Periscelididae

Oldenberg, 1914

Dwarf Flies

Genus Guides

is a of small acalyptrate flies commonly known as Dwarf Flies. are typically 3–4 mm in length with a distinctly broad , broad bulging cheeks, and characteristic bristle patterns on the head and . The family comprises approximately 12 in two (Periscelidinae and Stenomicrinae), with distributed across the Palaearctic, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. At least some species develop in phytotelmata—water-holding plant structures such as those in Araceae.

Periscelididae by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.

Periscelididae by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Periscelis flinti by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Periscelididae: //ˌpɛrɪˈskɛlɪdɪdiː//

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Identification

Distinguished from other acalyptrate Diptera by the combination of: broader than high with bulging cheeks; postocellar bristles diverging; two orbital bristles with directed forward; single pair of frontal bristles curving backward; interfrontal bristles absent; continuous ; incomplete subcosta; basal and discoidal wing ; anal not reaching wing margin; tibiae without preapical bristles. The broad head and bulging cheek is particularly distinctive.

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Habitat

Terrestrial environments; at least some are associated with phytotelmata (water-holding plant structures), specifically in Araceae plants. One documented species was collected from an urban forest fragment in phytotelmata.

Distribution

Widely distributed across the Palaearctic Region (including Russia, Scandinavia, Hungary, Portugal, Switzerland, Slovakia), Nearctic Region, and Neotropical Region (documented from Brazil). GBIF records confirm presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Host Associations

Araceae - developmental phytotelmata (water-holding plant structures) serve as larval for at least some Stenomicra

Life Cycle

Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. stages described for some : female and cephalopharyngeal skeleton of third instar larva documented for Periscelis winnertzii. Larval development occurs in phytotelmata for at least some species.

Similar Taxa

MicropezidaeBoth are of acalyptrate Diptera with slender bodies; distinguished by 's broad , bulging cheeks, and wing venation characters ( basal and discoidal , incomplete subcosta)
ClusiidaeBoth are acalyptrate with similar size range; distinguished by 's distinctive shape, bristle patterns, and wing venation

More Details

Taxonomic history

The was established by Oldenberg in 1914. Recent taxonomic work has revealed misidentifications of , such as the case of Periscelis winnertzii which was found to be identical to P. fugax, requiring re- and description of the true P. winnertzii auctt. as a new P. laszloi.

Subfamily classification

The contains two : Periscelidinae (Oldenberg, 1914) with seven including Periscelis, Scutops, and Diopsosoma; and Stenomicrinae (Papp, 1984) with five genera including Stenomicra and Cyamops.