Overview
A worldwide family of rather small flies (largest Australian species 10 mm long). Only
Atherimorpha
and
Chrysopilus
remain as Australian representatives of the family, since genera belonging to Spaniidae and Austroleptidae were removed (Stuckenberg 2001). The family is relatively small, with 41 described Australian species.
Most Australian Rhagionidae may be taken by sweeping among vegetation in sheltered, rather damp places (Paramonov 1962) and are particularly common in spring. Larvae of
Chrysopilus
are predators in damp soil.
Description
The eyes are bare and the antennal flagellum is composed of two sections, the apical one being long, thin and style-like. The style of
Atherimorpha
is made up of four segments, however the style of
Chrysopilus
has a single element. One or two long spurs are present on the mid and hind tibiae. The wings are usually hyaline.
Distribution
Found in forested areas of southern Australia, including Tasmania and southern Western Australia, and there is a species known from Lord Howe Island.