Chamaemyiidae

Hendel, 1910

silver flies, aphid flies

Genus Guides

5

Chamaemyiidae is a small of acalyptrate flies comprising fewer than 200 described worldwide. are minute (1–5 mm), typically greyish, and morphologically characterized by reduced bristling. Larvae are active of Sternorrhyncha, particularly aphids, adelgids, and scale insects, making several species valuable agents. The family has been deployed in programs targeting pests such as the hemlock woolly adelgid and . Fossil records are sparse but extend to the Eocene.

Chamaemyiidae by (c) Sandra H Statner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandra H Statner. Used under a CC-BY license.Chamaemyiidae by (c) Sandra H Statner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandra H Statner. Used under a CC-BY license.Parochthiphila spectabilis by no rights reserved, uploaded by Tero Linjama. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chamaemyiidae: //kəˌmiːˈɪd.i.aɪ//

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Identification

Small greyish flies 1–5 mm in length. wide, with at most two pairs of bristles (often bare). gently concave or strongly receding; oral vibrissae absent. Postvertical bristles convergent or absent. and short. Prothoracic bristles absent; one sternopleural bristle present. Mesopleura usually bare. Front bear bristles; tibiae lack preapical bristles. Wing with subcosta entire, sometimes touching R1 before its apex; anal short, not reaching wing margin; anal and second basal complete; unbroken. short to slightly elongated.

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Distribution

Worldwide distribution with fewer than 200 described . Documented from the Holarctic region (including Sweden, northeastern Ohio, Pacific Northwest of North America), Chile, Turkey, Middle East, Japan, and Australia. Leucotaraxis argenticollis is Holarctic; other Leucotaraxis species are Nearctic. Leucopis formosana has one of the most extensive distributions, ranging from Israel and West Africa to Australia.

Diet

Larvae are predatory on Sternorrhyncha (), including aphids (Aphididae), adelgids (Adelgidae), scale insects (Coccidae, Pseudococcidae, Monophlebidae), phylloxerids (Phylloxeridae), and ortheziids (Ortheziidae). Specific prey documented include Pseudococcus comstocki (mealybugs), Pineus strobi (pine bark ), Adelges tsugae (hemlock woolly adelgid), Phylloxera vitifoliae (grape phylloxera), and Cinara aphids on Pinus.

Ecological Role

of sap-sucking Hemiptera (Sternorrhyncha), serving as natural agents. Several have been deployed or evaluated for of forest and agricultural pests, including Leucotaraxis argenticollis and L. piniperda for hemlock woolly adelgid management, and Leucopis species for mealybug and control.

Human Relevance

Used as agents for pests. Leucotaraxis argenticollis and L. piniperda are reared and released for management of hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) in eastern North America. Leucopis verticalis and related control mealybugs on ornamental shrubs. Leucopina nyiaybsa and other species prey on () in Colombia.

Similar Taxa

  • SyrphidaeBoth contain aphidophagous larvae; Chamaemyiidae are distinguished by reduced bristling, bare mesopleura, and specific wing venation (short anal , complete anal and second basal )
  • CecidomyiidaeSome predatory cecidomyiids also prey on adelgids and scale insects; Chamaemyiidae differ in (acalyptrate condition, distinct wing venation) and larval feeding habits (internal vs. various cecidomyiid strategies)

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