Lauxanioidea

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lauxanioidea: //lɔːkˌsæniˈɔɪdiə//

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Summary

Lauxanioidea are a superfamily of flies that include Lauxaniidae (often with iridescent eyes), Chamaemyiidae (predatory larvae), and Celyphidae (beetle-like). They have morphological features and ecological roles including decomposers and predators.

Physical Characteristics

Small to medium-sized flies with various colors, Lauxaniidae often yellowish-brown or black; Chamaemyiidae usually silvery gray with black spots; Celyphidae resembling beetles with shiny, enlarged scutellum covering most of the abdomen.

Identification Tips

Celyphidae can be distinguished by a shiny, enlarged scutellum; Lauxaniidae have iridescent reddish/purplish or greenish eyes; Chamaemyiidae often have shiny and black appearances with silver-gray bodies and black spots.

Habitat

Larvae of most Lauxaniidae and Celyphidae feed in decaying vegetation; some species occur in bird nests.

Diet

Larvae of Lauxaniidae and Celyphidae feed on decaying vegetation; larvae of Chamaemyiidae are predators of aphids and scale insects.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae contribute to decomposition by feeding on decaying vegetation; adult lauxaniids may pollinate flowers.

Evolution

Phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of Lauxaniidae and Celyphidae as sister groups.

Similar Taxa

• Drosophilidae
• Empididae
• Tipulidae

Tags

• Diptera
• Lauxanioidea
• insects
• flies
• ecology
• taxonomy