Skipper Flies

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Piophilidae: /paɪˌɒfɪˈlɪdiː/

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Summary

Piophilidae, commonly known as cheese skippers, are a family of small scavenging flies known for their unique jumping larvae that infest animal products and play important roles in decomposition and forensic science.

Physical Characteristics

Small flies, typically 3-6 mm in length. Adults may be black, blue-black, or bronze, with some yellow on the head, antennae, and legs. Wings are usually clear and unmarked, except for certain genera that may have brown wing markings.

Identification Tips

Look for small, jumping maggots and shiny adult flies. Adults have iridescent wings and the ability to leap when disturbed.

Habitat

Scavengers commonly found in animal products, carrion, and fungi. Some species are associated with particular substrates like old antlers or cheese.

Distribution

Worldwide, most diverse in temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Some species are cosmopolitan while many are Holarctic.

Diet

Scavengers feeding on animal products, carrion, and fungi. Larvae often found in cured meats, cheeses, and spoiled food.

Life Cycle

Life cycle involves eggs laid on suitable substrates; larvae undergo several instars, often exhibiting leaping behavior, then pupate.

Reproduction

Mating habits may involve complex behaviors such as territorial disputes among males. The females have an extensible ovipositor for laying eggs.

Ecosystem Role

Important in decomposition and nutrient cycling. Some species play roles in forensic entomology, aiding in the estimation of postmortem intervals.

Economic Impact

Larvae can infest and ruin stored food products, particularly dairy and meats. Some larvae are used intentionally in cheese production (like casu marzu).

Cultural Significance

Culinary use of larvae in Sardinian cheese production is significant culturally, as casu marzu is a traditional delicacy.

Health Concerns

Larvae can cause intestinal myiasis if ingested, which may lead to serious lesions and gastrointestinal issues.

Collecting Methods

• Using bait traps in suitable environments, such as spoiled food or carrion.
• Manual collection from infested items like cheeses or meats.

Preservation Methods

• Pinning specimens with wings flat.
• Ethanol preservation for future studies.

Evolution

Part of the order Diptera, with a complex classification due to its recent taxonomic changes including former families Neottiophilidae and Thyreophoridae.

Similar Taxa

• Sepsidae
• Tephritidae

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for other fly families; Piophilidae species are specifically scavengers and differ morphologically from similar families.

Tags

• Diptera
• flies
• scavengers
• forensic entomology
• cheese skippers