Acalyptrata

insect taxon

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July 15, 2026

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The Acalyptrata are a group of two-winged flies characterized by a small or absent alula, a small tuft of bristles on the wing. This taxon includes various pests such as fruit flies, leaf miners, and frit flies. The term "Acalyptratae" is derived from New Latin, meaning "without a calypter". The calypters are small, scale-like structures found at the base of the fly's wing. In contrast, the Calyptratae are distinguished by large calypters. The Acalypterae is a taxonomic synonym for Acalyptratae. Flies, belonging to the order Diptera, play crucial roles in nature, including decomposition and pollination.12345

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Diptera
Annotated classification
Section Acalyptrata Thoracic squamae (i.e., calypters that join base of wing to thorax) are small or evanescent; small soft-bodied flies; major families well established; placement of genera uncertain; families can be grouped according to food preferences of larvae. Flies breeding in vegetable compost and dung Family…
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Section Acalyptrata Thoracic squamae (i.e., calypters that join base of wing to thorax) are small or evanescent; small soft-bodied flies; major families well established; placement of genera uncertain; families can be grouped according to food preferences of larvae. Flies breeding in vegetable compost and dung Family…
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