Rhinophoridae

Definition

A family of parasitoid flies (Diptera) whose larvae develop internally in terrestrial isopods (woodlice), killing the host upon emergence; adults are typically bristly with reduced mouthparts and are found mainly in the Palaearctic and Afrotropical regions.

Etymology

Example

The genus Stevenia within Rhinophoridae includes species that parasitize common rough woodlice (Porcellio scaber), with females depositing larvae directly onto host isopods.

Related Terms

• Rhinophorinae
• Tachinidae
• Oestridae
• Parasitoid
• endoparasitism
• isopod
• woodlouse fly
• Diptera
• Calyptratae

Usage Notes

Rhinophoridae was historically treated as a subfamily (Rhinophorinae) within Tachinidae or Calliphoridae, but molecular and morphological evidence supports its recognition as a distinct family within the superfamily Oestroidea. The common name 'woodlouse flies' refers specifically to this host association; not all members are restricted to isopods, though this is the predominant life history. Distinguish from Rhinophoridae in botany (a family of algae), which is an unrelated homonym.