Overview

This is a family of small flies (1.2-2.0 mm long). No species have been described from Australia, but two species are thought to occur here.

The biology and habits of Xenasteiidae (=Tunisimyiidae) are unknown but they occur mainly on tropical coasts of the Old World and Pacific.

Description

Xenasteiids have reduced venation, somewhat resembling Carnidae. Anepisternum without bristles. Cell dm open so that there are no cross-veins in the wing; A1 + CuA2 is absent.