The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)

The Emidoidea includes the families Atelestidae, Hybotidae, Empididae, Microphoridae and Dolichopodidae with 676 species in total.

These flies have become more popular in recent years. In size they range from minute to quite large, though overall they tend to be small flies. If one is selective, there are plenty of species that are fairly easy to identify. Many more are of moderate difficulty. The females of some genera are difficult and the males can also demand experience, including those that need genitalia preparations and a high microscope magnification. Genitalia examination is quite straightforward in most Empidoidea. Several years experience and a good microscope are recommended before embarking seriously on this group.

With so many species, practically all habitats have a characteristic fauna and this is a useful group for site evaluation. Overall woodland, wetland and water margin habitats contain the richest faunas.

A newsletter has been produced.

Currently there is an organiser for Empididae only, but he is also collating records for other Empidoidea.

Organiser: Adrian Plant, email: [email protected].