Chloropidae

Pronunciation:  [Clo·ROPE·i⋅dae]

Common Name:   Frit Flies, Eye Gnats

Description:  Very small flies with black or black-and-yellow body coloration.   Most species have a shiny appearance due to a lack of body hairs.   Wing venation is reduced:  the anal cell is absent and the 2nd basal cell is fused with the discal cell. Adults are common in meadows and grassy habitats.   Larvae are phytophagous.

Spot ID Key Characters:

1. Small, shiny flies; black or black and yellow in color
2. Anal cell absent
3. Second basal cell fused with discal cell

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Order:  Diptera