Delia

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Muscoidea
Family: Anthomyiidae
Genus: Delia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Delia: /ˈdɛ.li.ə/

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Summary

Delia is a genus of flies within the family Anthomyiidae, characterized by distinct male features and a cosmopolitan distribution, primarily in colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Physical Characteristics

Males have flat abdomens and often contain a large number of short posteroventral bristles on the hind tibia. Usually more than 2 posterodorsal bristles on hind tibia. Most species are dark gray with black legs, some can be mostly orange. Notable features may include a projecting lower facial margin, widened parafrontals, narrowed face, hairy notopleura, and modified tarsal articles.

Identification Tips

Look for males with flat abdomens and a high number of posteroventral bristles. Almost all species lack 1-2 anterodorsal setae on the anepisternum below the anterior notopleural seta.

Habitat

Primarily found in boreal to arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan distribution, with a strong presence in North America, particularly under the Nearctic region as revised by Griffiths.

Evolution

Delia was formerly considered a subgenus of Hylemya and is not closely related to it. There are over 100 species reported in North America.