Description

• Clusiidae is a family of small to medium-sized flies commonly known as clusiid flies. Species are generally slender and often have predominantly yellow, orange, brown, or black bodies, with some showing contrasting patterns on the head, thorax, or abdomen. The wings are usually clear or lightly tinted, and adults may have distinctive bristles and markings that are useful for identification.

Range

• Clusiidae occur worldwide, with the greatest diversity in tropical and temperate regions. Species are found throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. Several species occur in Mexico and Central America, and clusiid flies can be encountered in the Zihua area.

Habitat

• Usually associated with forests, woodland, forest edges, and areas containing decaying or damaged trees. Adults are commonly found on tree trunks, fallen logs, sap, and other plant material. Larvae typically develop in decaying wood, under bark, or in other decomposing plant material.

Diet

• Adults feed on a variety of plant-associated liquids and organic resources, including sap, nectar, honeydew, and fluids from decaying vegetation. Larvae generally feed on decaying wood and other decomposing plant material, although some species have more specialised associations with fungi or other organisms.