Neriidae
Guides
Glyphidops
cactus flies
Glyphidops is a genus of cactus flies in the family Neriidae, established by Enderlein in 1922. These flies belong to the acalyptrate schizophoran group of Diptera. The genus is characterized by specific morphological features that distinguish it from related genera within Neriidae, particularly in antennal and leg structure. Species-level identification within Glyphidops requires examination of characters such as forecoxae coloration.
Glyphidops flavifrons
Glyphidops flavifrons is a cactus fly in the family Neriidae, distributed across the southern United States through Central and South America. It is one of the most widely distributed species in its family. Adults live and reproduce on bark of trees in early stages of decay. The species exhibits notable sexual dimorphism and complex male-male aggressive behavior, particularly in the presence of females.
Neriidae
cactus flies, banana stalk flies, banana flies
Neriidae is a family of true flies (Diptera) comprising approximately 100 species in 19 genera. Formerly treated as a subfamily of Micropezidae, Neriidae are distinguished by their unreduced fore legs. Adults are slender, long-legged flies with elongated bodies and heads, particularly in males. The family exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism and is notable for spectacular male combat behavior. Neriidae are primarily tropical in distribution, with limited representation in temperate regions of North America and Australia.
Odontoloxozus
cactus flies
Odontoloxozus is a genus of cactus flies in the family Neriidae, established by Enderlein in 1922. The genus contains at least three described species distributed in the Americas. Members of this genus are associated with cactus habitats, with detailed behavioral ecology documented for Odontoloxozus longicornis in Arizona. Males exhibit territorial behavior and alternative mating strategies related to body size and environmental conditions.