How do you identify Diptera?

How do you identify Diptera?

Insects in the order Diptera have only one pair of wings (2 wings total). Their antennae are generally shorter than their head. Insects in the order Neuroptera have long, thin, cylindrical bodies. Their two pairs of wings are generally the same size.

What is unique about Diptera?

These insects are distinctive because their hind wings are reduced to small, club-shaped structures called halteres – only the membranous front wings serve as aerodynamic surfaces. The halteres vibrate during flight and work much like a gyroscope to help the insect maintain balance. All Dipteran larvae are legless.

What are the two exclusive characteristic features of Diptera?

Characteristics of Diptera include: One set of wings and one set of halteres, which are smaller, modified wings used for balance. Consume liquids only through sucking mouthparts. Complete metamorphosis – a change in physical form from earlier stages in life to adulthood, includes 4 stages.

How many Diptera are there?

Some 150,000 different kinds of flies (Order Diptera, Class Insecta, Phylum Arthropoda) are now known and estimates are that there may be more than 1,000,000 species living today. These species are classified into 188 families (see list of recognized families) and some 10,000 genera.

How do I identify a fly species?

Shape: Body shape can range from compact gnats to the gangly, mosquito-like look of crane flies. Hair: Some varieties, like shiny bottle flies, appear to have little hair, while fuzzy drain flies have a moth-like look. Eyes: Forward-facing, goggle-shaped eyes are a hallmark of house flies.

How many legs do Diptera have?

The Diptera larva is apodous (with no legs), but sometimes, especially in aquatic larvae, has appendages similar to pseudopodia. The head is usually devoid of eyes, has chewing mouthparts, modified antennae with up to six segments, more or less developed or reduced to papillae.

What is a big black fly called?

Cluster flies, or attic flies, are large black flies and similar in size, shape and behavior to the blowfly. Larger and slower than house flies cluster flies can be a nuisance around homes, often getting inside and laying eggs.

What are those tiny black flies called?

Fungus Gnats: If the flies are small, black, and flying around windows or potted plants; then they are probably fungus gnats. These flies are the most common small fly in houses. They are small, delicate black flies that are weak flyers and often collect at windows.

What is the key to Diptera for adults?

SURICATA 4 (2017)275 KEY TO DIPTERA FAMILIES — ADULTS 12 14 (13’). Wing with 8 or fewer longitudinal veins reaching margin. Hind margin of wing with simple setulae. 15

What is the etymology of Diptera?

Etymology: Diptera comes from the Greek words di, which means two, and ptera, which means wings. Diptera, therefore, means “two-winged.” • one pair of membranous wings. These are forewings. • presence of halteres, which are small balancing organs located behind the front wings.

What is the role of Diptera in the food chain?

First, and most important, is the role of all Diptera in food chains in nature. For example, larval Chironomidae occur in large numbers and provide a major prey base for many other invertebrates as well as for vertebrates such as fish, birds, bats, and amphibians.

How many species are there in the order Diptera?

Diptera is a major order of insects, with about 150,000 described species and perhaps more than a quarter of a million species in some 150 families.