BRACHYCERA, Muscomorpha Schizophora Acalyptratae, Sciomyzoidea

Number of British species: 2

Size: S-M

Difficulty: 2

Small to medium sized (2.5-9 mm, usually 4-7 mm); robust, especially in Coelopa sometimes densely bristly or hairy, flattened and dark coloured. Eyes small, arista bare to pubescent; ocelli present; Ocellar bristles present; Postvertical bristles parallel or converging; 2 pairs of frontal bristles, curving outward; scattered interfrontal setulae present; vibrissae absent, but strong bristles present near the vibrissal angle; in some cases many long, hair-like bristles present. Wing unmarked; costa continuous, vein Sc complete; crossvein BM-Cu present; cell cup closed. Legs usually densely hairy; tibiae with dorsal preapical bristle.

Coelopidae generally inhabit coastal habitats where the larvae largely develop in rotting seaweed washed up by the sea. Larvae and adults can be found throughout the year.

Burnet (1960), Egglishaw (1960)