Ulidiidae
Guides
Acrosticta
Acrosticta is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Loew in 1868. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed across the Americas. Members of this genus have been documented as pollinators of orchids, specifically Acianthera aphthosa, where an unidentified Acrosticta species was the only successful pollinator observed.
Callopistromyia strigula
Callopistromyia strigula is a small picture-winged fly (family Ulidiidae) found in Canada and the northeastern United States. Adults measure approximately 3.5-5.5 mm and display patterned wings characteristic of the family. Males perform distinctive courtship displays, raising their wings perpendicular to the body while moving sideways on fence rails or logs. The species is closely related to C. annulipes, the "Peacock Fly," and shares its behavioral repertoire.
Cephaliini
picture-winged flies
Cephaliini is a tribe of picture-winged flies within the family Ulidiidae. The tribe includes eight recognized genera: Acrostictella, Cephalia, Delphinia, Myiomyrmica, Myrmecothea, Proteseia, Pterotaenia, and Tritoxa. Members of this tribe are distinguished by their patterned wings, a characteristic feature of the Ulidiidae family. The tribe has been documented in approximately 21,000 observations on iNaturalist, indicating widespread occurrence and detectability.
Ceroxys
picture-winged flies
Ceroxys is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, comprising approximately 20 described species distributed primarily across the Northern Hemisphere. Adults are recognized by their distinctive patterned wings featuring dark spots, bars, or lines on a translucent background. The genus includes notable species such as Ceroxys latiusculus, which is common in western North America and frequently observed indoors during fall and winter. Larval development occurs in plant seed heads, particularly Senecio species.
Ceroxys latiusculus
narrow-banded picture-winged fly, picture-winged fly
Ceroxys latiusculus, commonly known as the narrow-banded picture-winged fly, is a species of ulidiid fly native to western North America. Adults measure 9–12 mm and are recognized by their grayish-brown bodies, black abdomen with gray bands, and distinctively patterned wings. The species is frequently encountered as a nuisance pest when adults enter buildings in autumn to seek winter shelter. Larvae develop within the seed heads of Senecio plants.
Chaetopsis
picture-winged flies, corn silk flies
Chaetopsis is a genus of ulidiid flies (Diptera: Ulidiidae) established by Loew in 1868. The genus includes at least 13 described species distributed in tropical and semi-tropical regions of the Americas. Chaetopsis massyla is the most economically significant species, a major pest of fresh market sweet corn in Florida and tropical regions where larvae feed on developing corn kernels and silk. The genus is characterized by picture-winged morphology typical of Ulidiidae, with patterned wings and robust body form.
Chaetopsis aenea
picture-winged fly
Chaetopsis aenea is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, originally described by Wiedemann in 1830 under the basionym Ortalis aenea. As a member of the genus Chaetopsis, it belongs to a group of flies known for their patterned wings. The species has been documented through 23 iNaturalist observations, though detailed biological information remains limited in published sources.
Chaetopsis apicalis
picture-winged fly
Chaetopsis apicalis is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, originally described by Johnson in 1900. The species belongs to a family commonly known as ulidiid or picture-winged flies, recognized for their distinctively patterned wings. As with other members of the genus Chaetopsis, this species exhibits the characteristic wing markings that give the group its common name. The species has been documented in entomological collections and is represented in biodiversity databases with 37 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Chaetopsis massyla
corn silk fly, picture-winged fly
Chaetopsis massyla is a picture-winged fly (Diptera: Ulidiidae) and major agricultural pest of fresh market sweet corn in tropical and semitropical regions. Larvae develop within corn ears, feeding on developing kernels beneath protective husks, causing direct damage and secondary fungal contamination that renders cobs unmarketable. Mature larvae exit cobs and pupate in soil at depths influenced by substrate type and moisture. The species is native to the Americas, with established populations in Florida and documented occurrence in Mexico and Argentina.
Chaetopsis quadrifasciata
picture-winged fly
Chaetopsis quadrifasciata is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Curran in 1928. The genus Chaetopsis belongs to a group of flies commonly known as ulidiids or picture-winged flies, characterized by patterned wings. Available information on this species is limited; it is known from a small number of observations (16 records in iNaturalist). The specific epithet "quadrifasciata" refers to four bands or stripes, likely describing wing patterning.
Delphinia
picture-winged flies
Delphinia is a monospecific genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae. The sole species, Delphinia picta, is a native North American fly 7-8 millimeters in length with distinctive patterned wings. It is frequently mistaken for fruit flies (Tephritidae) due to its wing markings. The genus is notable for being one of the most common and widespread ulidiids in eastern North America.
Diacrita costalis
Diacrita costalis is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, originally described by Gerstaecker in 1860. The species is known from 665 iNaturalist observations. As a member of the picture-winged flies, it likely exhibits the characteristic patterned wings typical of the family, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Diacrita plana
Diacrita plana is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Steyskal in 1947. The genus Diacrita includes several species distributed in southern North America. Like other ulidiids, this species likely exhibits the characteristic patterned wings that give the family its common name. Available records indicate it has been observed in limited numbers, with eight observations documented on iNaturalist.
Dyscrasis
Dyscrasis is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Aldrich in 1932. Members of this genus are characterized by patterned or banded wings, a defining feature of the Ulidiidae family. The genus is relatively poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited species-level descriptions and biological data available. Observations suggest activity in temperate regions, primarily in North America.
Eumetopiella
Eumetopiella is a genus of picture-winged flies (Diptera: Ulidiidae) established by Hendel in 1907. The genus contains four described species: E. engeli, E. fascipennis, E. rufipes, and E. varipes. Members of this genus possess the characteristic patterned wings typical of Ulidiidae. The immature stages of E. rufipes have been studied, though detailed biological information for the genus remains limited.
Euxesta
Cornsilk Flies
Euxesta is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, commonly known as cornsilk flies. Multiple species are significant agricultural pests of sweet corn (Zea mays), particularly in Florida, the southeastern United States, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. The genus includes at least four species documented attacking corn in Florida: E. stigmatias, E. eluta, E. annonae, and E. mazorca. Larvae develop within corn ears, feeding on silks and kernels and causing direct crop damage, often in association with secondary fungal infections.
Euxesta stigmatias
Cornsilk fly, Maize silk fly
Euxesta stigmatias is a picture-winged fly (family Ulidiidae) known as the cornsilk fly, a significant agricultural pest of maize in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The species has established invasive populations in North America, including Florida and Hawaii. Larvae develop inside corn ears, feeding on silk and kernels, where they are protected from insecticide applications by the surrounding plant tissue. The species exhibits a normally saprophytic lifestyle but becomes destructive when corn is available.
Genus-novum annulipes
A genus of picture-winged flies (Ulidiidae) containing the species G. annulipes, commonly known as the "Peacock Fly." The species is notable for its distinctive wing-flicking courtship display behavior. Adults are small (3.5-5.5 mm) with patterned wings. The genus belongs to a family of flies rarely considered pests, with larvae typically developing in concealed habitats such as under bark.
Melieria
picture-winged fly
Melieria is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, characterized by distinctive wing patterning with dark spots or blotches on a lighter background. The genus contains multiple species across Europe and the Palaearctic region, with adults typically active from May to August. Species vary in size from small (4–5 mm) to medium (6 mm or longer) to relatively large (8–10 mm). Several species have been the focus of genomic sequencing as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project.
Myennidini
Myennidini is a tribe of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, subfamily Otitinae. The tribe contains approximately 14 recognized genera, including the type genus Myennis. Members of this tribe are characterized by distinctive wing patterns and are found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere.
Myrmecothea
Myrmecothea is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Hendel in 1910. The genus contains a single described species, Myrmecothea myrmecoides (Loew, 1860). These flies are recognized for their distinctive wing patterns and ant-mimicking appearance. Records indicate limited but documented observations across their known range.
Myrmecothea myrmecoides
Myrmecothea myrmecoides is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, originally described by Loew in 1860. The species name 'myrmecoides' suggests an ant-like appearance. It is recorded from the United States.
Notogramma
Notogramma is a genus of picture-winged flies (family Ulidiidae) established by Loew in 1868. The genus contains at least five described species distributed across multiple continents. Like other ulidiids, members of this genus are characterized by patterned wings with distinct dark markings. The genus has been documented in iNaturalist with over 260 observations, indicating moderate recognition among naturalists.
Oedopa capito
Oedopa capito is a species of ulidiid fly, commonly known as a picture-winged fly, described by Loew in 1868. It belongs to the genus Oedopa within the family Ulidiidae. The species is part of a group of flies recognized by their patterned wings.
Otites
Otites is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Latreille in 1804. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Species are characterized by distinctive wing patterns typical of ulidiid flies. Two recently described species from Israel and Cyprus exhibit unusual male terminalia and extended copulation duration compared to other Otitini.
Otites michiganus
Otites michiganus is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, described by Steyskal in 1966. The specific epithet references Michigan, suggesting a type locality in the north-central United States. As a member of the genus Otites, it belongs to a group of flies characterized by patterned wings. Published records for this species are sparse.
Otites stigma
picture-winged fly
Otites stigma is a species of ulidiid fly, commonly known as a picture-winged fly, described by Hendel in 1911. It belongs to the genus Otites within the family Ulidiidae. As with other members of this family, it is characterized by patterned or marked wings that give the group its common name. The species is part of a diverse group of flies whose larvae typically develop in decaying plant material.
Otitinae
Otitinae is a subfamily of picture-winged flies within the family Ulidiidae, formerly treated as the separate family Otitidae. The group comprises approximately 50 genera distributed across three tribes: Cephaliini, Myennidini, and Otitini. Most species are herbivorous or saprophagous, with some exhibiting psammophilous (sand-loving) habits. The subfamily is distinguished from similar groups by specific wing venation characters.
Physiphora alceae
picture-winged fly
Physiphora alceae is a small picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, notable for lacking the bold wing patterns typical of its family. Approximately 5 millimeters in length, this species has become cosmopolitan through human-mediated dispersal. Males perform elaborate courtship dances involving foreleg movements, wing lifting, and physical contact with females.
Pseudoseioptera
Pseudoseioptera is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Stackelberg in 1955. The genus includes at least four described species: P. albipes, P. colon, P. dubiosa, and P. ingrica. Members of this genus possess the characteristic patterned wings typical of Ulidiidae. One species, P. albipes, has been documented from Massachusetts.
Pseudoseioptera albipes
Pseudoseioptera albipes is a picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, a group known for their distinctive wing patterns and display behaviors. The species name 'albipes' refers to white feet, suggesting pale tarsi that may aid in identification. Like other ulidiids, it likely exhibits characteristic wing-flicking behavior during courtship. The species has been documented in Massachusetts, indicating an eastern North American distribution.
Pseudotephritina
Pseudotephritina is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Malloch in 1931. The genus contains at least two described species: P. cribellum (Loew, 1873) and P. inaequalis (Malloch, 1931). As members of the Ulidiidae family, these flies possess characteristically patterned wings that serve in species recognition and courtship displays. The genus is distinguished from related ulidiid genera by specific wing venation and body proportions, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Pseudotephritis
Pseudotephritis is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, containing five described species distributed across North America, Europe, and East Asia. Species in this genus are saproxylic, with larvae developing in weakened and dying deciduous trees. Adults are typically collected in forest canopies and are attracted to fermenting baits. The genus was established by Johnson in 1902.
Pseudotephritis approximata
picture-winged fly
Pseudotephritis approximata is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae. It belongs to a group of flies known for their patterned wings. The species is known from a limited number of U.S. states in the eastern and midwestern regions. Observations suggest it is a rarely encountered species with sparse documentation.
Pseudotephritis corticalis
Pseudotephritis corticalis is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Loew in 1873. The species is known from a restricted distribution in Northern Europe, with records from Germany, Denmark, Norway, and northwest Russia. As a member of the Otitinae subfamily, it belongs to a group of flies characterized by patterned wings. The species has been documented in 76 iNaturalist observations, suggesting it is not exceptionally rare within its range.
Pseudotephritis vau
picture-winged fly
Pseudotephritis vau is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1830 under the name Ortalis vau. The species is known from the northeastern United States and Canada, with confirmed records from Vermont and other parts of the U.S.
Seioptera
Seioptera is a genus of picture-winged flies (family Ulidiidae) established by Kirby & Spence in 1817. The genus contains five recognized species distributed across parts of Europe and North America. Like other ulidiids, members of this genus are characterized by their patterned wings. The genus has been documented in Scandinavia, Denmark, and the northeastern United States.
Steneretma
Steneretma is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Loew in 1873. The genus contains at least one described species, S. laticauda. Like other ulidiids, members of this genus are characterized by patterned or marked wings. The genus is poorly known, with limited observational records and minimal published biological information.
Steneretma laticauda
Steneretma laticauda is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Loew in 1873. The genus Steneretma belongs to a group of flies commonly known as ulidiids or picture-winged flies, recognized for their patterned wings. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Stenomyia
Stenomyia is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae. The genus was established by Loew in 1868 and contains species characterized by distinctive wing patterns. Members of this genus are relatively poorly documented in scientific literature compared to other ulidiid genera.
Stictomyia longicornis
Stictomyia longicornis is a small picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae. Adults measure approximately 4 millimeters in length and are found almost exclusively on prickly-pear cacti in the southwestern United States. The species has been reared from rotting cactus pads, indicating larval development in decaying cactus tissue. Adults are morphologically unusual among flies, with short wings plastered to the back and a beetle-like or true bug-like appearance.
Stictomyia punctata
picture-winged fly
Stictomyia punctata is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Coquillett in 1900. Like other members of its genus, it possesses the characteristic patterned wings that give picture-winged flies their common name. The species belongs to a genus with notable ecological associations, including Stictomyia longicornis which is found almost exclusively on prickly-pear cacti. Information specific to S. punctata's biology and distribution remains limited in available sources.
Tetanops integer
Tetanops integer is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae (formerly Otitidae). It belongs to a genus whose larvae develop in the roots of living plants, making it one of the few ulidiid species considered potentially pestiferous. The species was described by Loew in 1873 and is currently accepted under that name.
Tetanops luridipennis
Tetanops luridipennis is a picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, originally described by Loew in 1873. The genus Tetanops comprises approximately six species, with larvae that develop in the roots of living plants—a trait unusual among ulidiids, which are typically associated with decaying organic matter rather than living plant tissue. The specific epithet "luridipennis" refers to the yellowish or sallow coloration of the wings.
Tetanops magdalanae
Tetanops magdalanae is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae. The genus Tetanops comprises six species in North America, all of which develop as larvae in the roots of living plants. Unlike most ulidiids, which are not considered pests, Tetanops species are exceptional in this regard. The specific epithet 'magdalanae' suggests a possible association with a location or person, though this is not documented in the provided source.
Tetanops myopaeformis
sugar beet root maggot, sugarbeet root maggot
Tetanops myopaeformis is a picture-winged fly (family Ulidiidae) and the most economically significant pest of sugar beet in North America. Larvae feed on sugar beet roots, causing yield losses up to 100% in affected fields. The species overwinters as freeze-tolerant third-instar larvae in soil, with some individuals exhibiting prolonged diapause lasting multiple years. It is native to North America, though its original host plant remains unidentified; sugar beet, introduced to the continent, became its primary agricultural host.
Tetanops parallelus
Tetanops parallelus is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, described by Steyskal in 1970. The genus Tetanops comprises six known species in North America, all of which are root-feeders in their larval stage. Adults display the characteristic patterned wings typical of ulidiid flies. This species belongs to a group that is rarely considered economically significant, though larval root-feeding habits may occasionally affect living plants.
Tetropismenus
Tetropismenus is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Loew in 1876. The genus contains at least one described species, T. hirtus. Ulidiid flies are characterized by their distinctive patterned wings, which function in species recognition and courtship displays. Members of this genus are part of the diverse dipteran fauna associated with decaying plant material and fungal substrates.
Tritoxa
Tritoxa is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Loew in 1873. The genus contains seven described species distributed in the Nearctic region, with two species described in 2021. Species identification relies primarily on wing pattern differences, though examination of male genitalia is necessary for confident identification of certain sympatric species. One undescribed species based on female specimens is known from California and Nevada.
Tritoxa cuneata
Tritoxa cuneata is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Loew in 1873. It is one of seven recognized species in the Nearctic genus Tritoxa. The species is distributed across Canada and the United States.