Tangle-veined Flies
Nemestrinidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Family: Nemestrinidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nemestrinidae: /nɛˌmɛsˈtrɪnɪˌdaɪ/
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Summary
Nemestrinidae, or tangle-veined flies, is a small family of flies closely related to Acroceridae, widely distributed with around 300 species globally and with notable diversity in southwestern US. Adults are commonly seen on flowers, while larvae serve as endoparasitoids of grasshoppers and scarab beetles, playing a role in pest control.
Physical Characteristics
Bee-like appearance and loud buzz. Bristles lacking but body is covered with hair-like setae. Branches of the medial vein join before the apical margin and end toward the front margin of the wing before the apex.
Identification Tips
Observe the body covered with hair-like setae and the specific wing venation structure.
Habitat
Most adults are found frequenting flowers; larvae are endoparasitoids of grasshoppers and scarab beetles, indicating a habitat associated with these hosts.
Distribution
Southeastern and western United States; British Columbia; most diverse and common in southwestern United States.
Diet
Adults frequent flowers; larvae are endoparasitoids of grasshoppers (Trichopsideinae) or scarab beetles (Hirmoneurinae).
Life Cycle
Life cycle includes endoparasitoid larval stage, primarily targeting grasshoppers.
Conservation Status
Rare in North America.
Ecosystem Role
Some species are considered important in the control of grasshopper populations.
Evolution
Fossils of Nemestrinidae are known from various localities, with the oldest from the Middle-Upper Jurassic.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Nemestrinidae
- Tangle-veined Flies
- Diptera
- Brachycera