Cheese-skipper
Guides
Allopiophila testacea
Allopiophila testacea is a species of cheese skipper fly in the family Piophilidae, described by Melander in 1924. The genus Allopiophila is small and contains few described species. Members of Piophilidae are known for their association with protein-rich decomposing organic matter, particularly animal remains and cheese. The specific epithet 'testacea' refers to the shell-like or testaceous coloration typical of the species.
Prochyliza brevicornis
cheese skipper
Prochyliza brevicornis is a species of cheese skipper in the family Piophilidae. Like other members of this family, its larvae are known for their distinctive "skipping" locomotion, achieved by grasping their posterior end with their mouthparts and suddenly releasing to catapult themselves away from threats. The species is part of a group commonly associated with decomposing fatty tissues, particularly in cheese and carrion.
Prochyliza nigrimana
Prochyliza nigrimana is a species of cheese skipper in the family Piophilidae, a group known for larvae that can propel themselves by curling into a loop and releasing suddenly. The species was described by Meigen in 1826. Like other members of the genus Prochyliza, it is associated with carrion and decomposing animal matter.
Protopiophila
cheese skipper, antler fly
Protopiophila is a genus of piophilid flies commonly known as cheese skippers or antler flies. The genus comprises eleven described species distributed across multiple continents. Some species, particularly P. litigata, have become model organisms for studying sexual selection and life history evolution due to their specialized breeding ecology on discarded cervid antlers. Other species such as P. latipes utilize decomposing animal carcasses as breeding substrates. The genus exhibits notable behavioral diversity in mating systems and larval ecology.