Virtual Exhibit on Canada's Biodiversity





back to order Diptera		 insect database

Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: nectar and pollen feeding
Immatures: saprophagous

Size: 2 to 11 mm
Flight : strong flier

North American
Species: 113

Diptera Heleomyzidae
Heleomyzid flies

Front Wings: membranous
Hind Wings: reduced to halteres
Mouthparts: sponging
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: straight
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified

Special Characteristics: Heleomyzidae are small to medium sized flies that vary in colour from yellow to reddish yellow or reddish brown to black. The wings often have very small spines along the leading egde and the crossveins are often clouded.

Comments: The adults are common around moist and shady places. Most of the larvae are found in decaying organic matter or in fungi. Some species are found in nests of birds or mammals.

Species:
Anorostoma jersei Garrett

Common Name:

Feeding Habits: The larvae are saprophagous in a variety of substrates.

Distribution:
Alaska to Quebec