Description

• Chloropidae is a large family of small flies commonly known as frit flies or grass flies. Species are usually only a few millimetres long, with compact bodies, relatively large heads and eyes, and often shiny black, yellow, brown, or contrastingly patterned coloration. Their wings are generally clear, and many species have a distinctive, compact appearance. The larvae of different species occupy a wide range of habitats and may feed on living plant tissue, decaying vegetation, fungi, or other organic material.

Range

• Chloropidae occur worldwide and are found on every continent except Antarctica, with particularly high diversity in temperate and tropical regions. Numerous species occur throughout Mexico and Central America, and chloropid flies can be encountered in the Zihua area.

Habitat

• Commonly found in grasslands, forests, forest edges, wetlands, agricultural areas, gardens, and other habitats with abundant grasses and herbaceous vegetation. Adults frequently rest on leaves and stems and may be attracted to flowers, plant exudates, decaying vegetation, and other organic resources.

Diet

• Adult chloropids feed on a variety of plant-associated resources, including nectar, pollen, honeydew, and plant exudates. Larval diets vary considerably among species; many develop in grasses and other plants, while others feed on decaying plant material, fungi, or animal-associated organic matter.