Overview
The larvae are generally predators of aphids and other plant-feeding Hemiptera (true bugs). Adults are often found near plants infested by these. Some species have been used in biological control work. This family are commonly called Silver flies.
Description
The main diagnostic features include:
Colour usually ash-grey, but sometimes darker; postocellar bristles convergent or absent; vibrissa absent; anepisternal bristle generally absent; preapical dorsal tibial bristle absent; vein C unbroken; wing vein A1+CuA2 short; wing vein A2 represented by a long crease.
Distribution
The family is widely distributed both in Australia (38 species) and in the world generally.