Aldrichiomyza

Members of Aldrichiomyza can be distinguished from other Milichiidae genera by features of the head and wing venation, though specific diagnostic characters require examination of type specimens. The genus is placed in subfamily Phyllomyzinae. Species-level identification relies on subtle differences in male genitalia and body coloration patterns.

Species of Aldrichiomyza have been recorded from East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, as well as from parts of the Palearctic region. The known range reflects collection effort in these areas rather than a complete biogeographic picture.

Species in this genus are kleptoparasitic, feeding on the prey of predatory insects such as robber flies (Asilidae) and spiders. This feeding strategy has been observed in related genera within Milichiidae and is characteristic of the family.

• Asilidae - kleptoparasitismfreeloader flies feed on prey captured by robber flies
• Spiders - kleptoparasitismfeed on prey captured by spiders

Adults exhibit kleptoparasitic behavior, congregating near predatory insects to access captured prey. This behavior involves close association with dangerous predators, requiring rapid movement and avoidance of host defensive responses.

As kleptoparasites, Aldrichiomyza species function as commensals or parasites in predator-prey interactions, redirecting a portion of captured biomass from predators to themselves. This may influence the energy budgets of host predators.

• MilichiaBoth are genera of Milichiidae with kleptoparasitic habits, but Aldrichiomyza differs in head morphology and wing venation
• PhyllomyzaShares subfamily Phyllomyzinae with Aldrichiomyza; distinguished by differences in antennal structure and male terminalia

• kleptoparasite
• Milichiidae
• Diptera
• Phyllomyzinae

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life