Platypezinae
flat-footed flies
Genus Guides
5- Calotarsa
- Lindneromyia(flat-footed flies)
- Paraplatypeza
- Platypeza(flat-footed flies)
- Polyporivora(flat-footed flies)
Platypezinae is a of small, fungus-associated flies in the Platypezidae, commonly known as flat-footed flies. The subfamily contains approximately 250 described across at least 14 valid . Members are distinguished by flattened bodies, distinctive wing venation, and modified hind legs with broadened tibiae and . The genus Microsania is in distribution, while Agathomyia is primarily Holarctic with some Oriental representatives.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Platypezinae: //ˌplætɪˈpɛzɪniː//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Platypezidae by absence of acrostichal bristles on , 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 . Small size (≤6 mm) and fungus-associated habits aid field recognition.
Images
Appearance
Small flies, typically 6 mm or less in body length. Body dorsoventrally flattened. Females with upper frontal region () bearing few short, stiff, scattered setae rather than dense arrangement. with acrostichal bristles absent, leaving bare strip between paired dorsocentral rows (unlike other Platypezidae). Legs relatively short; hind tibia and broadened, with first tarsal segment compressed laterally and shorter than combined length of next three segments; terminal tarsal segments laterally flattened.
Habitat
Associated with fungal ; specific microhabitat requirements not documented in sources.
Distribution
Worldwide distribution with approximately 250 described . Microsania . Genus Agathomyia primarily Holarctic with extension into Oriental region.
Diet
Larvae associated with fungi; specific feeding habits not documented in sources.
Ecological Role
Fungus-associated; specific ecological functions not documented in sources.
Similar Taxa
- Other Platypezidae subfamiliesPlatypezinae distinguished by absence of acrostichal bristles on ; other possess central line of acrostichal bristles between dorsocentral rows.
More Details
Taxonomic composition
includes at least 14 valid . Microsania is the most widely distributed genus. Platypezinae represents one of four recognized subfamilies within Platypezidae.
Observational data
iNaturalist records 3,402 observations for this , indicating moderate documentation level.