Brachycera
Quick Summary
The suborder Brachycera is a group within the order Diptera, commonly known as true flies. Brachycera are distinguished by their antennae, which are typically short and have a flagellum fused into a compound third segment, often with a bristle-like arista. Unlike the Nematocera suborder, Brachycera usually have palpi with one or two segments and short antennae with a limited number of joints.123
The larvae of Brachycera, like other flies, are endopterygote insects, meaning they undergo complete metamorphosis. They lack wings and segmented thoracic legs. Primitive Brachycera larvae possess a well-developed head and chewing mouthparts, while more advanced forms have reduced head capsules and mouth hooks that move vertically. These larvae can be described by various forms such as vermiform (maggot-like).45
Early Brachycera appeared in the Mesozoic Era, with most modern families evolving by the end of the Eocene Epoch. Examples of Brachycera include horseflies, robber flies, and houseflies.61
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Dipteramosquitoes), Brachycera (e.g., horse flies, robber flies, bee flies), and Cyclorrhapha (e.g., flies that breed in vegetable or animal material, both living and dead).
Read Moremosquitoes), Brachycera (e.g., horse flies, robber flies, bee flies), and Cyclorrhapha (e.g., flies that breed in vegetable or animal material, both living and dead).
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Suborder Brachycera Flagellum of antennae nearly always fused into a compound 3rd segment, remaining diminutive segments form a stumpy “style” or bristle-like arista; anal cell of wing narrowed, nearly always closed on or before wing margin; palpi seldom with more than 3 segments, often 2 or…
Read MoreSuborder Brachycera Flagellum of antennae nearly always fused into a compound 3rd segment, remaining diminutive segments form a stumpy “style” or bristle-like arista; anal cell of wing narrowed, nearly always closed on or before wing margin; palpi seldom with more than 3 segments, often 2 or…
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