Calliphorinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Calliphorinae: /kæˌlɪfəˈraɪni/

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Summary

The Calliphorinae are a subfamily of blow flies characterized by specific morphological traits, including their shiny blue abdomens and unique bristle patterns, with recent classifications refining their taxonomic relations.

Physical Characteristics

The Calliphorinae possess a bare stem vein, bristly lower calypter, and proepisternal depression, with a bare or minimally bristled suprasquamal region. The thorax is dull with fine hairs, and their abdomen is typically shiny blue in color.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive bare stem veins and the combination of bristly and bare regions on the body, particularly noting the shiny blue abdomens.

Distribution

Primarily across North America, with a total of 18 species across 4 genera in the area.

Evolution

The Calliphorinae has sometimes included the Bengaliinae, Luciliinae, and Polleniinae in older classifications, but recent studies support their classification as separate lineages, with Polleniinae being treated as its own family (Polleniidae).

Similar Taxa

• Bengaliinae
• Luciliinae
• Polleniinae

Misconceptions

This subfamily has been historically grouped with other subfamilies due to morphological similarities, leading to confusion in taxonomy.

Tags

• Diptera
• Calliphoridae
• Calliphorinae
• blow flies