Carnoidea

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Carnoidea: //kɑːrˈnɔɪdiə//

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Summary

Carnoidea is a superfamily of Acalyptratae flies, characterized by a variety of ecological roles, mostly relating to scavenging and interactions with other organisms such as bees.

Physical Characteristics

Members of Carnoidea are small flies, typically no more than a few millimeters long.

Identification Tips

Key identification features include the uppermost fronto-orbital bristle(s) being exclinate, and the male phallus being flexible, unsclerotized, simple, elongate, and microtrichose.

Habitat

Various habitats; some families are associated with seashore environments, while others are found in a range of terrestrial habitats.

Diet

Diet varies by family; includes scavenging on various plant materials, animal dung, carrion, decaying plant matter, and for some, feeding on algae.

Ecosystem Role

Scavengers, with some families contributing to the decomposition process and nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

Evolution

Carnoidea is a poorly defined superfamily, which may not be monophyletic, containing groups more closely related to members of other superfamilies.

Tags

• Diptera
• entomology
• Carnoidea
• Acalyptratae
• small flies