Apioceridae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Apioceridae or flower-loving flies are a family of flies (Diptera). It is a small family (biology) family, with about 100 species in 4 genera.
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[edit] Family Description
To be added
[edit] Biology
Apiocerids are found in sandy, arid and semiarid habitats.Hovering over bare patches of ground they emit a loud hum.The larvae of Apiocera maritima are found in sand near the high water mark of coastal beaches. Despite the name many Apiocera never visit flowers, but rather are found running on the ground near sparse vegetation, feeding on honeydew beneath aphid-infested plants. They are often seen drinking from damp sand with their sponge-like mouth-parts.
[edit] Literature
Identification
- Paramonov, S.J. 1953. A review of Australian Apioceridae (Diptera). Aust. J. Zool. 1: 449-536. Key
[edit] Classification
Some genera of Apioceridae are now include in Mydidae See Yeates DK, Irwin ME. 1996. Apioceridae (Insecta: Diptera): Cladistics and biogeography. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 116: 247-301