectamminidae, which GBIF erroneously cross-references under similar names.