Nerioidea

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Nerioidea

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nerioidea: /ˌnɛriˈɔɪdiə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Calobatina geometra (27756385075) by Melissa McMasters from Memphis, TN, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Stilt-legged Fly - Grallipeza nebulosa, Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Micropeza corrigiolata (Diptera sp.), Arnhem, the Netherlands by Bj.schoenmakers. Used under a CC0 license.

Micropeza corrigiolata - Bærum, Norway 2021-06-23 by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Rainieria antennaepes - Mississauga, Ontario 02 by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Micropeza corrigiolata 3 by Nativeplants garden. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Nerioidea is a superfamily of Acalyptratae flies characterized by their association with decaying organic material and complete metamorphosis. They exhibit specific morphological traits that set them apart from other fly groups.

Physical Characteristics

Adult Nerioidea have three body segments (head, thorax, and abdomen), three pairs of legs, and one pair of wings. They typically have a face that is weakly sclerotised (except in Fergusoninidae), antennae that are usually porrect or slightly deflexed (elbowed in Tanypezidae), and wing veins R2+3 and R4+5 that are usually convergent. The wing anal cell is usually much smaller than the subcostal cell.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinct wing structure and antenna orientation when identifying Nerioidea from other fly superfamilies.

Habitat

Most Nerioidea species are found in association with dead and decaying organic matter such as dead wood, rotting fruit, and bat dung. Some species also form galls in plants or have larvae that are predatory.

Distribution

Nerioidea can be found in various regions, with notable species like Glyphidops flavifrons occurring in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions.

Diet

Most adult Nerioidea are associated with decaying organic matter; some larvae are predatory or agricultural pests.

Life Cycle

Nerioidea undergo complete metamorphosis, consisting of four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Ecosystem Role

Play a role in decomposition processes by facilitating the breakdown of dead organic matter; some may act as pests or predators depending on the species.

Collecting Methods

Light trapping
Malaise traps
Direct hand collection from organic matter

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation
Pinning in entomological boxes
Collection in dried specimens

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse Nerioidea for more commonly known fly families without recognizing their distinct ecological roles and morphological features.