Nerioidea
Family Guides
4- Micropezidae(stilt-legged flies)
- Neriidae(cactus flies)
- Strongylophthalmyiidae(Hardwood Flies)
- Tanypezidae(Stretched-foot Flies)
Nerioidea is a superfamily of acalyptrate flies (Diptera) characterized by weakly sclerotised , porrect or slightly deflexed , and distinctive wing venation with convergent R2+3 and R4+5. The group includes several , most notably Micropezidae (stilt-legged flies), Tanypezidae, and Fergusoninidae. Members exhibit diverse ecological habits, with most associated with decaying organic matter while some have specialized plant or predatory associations.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nerioidea: /ˌnɛriˈɔɪdiə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other acalyptrate superfamilies by combination of: weakly sclerotised (except Fergusoninidae), porrect or slightly deflexed (elbowed in Tanypezidae), and wing venation with convergent R2+3 and R4+5 plus reduced anal . Micropezidae can be recognized by their characteristic stilt-like elongated legs and distribution with tropical diversity centers.
Images
Habitat
Most Nerioidea are associated with dead and decaying organic matter including dead wood, rotting fruit, and bat . Fergusoninidae form galls in Myrtaceae plants. Micropezidae occupy diverse from lowlands to high mountains (2–2,600 m elevation in Colombian Andes), including agroecosystems, native forests, and highly disturbed habitats.
Distribution
distribution with greatest diversity in tropical regions. Micropezidae documented across 57 municipalities in 12 departments of Colombia (Antioquia, Bolívar, Caquetá, Cundinamarca, Huila, Meta, Nariño, Putumayo, Quindío, Risaralda, Tolima, Valle del Cauca), primarily the Andean region. Glyphidops flavifrons occurs in Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Diet
Most associated with dead and decaying organic matter. Some Micropezidae larvae are predatory. Some Mimegraffa (Taeniapterinae) have been reported to affect healthy roots. Fergusoninidae form galls in Myrtaceae, implying phytophagous larval feeding.
Host Associations
- Myrtaceae - gall formationFergusoninidae only; other not associated
Life Cycle
Undergoes complete : , larva, pupa, and stages. Specific developmental details vary by and are not well documented for the superfamily as a whole.
Ecological Role
Decomposers in dead wood, rotting fruit, and bat . Some predatory larvae may contribute to . Fergusoninidae act as gall-formers affecting Myrtaceae plants. Some are agricultural pests.
Human Relevance
Some Micropezidae are agricultural pests, with Mimegraffa reported to damage healthy roots. Entomological collections document agricultural significance in Colombia. No other direct human impacts documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Acalyptratae superfamiliesNerioidea distinguished by weakly sclerotised , porrect/deflexed , and convergent wing R2+3 and R4+5 with reduced anal
More Details
Taxonomic composition
Includes Micropezidae, Tanypezidae, Fergusoninidae, and possibly others; composition may vary by classification system
Collection significance
Micropezidae specimens in Colombian entomological collections represent agricultural and forestry significance, with 107 specimens from 11 documented in UNAB museum