Britannica AI Icon

Cyclorrhapha

insect suborder
Also known as: Brachycera-Cyclorrhapha

Quick Summary

The Cyclorrhapha are a suborder of Diptera (flies) characterized by their larvae lacking mandibles and having coarctate pupae. This group includes common flies like houseflies and botflies. A key feature of adult Cyclorrhapha is that they emerge from their pupal case by pushing off a circular cap, a characteristic that gives them their name. Many Cyclorrhapha also possess a ptilinum, a sac-like organ used to help them escape the puparium. The larvae of Cyclorrhapha undergo fewer molts compared to other fly suborders, typically having only three larval stages.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.