Mythicomyiidae

Melander, 1902

micro bee flies, mythicomyiids, microbombyliids

Genus Guides

3

Mythicomyiidae are minute flies (0.5–5.0 mm) historically treated as a of Empididae or Bombyliidae, but elevated to rank based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. The family comprises 35 and over 450 described , with hundreds more awaiting description. They exhibit highest diversity in Africa and are especially abundant in desert and semi-desert regions globally. The lineage dates to the Middle Jurassic, making it older than any known Bombyliidae.

Mythicomyiidae by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mythicomyiidae: /ˌmɪθɪkoʊˈmaɪɪˌdiː/

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Identification

Distinguished from Bombyliidae by: unbranched wing R4+5 (branched in Bombyliidae); extremely reduced or absent maxillary palpi (present in Bombyliidae); wings held together over at rest (held at angle in Bombyliidae); and abdominal placed in (in in Bombyliidae). Many have a humpbacked resembling Acroceridae.

Images

Habitat

Primarily desert and semi-desert regions; less common in tropical and highest altitude/latitude areas. Eocene fossil evidence from Ukrainian amber suggests association with open, dry .

Distribution

but excluding highest altitudes and latitudes. High diversity in Africa (especially northern and southern regions), present in Macaronesia, Europe, Middle East, North and South America, and Asia.

Behavior

Swarming has been documented in extant European and inferred from Eocene amber deposits containing multiple males. One , Empidideicus pentagonius, has been observed visiting flowers of Stemona mairei (Stemonaceae).

Similar Taxa

  • BombyliidaeFormerly classified within this ; separated by wing venation, maxillary palpi, wing posture at rest, and placement
  • AcroceridaeSome share humpbacked ; historically confused due to this convergent trait
  • EmpididaeOriginally placed as Mythicomyiinae within Empididae; separated by distinct morphological characters

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Sources and further reading