Virtual Exhibit on Canada´s Biodiversity

	Habitat Adults: terrestrial Immatures: terrestrial Feeding Habits Adults: saprophagous Immatures: saprophagous Size: 1 to 5 mm Flight : weak flier North American Species: 241	Diptera Sphaeroceridae Small dung 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: Sphaeroceridae are small robust and dark coloured flies. They can be recognized by the short thick first tarsal segment on the hind leg.
	Comments: This is a very diverse and abundant family. Adults are common around decaying organic material and are abundant in moist places. The larvae live in dung and decaying plant material and can be very abundant in rotting vegetation and mud along shorelines.

	Species: Sphaerocera curvipes Common Name: Feeding Habits: Larvae are scavengers in dung and other decaying materials. Distribution: Widespread in Canada Comments: Adults are often found resting on the larval food source. This species can be common in barns.