#3032 - Fam. Phoridae - Scuttle Fly
Somewhat disreputable-looking humpbacked flies best known for running away rather than taking flight.
The best-known species include the Coffin Fly Conicera tibialis, which can dig through two meters of earth in pursuit of cadavers, and Megaselia scalaris, which is useful in forensic analysis, and, unfortunately, proof of neglect of the elderly and helpless. Megaselia halterata, the mushroom phorid, is a pest in mushroom farms because it spreads Dry Mould, and Euryplatea nanaknihali is the world's smallest known fly at a mere 0.4mm long. It breeds inside the heads of carpenter ants. Another ant-decapitator, Pseudacteon, has been introduced to the US in an attempt to control fire ants.
The taxonomy of the Phorids was revised in 2012 - by three different authors. 'Lively debate' ensued.
Goodale Sanctuary, West Coolup, WA.
