BRACHYCERA, Muscomorpha Schizophora Acalyptratae, Diopsoidea

Number of British species: 1

Size: M

Difficulty: 1

Study group: Covered by the Stilt and Stalk fly study group

The only European species, Megamerina dolium, is medium sized (6-9 mm), elongate, black lustrous with pale to reddish femora. Head small and spherical; arista pubescent; ocelli present; Oc-, P-, F-, interfrontal bristles and vibrissae absent. Wing pale brown, unmarked; Costa continuous; vein Sc complete; crossvein BM-Cu present; cell cup closed. Femora of hind legs swollen, with 2 rows of spines on the lower side; tibiae without dorsal preapical bristle.

The larvae live under the bark of dying or dead deciduous trees and are predatory or necrophagous on the larvae of other insects. The adults are largely found near the larval habitats, chiefly on tree trunks and leaves.

Chandler (1975)