Pyrgotidae

Definition

A family of picture-winged flies (Diptera: Cyclorrhapha: Tephritoidea) distinguished by the absence of ocelli and an endoparasitoid life history in which females pursue scarab beetles in flight to deposit eggs beneath the elytra; larvae develop within the host beetle's body cavity, eventually killing it before pupation. The family is primarily nocturnal and often attracted to artificial light.

Etymology

Example

Species of Pyrgota and Sphecomyiella are locally common in the United States where their scarab beetle hosts are abundant, with females actively pursuing beetles in flight to oviposit under the protective elytra.

Related Terms

• Tephritoidea
• Cyclorrhapha
• endoparasitoid
• ocelli
• Elytra
• Scarabaeidae
• Diptera

Usage Notes

One of only two families of Cyclorrhapha lacking ocelli; the endoparasitoid habit contrasts sharply with the primarily phytophagous or saprophagous lifestyles typical of other Tephritoidea. Identification relies on wing pattern and absence of ocelli rather than larval habitat. Nocturnal activity and attraction to lights can aid field detection.