Sciadoceridae

Sciadoceridae is a family of flies belonging to the order Diptera. They are commonly known as false blowflies, due to their resemblance to the blowfly family Calliphoridae. The family is characterized by their small size, typically ranging from 1 to 3 millimeters in length. Sciadoceridae are found worldwide, with the highest diversity in tropical regions. They are often associated with decaying organic matter, such as rotting fruit and animal carcasses, and are known to feed on fungi and other microorganisms.

The larvae of Sciadoceridae are often found in similar habitats as their adults, feeding on decaying organic matter. They are typically small, with a segmented body and a pair of mandibles for feeding. The pupae are also small and often found in the same habitats as the adults and larvae.

Sciadoceridae are of interest to scientists due to their role in the decomposition process and their potential as indicators of environmental health. They are also studied for their unique biology and behavior, such as their ability to survive in extreme environments and their complex mating behaviors.

The taxonomy of Sciadoceridae is complex, with over 1,000 described species. The family is divided into several subfamilies, each with its own unique characteristics. The most well-known subfamily is the Sciadocerinae, which includes the genus Sciadocera, the type genus of the family.

In summary, Sciadoceridae is a family of small, worldwide distributed flies known for their association with decaying organic matter. They are of interest to scientists due to their role in decomposition and their unique biology. The taxonomy of the family is complex, with over 1,000 described species.