Schizophora

Schizophora is an infraorder of flies (order Diptera) within the larger group Cyclorrhapha of the suborder Brachycera. It comprises the majority of higher flies and is one of the two principal divisions of Cyclorrhapha, the other being Aschiza.

A defining feature of Schizophora is the ptilinum, a temporary inflatable structure on the head used to aid emergence from the puparium. After the adult emerges, the ptilinum is withdrawn and a frontal suture, the ptilinal suture, remains on the frons. This feature distinguishes Schizophora from Aschiza and is a key diagnostic character in many classifications.

In the life cycle, the larva forms a puparium from the last larval skin, within which metamorphosis occurs. The adult then escapes through the ruptured puparium aided by the ptilinum, leaving the characteristic ptilinal suture.

Schizophora includes a diverse array of families that contain many species of medical, veterinary, and agricultural importance. The group also includes species used as model organisms in research. Among familiar examples associated with human activity are various pest flies that affect livestock, crops, and stored products, as well as flies used in genetic and developmental studies.

Taxonomic placement within Cyclorrhapha has historically been subject to revision, but Schizophora remains a core designation for the large portion of higher flies that share the characteristic ptilinal apparatus and emergence mechanism.