Brachycera | Entomology

Cyclorrhapha - Aschiza

Platypezidae, Syrphidae, Phoridae

The Aschiza are a section of the Brachycera. The largest family under this zoo-section is Syrphidae with some other small families. They are similar to most of the familiar Muscomorpha with one notable exception; they do not possess a ptilinum, so lack the prominent ptilinal suture on the face as in other muscoid flies.

Aschiza

Platypezidae

Adults may be found performing rapid erratic movements on broad leaves of both woody and herbaceous plants, evidently feeding on surface deposits. Both platypezids in the pics were recorded from Tamil Nadu India.

Syrphidae

Hoverflies, also called flower flies or syrphids, make up the insect family Syrphidae. As their common name suggests, they are often seen hovering or nectaring at flowers; the adults of many species feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae (maggots) eat a wide range of foods. In some species, the larvae are saprotrophs, eating decaying plant and animal matter in the soil or in ponds and streams. In other species, the larvae are insectivores and prey on aphids, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects.

Phoriodae
Pseudacteon curvatus
TN USA

Cyclorrhapha - Schizophora -Acalyptratae

S.F: Carnoidea, Diopsoidea, Ephydroidea, Lauxanioidea, Nerioidea, Sciomyzoidea, Tephritoidea

Acalyptratae

The Acalyptratae are a large assemblage, exhibiting very diverse habits, with one notable and perhaps surprising exception: no known acalyptrates are obligate blood-feeders (hematophagous), though blood feeding at various stages of the life history is common throughout other Dipteran sections.