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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #203739
Title: Heleomyzidae

Author
item Woodley, Norman
item MCALPINE, D.K. - AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM

Submitted to: Manual of Central American Diptera
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2007
Publication Date: 11/15/2010
Citation: Woodley, N.E., Mcalpine, D. 2010. Heleomyzidae. In: Brown, B.V., Borkent, A., Cumming, J.M., Wood, D.M., Woodley, N.E., Zumbado, M.A., editors. Manual of Central American Diptera. Ontario, Canada: NRC Research Press. p. 1159-1164.

Interpretive Summary: Species of fungus scavenger flies are beneficial to agriculture in that the larvae help to decompose plant material, although one species is known to attack living truffles and is a minor pest. The information contained in this publication summarizes the taxonomy of fungus scavenger flies that occur in Mexico and Central America, providing a comprehensive identification key and a summary of known classification and biological information. A chapter in a comprehensive manual on the flies of Central America, this work will enable scientists, quarantine workers (such as APHIS PPQ), and others concerned with flies to identify these insects.

Technical Abstract: The Central American fauna of the family Heleomyzidae is reviewed at the generic level, based on literature and original research. A key to the 12 genera that occur in Mexico and Central America is given. A synopsis of knowledge of the family is presented as well as identification aids, figures, and a summary of biology of the group.