Muscoidea
Muscoidea
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Superfamily: Muscoidea
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Muscoidea: /mʊˈskoʊɪdiə/
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Images
Summary
Muscoidea is a diverse superfamily of flies encompassing roughly 7,000 described species that play significant roles in ecological processes as decomposers with varied dietary habits across their life cycles.
Physical Characteristics
Typical adults are yellow, gray, brown, or black, with 1-2 presutural and 3-4 postsutural dorsocentral bristles. Wing vein Sc separates from R1 and ends in the wing margin, while wing vein M is nearly straight or gradually curved at the tip. The abdomen has short bristles, and tibiae may have some to many bristles. Exceptions exist, such as the common house fly which features a sharp bend in vein M.
Identification Tips
Look for the characteristic wing structure and abdominal bristle patterns. Check for the number of dorsocentral bristles and the separation of wing veins.
Habitat
Diverse; typically associated with decomposing organic matter, feces, or carrion where larvae can thrive.
Distribution
Well over 1,000 species identified in North America, with approximately 7,000 described species worldwide.
Diet
Most larvae are saprophagous, coprophagous, or necrophagous; some may be predatory, parasitic, or phytophagous.
Life Cycle
Most Muscoidea undergo complete metamorphosis with a larval stage commonly recognized as maggots.
Reproduction
Details on specific reproductive strategies vary among species; generally involves laying eggs in suitable substrates for larvae to thrive.
Predators
Larval stages may be preyed upon by various invertebrates and other predators in their environment.
Ecosystem Role
As decomposers, they play a vital role in nutrient cycling and the breakdown of organic matter.
Collecting Methods
- Sweep netting
- Bait traps
- Light traps
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol
- Pinned specimens
- Point mounts
Evolution
The taxon is considered artificial; the Fanniidae are monophyletic and sister group to the rest of the muscoids. The Muscidae form a monophyletic group and are sister to the Scathophagidae, Anthomyiidae, and Oestroidea clade.
Tags
- Muscoidea
- Diptera
- Insect
- Flies
- Calyptratae