Xylomyidae

Xylomyidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Xylomyidae: //zaɪˈlɒmi.aɪdiː//

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

Images

Solva pallipes P1590982a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Solva pallipes P1590994a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Solva pallipes P1590992a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Xylomya pallidifemur (50316125366) by Christina Butler from Georgia, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Xylomya terminalis by iNaturalist user: raffib128. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Xylomyidae is a family of flies known commonly as the wood soldier flies. They are xylophagous and associated with dead or dying wood. As of 2011, there are 138 described species in four genera.

Physical Characteristics

These flies are 4 to 14 millimeters long. Their coloration is variable. They have spurs on the mid and hind tibiae. The antennae are conical.

Habitat

Wooded areas, larvae are found under bark.

Distribution

Much of the world, most diverse in Eurasia (>2/3 of the world fauna); both genera are widespread in the Old World.

Diet

Larvae are predaceous or saprophagous, associated with dead or dying wood.

Ecosystem Role

Xylomyidae plays a role in the decomposition process by breaking down dead or dying wood.

Tags

  • Xylomyidae
  • wood soldier flies
  • Diptera
  • insects
  • Eurasia