Insects

The Diptera are characterised by having only one pair of wings, with the hind pair modified into a pair of halteres that act as gyroscopic stabilisers when the insect is in flight. There are currently over 158000 scientifically described species in over 150 families, with conservative estimates suggesting there is still at least double that number waiting to be discovered. Many Diptera are of great importance to humans, both as agricultural pests and as the transmitters of some of the world's deadliest diseases.

The Diptera are split into two suborders: Nematocera and Brachycera.

Nematocera

Nematocera contains the most primitive Diptera families and are distinguished from other flies by their relatively long, many-segmented antennae with all the segments being relatively similar to each other.

Nematocera families include: Mosquitoes, Crane-flies, Sand Flies, Midges, etc

 

Brachycera

The Brachycera contains flies that have shortened antennae with a reduced number of segments. They are often split into two paraphyletic groups on the basis of the way in which the adults emerge from the pupa.

Orthorrhapha Contains all the Brachycera flies that do not exit their pupal case via a circular apperture. The majority of this group are predatory. Includes: Tabanid Flies, Robberflies, Bee-flies, Snipe Flies, etc.

Muscomorpha (formerly Cyclorrhapha) Muscomorpha contains all the flies that exit their puparium via a circular aperture. Includes: Hoverflies, Picture-winged Flies, House Flies, Blowflies, Tsetse Flies, etc.