Cephaliini
Cephaliini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Superfamily: Tephritoidea
- Family: Ulidiidae
- Subfamily: Otitinae
- Tribe: Cephaliini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cephaliini: /sɛˈfæliˌaɪnaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Cephaliini is a diverse tribe of picture-winged flies characterized by their unique wing patterns and ecological roles as both pollinators and decomposers in various habitats.
Physical Characteristics
Picture-winged, with distinctive wing patterns common in the family Ulidiidae.
Identification Tips
Look for characteristic wing patterns and body shapes; genus-level identification often requires close inspection.
Habitat
Typically found in various habitats including woodlands, meadows, and agricultural areas.
Distribution
Widespread, though specific distribution may vary among genera.
Diet
Adult flies are known to feed on plant materials, often including nectar and other fluids from flowers.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid on host plants; larvae develop within the substrate of plant material where they feed before pupating.
Reproduction
Reproduction involves mating, after which female flies will lay eggs on suitable host plants.
Predators
Natural predators include birds, other insects, and potentially amphibians.
Ecosystem Role
Serve as pollinators and are important in the decomposition of plant materials.
Collecting Methods
- Netting adults during flight
- Using traps baited with specific attractants
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol
- Pinning specimens
- Drying in a controlled environment
Similar Taxa
- Related genera within Ulidiidae
- Other picture-winged fly tribes
Misconceptions
Often confused with other fly families; however, they exhibit unique features distinguishing them from non-related families.
Tags
- Diptera
- Tephritoidea
- Ulidiidae
- Cephaliini
- picture-winged flies