Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
used to be treated as part of Empididae until recently
(1)(2)Explanation of Names
Brachystomatidae Melander 1908
Numbers
6 spp. in 2 genera in our area
(2), >150 spp. in 20 genera total
(3)Identification
Head variously shaped, often with large eyes and elongated proboscis, antennae with 3 or fewer segments and usually a stylus or arista (absent in Allanthalia), arista or stylus 2-segmented, terminally, dorsally situated, or absent, vertical bristles rarely developed, except in Tachydromiinae
Thorax with bristes mostly limited to notopleural and scutellar areas, laterotergite bare or haired
Legs various, sometimes modified, forelegs not raptorial, in females sometimes with flattened setae, basal segments of some tarsi in some males, tibiae never with true apical spur, but fixed spur may be present, empodia pulvilliform
Wings present or reduced, with rounded apex and radiating wing venation, veins at least in posterior half not setose, distinct bristle present at the base of C, C extending around wing, Sc usually joining C or ending freely, not joining R1, Rs originating well distal to level of crossvein h, crossvein r-m distal to basal fourth of wing, M branched or unbranched, sometimes only slightly curved forward, cell bm usually separated from cell dm, cell dm present, rarely with vein A1 reaching margin, but if so, Sc incomplete or cell cup obtuse or rounded at apex, cell cup never attaining wing margin but at least a third of wing length, slightly longer than cell bm, alula absent, anal lobe reduced, alular sinus broadly arcuate
Abdomen more or less elongate but sometimes short>