Hilarimorphidae
hilarimorphid flies
Genus Guides
1is a small of flies (Diptera) with uncertain phylogenetic placement. They have been variously associated with Acroceridae or Bombyliidae within the superfamily Asiloidea. The family is primarily Nearctic in distribution and includes both extant and fossil .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hilarimorphidae: //ˌhɪləˌraɪˈmɔrfɪdiː//
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Identification
can be distinguished from similar Asiloidea by their uncertain but distinctive morphological features that have precluded clear familial assignment. The requires expert identification due to its rarity and taxonomic ambiguity.
Distribution
Primarily Nearctic. Most occur in North America.
Similar Taxa
- Acroceridae has been proposed as potentially related to Acroceridae, though this relationship remains uncertain.
- BombyliidaeCurrent consensus places as most closely related to Bombyliidae within Asiloidea.
More Details
Taxonomic uncertainty
The phylogenetic placement of has been disputed, with different authorities suggesting affinities with Acroceridae or Bombyliidae. This uncertainty reflects the 's rarity and limited morphological study.
Fossil record
The extinct †Cretahilarimorpha is known from Lebanese amber (Cretaceous), indicating the has an ancient evolutionary history.