Lance Flies

Lonchaeidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Tephritoidea
Family: Lonchaeidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lonchaeidae: //lɒnˈkiːɪdaɪ//

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

Images

Silba fumosa (Setisquamalonchaea) female (14117913128) by Martin Cooper from Ipswich, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Silba fumosa, male, Freiston Shore, 22.08 (2) (52491726697) by Sam Thomas. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Silba fumosa, male, Freiston Shore, 22.08 (1) (52491726827) by Sam Thomas. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

The Lonchaeidae, commonly known as lance flies, are a family of acalyptrate flies with approximately 610 described species. They are primarily saprophagous and generally inhabit areas with decaying organic material, contributing to the breakdown of dead plants and other detritus.

Physical Characteristics

Small, robustly built flies with blue-black or metallic bodies and hyaline wings; head is hemispherical, with a narrow frons in males and broad frons in females; distinctive features include complete wing venation and characteristic larval anatomy, specifically designed for their life under bark or decaying material.

Identification Tips

Lance flies can be distinguished from the family Periscelididae by the entire subcostal vein, from Sapromyzidae by the absence of preapical tibial bristles, and from Pallopteridae by the presence of a propleural bristle and exposed frontal lunule.

Habitat

Primarily found in wooded areas, under bark, decaying fruits, and decomposing plants.

Distribution

Globally distributed except in polar regions and New Zealand, with significant diversity in the Neotropical region and several species known as agricultural pests.

Diet

Larvae are primarily saprophagous, feeding on damaged plant tissues, but some species are coprophagous, mycophagous, or predatory; adults are generally found on tree trunks, logs, and shrubs.

Life Cycle

Lifecycle includes larval stage where they can be found under bark or in decomposing matter, transitioning to pupation within a puparium.

Reproduction

Females possess a long, sclerotized ovipositor; specific details on reproductive behavior are not provided.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae contribute to the decomposition process by feeding on decaying material, while some species may act as pests in agricultural settings.

Economic Impact

Several species are agricultural pests, including Neosilba perezi ('cassava shoot fly') and Dasiops passifloris ('passion flower fly'). The black fig-fly Silba adipata is another notable pest.