Pipunculidae

Pronunciation:  [Pip·un·CULE·i⋅dae]

Common Name:  Big-headed Flies

Description:   As their common name suggests, these small flies have unusually large heads which are almost entirely composed of the compound eyes.   The larvae are internal parasitoids of leafhoppers and planthoppers.

Spot ID Key Characters:

1. Large head almost entirely covered by compound eyes
2. Wings elongated and usually narrow at base
3. Anal cell present, elongate, and ending in a point near the wing margin

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Order:  Diptera