Platypezinae

Distinguished from other Platypezidae subfamilies by absence of acrostichal bristles on thorax, creating bare central strip between dorsocentral rows. Hind leg modification with broadened, laterally compressed tarsal segments is diagnostic. Flattened body and distinctive wing venation separate from other Diptera families. Small size (≤6 mm) and fungus-associated habits aid field recognition.

Small flies, typically 6 mm or less in body length. Body dorsoventrally flattened. Females with upper frontal region (frons) bearing few short, stiff, scattered setae rather than dense arrangement. Thorax with acrostichal bristles absent, leaving bare strip between paired dorsocentral rows (unlike other Platypezidae). Legs relatively short; hind tibia and tarsus broadened, with first tarsal segment compressed laterally and shorter than combined length of next three segments; terminal tarsal segments laterally flattened.

Associated with fungal habitats; specific microhabitat requirements not documented in sources.

Worldwide distribution with approximately 250 described species. Genus Microsania cosmopolitan. Genus Agathomyia primarily Holarctic with extension into Oriental region.

Larvae associated with fungi; specific feeding habits not documented in sources.

Fungus-associated; specific ecological functions not documented in sources.

• Other Platypezidae subfamiliesPlatypezinae distinguished by absence of acrostichal bristles on thorax; other subfamilies possess central line of acrostichal bristles between dorsocentral rows.

• Diptera
• Platypezidae
• fungus-associated
• flattened body
• cosmopolitan distribution
• Holarctic distribution

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life