Big-headed flies

Pipunculidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Pipunculidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pipunculidae: /pɪˌpʊŋkjʊˈlɪdiː/

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Summary

Pipunculidae, commonly referred to as big-headed flies, is a family of flies known for their large compound eyes. They are parasitoids, with larvae mainly developing in leafhoppers and planthoppers, and are found in a wide range of habitats throughout the world.

Physical Characteristics

1.5-9.5 mm in size; hemispheric head made almost completely of large compound eyes; typically black body; elongated and narrowed wings at the base; aristate antennae with long arista arising on the dorsal side.

Identification Tips

Dissection of genitalia is usually required for species identification.

Habitat

Usually found hovering among vegetation in forest clearings and edges.

Distribution

Found worldwide; more than 1300 species described, with representatives in all biogeographical regions including the West Palaearctic, Nearctic, and Japan.

Diet

Adults feed on honeydew secretions; larvae parasitize leafhoppers and planthoppers, with Nephrocerus spp. parasitizing crane flies.

Life Cycle

Larvae develop as parasitoids in Auchenorrhyncha; in Nephrocerus, larvae develop rapidly within crane flies and pupate in the soil.

Reproduction

Infected female injects a single egg into nymph or adult planthopper or leafhopper; larva feeds internally until mature before exiting the host for pupation.

Ecosystem Role

Some species are used as biological control agents in agricultural systems like rice fields.

Evolution

Pipunculidae appeared in the Maastrichtian age of the Cretaceous; oldest fossils found in Eocene formations. Younger specimens discovered in Miocene Dominican amber.

Similar Taxa

Schizophora