Scatopsoidea
Superfamily of flies
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Scatopsoidea is a superfamily of true flies that comprises the families Canthyloscelidae, Scatopsidae, and Valeseguyidae.[1][2] There are about 400 known species worldwide but more may yet to be discovered, especially in the tropics.[2]
| Scatopsoidea | |
|---|---|
| |
| Minute black scavenger flies on oxeye daisy. | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Suborder: | Nematocera |
| Infraorder: | Bibionomorpha |
| Superfamily: | Scatopsoidea |
| Families | |
Identification
In Scatopsoidea, the posterior margin of the katepisternum is displaced to a more posterior disposition, causing the pleural suture to be folded. The superfamily also has a well-developed sperm pump and associated apodemes.[1]
Phylogeny
Based on morphological features, Scatopsidae and Canthyloscelidae are sister groups to each other, and Valeseguyidae is the sister group to them.[1]
An analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial gene markers supported the monophyly of Scatopsoidea. It also found that this superfamily is the sister group to Bibionomorpha.[3]
