Asteiidae

Loew

Fine Flies

Genus Guides

4

is a small of acalyptrate flies comprising approximately 130 in 10 worldwide. are minute to small (1–3 mm), delicate flies with thin bodies and relatively long, transparent wings. The family is rarely collected, likely due to their small size and inconspicuous habits. Most species are found in forested , with adults often observed on flowers, low vegetation, and fungi.

Asteia by (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.Asteia by (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.Asteiidae by (c) carnifex, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by carnifex. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Asteiidae: /ˈæstiːɪɪdiː/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other small acalyptrate flies by the combination of: minute size (1–3 mm), delicate weakly sclerotized body, long transparent wings with basal and discoidal , absence of anal cell and anal , rounded with distinct male interfrontal stripes, and with zigzag ray pattern. The reduced subcosta and lack of preapical tibial bristle further separate from similar .

Images

Habitat

Forest , particularly in vegetation near seeps and streams. found on flowers, low vegetation, mushrooms, bracket fungi, and occasionally at tree wounds. Some associated with specific microhabitats including moist shelter caves and gulches.

Distribution

Worldwide but rarely collected. Palearctic, Nearctic, and Japan. Hawaiian Islands: 11 in three (Asteia, Bryania, Loewimyia) across Northwest Hawaiian Islands (Necker, Nihoa), Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii. Records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Host Associations

  • Erythrina - rearing recordAsteia montgomeryi
  • Pisonia - rearing recordAsteia sabroskyi
  • Urera - rearing recordAsteia sabroskyi
  • Charpentiera - rearing recordAsteia sabroskyi
  • Hibiscadelphus - rearing recordAsteia sabroskyi
  • Cannabis sativa - rearing record reared from stalks
  • Fungi - associationLeiomyza found on mushrooms and bracket fungi; adults reared from fungi

Behavior

often congregate at specific sites, making them susceptible to collection with vacuum cleaners. Adults of Astiosoma rufifrons are attracted to wood ash after bonfires, especially in evening. Adults generally sedentary.

Ecological Role

Larvae may act as scavengers in of other insects or on insect excrement, though this remains speculative.

Human Relevance

No significant economic or medical importance. Occasionally found indoors at windows.

Similar Taxa

  • LauxaniidaeSimilar small acalyptrate flies, but Lauxaniidae are more active in late afternoon, prefer shaded humid places near streams, and have different wing venation
  • other small acalyptrate families distinguished by combination of minute size, delicate build, specific wing venation features ( , reduced subcosta, absent anal cell), and male interfrontal stripes

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Sources and further reading