Family MILICHIIDAE
Freeloader Flies, Milichiid Flies
Compiler and date details
July 2011 - Scott Ginn, Australian Museum, Sydney, Australia
Introduction
Milichiidae are a family of acalyptrate flies with a worldwide distribution. At least 300 species have been described in 17 genera. In Australia, five genera are currently represented by 21 species. Milichiidae are generally small black flies. Recent significant literary contributions to this group of insects include Sabrosky (1983 — Desmometopa, generic review), Brake (2000 — phylogenetic systematics of family), Brake (2009 — Milichiella, generic review) and Brake (2010 — online website dedicated to world Milichiidae).
Milichiid biology is diverse, with species known to be saprophagous, coprophagous, necrophagous, myrmecophilous or klepto-parasitic. Species have been found habituating latrines, associated with bat guano and chicken manure, or in bird nests.
General References
Brake, I. 2000. Phylogenetic systematics of the Milichiidae (Diptera, Schizophora). Entomologica Scandinavica. Supplementum 57: 1-120 [Date published 15 December]
Brake, I. 2009. Revision of Milichiella Giglio-Tos (Diptera, Milichiidae). Zootaxa 2188: 1-166
Brake, I. Milichiidae online. 2010. http://milichiidae.info/en/node/6806 [accessed on 21 July 2011]
Sabrosky, C.W. 1983. A synopsis of the world species of Desmometopa Loew (Diptera, Milichiidae). Contributions of the American Entomological Institute 19(8): 1-69