The Diptera have traditionally been divided into three suborders: 1. Nematocera (flies with multisegmented antennae) 2. Brachycera (flies with stylate antennae) 3. Cyclorrhapha (flies with aristate antennae) In some newer classifications, Brachycera includes the Cyclorrhapha. Distribution: Abundant worldwide.

Description: The tachnid flies are the second largest family in the Diptera order. They are characterized by a distinct post scutellum, aristate antennae with a bare bristle, and an abdomen that is often covered in bristles. The eggs are usually laid on the body of the host.

Adults are typically found on flowers, foliage, or fruits. Most larvae feed in or on soft-bodied fruits. The family includes many species that are agricultural pests (e.g. apple maggot).

Common Name: House Flies; Stable Flies Description: Muscids are usually gray or black in color. Most feed on liquids by lapping them up with their spongy mouthparts, but there are a few blood-suckers and predators in the family.

Description: With over 1,450 species, crane flies compose the largest family in the Diptera order. They have long, fragile legs, noticeably long halteres, and a V-shaped suture that bisects the dorsal side of the thorax.

Common Names: Hover Flies, Flower Flies Description: Hover flies mimic the appearance of bees and wasps to reduce the likelihood of predation. They have a spurious vein in the wing that bisects the radio-medial cross veins (it’s actually just a …

Some species of the aquatic larvae are red in color, due to the presence of hemoglobin in the blood. These larvae are known as blood worms. In general, the larvae serve as an important component in the dietary desires of predaceous insects.

Common Name: Robber Flies Description: Robber flies have stylate mouthparts and a concave depression between the eyes.The adults are predaceous and mimic bumblebees with a hairy body and a bearded face. The larvae live in soil and decaying wood and feed on the larvae of …

Common Name: Blow Flies Description: The blow flies are a metallic blue or green color and are ubiquitous in nature.The antennae are aristate with a plumose bristle, and the calypters are large and prominent. They are distinguished by the absence of a post-scutellum.

Common Name: Horse Flies and Deer Flies Description: The horse flies or deer flies are stout bodied and have large, brightly colored compound eyes.In addition, these insects have a third antennal segment that is elongated, and veins on R4 and R5 diverge to enclose the wing tip.