ARS | Publication request: Xylophagidae [invited Book Chapter]

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book/Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: January 29, 2003
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Many species of flies are either pests on crops or vectors of diseases. Biting flies both spread disease and are a great nuisance to outdoors recreation. Xylophagid flies occur in the U.S. and Central America and have predaceous larvae that live in rotten wood and under bark of trees. This chapter summarizes the taxonomy and biology of Neotropical groups at the generic level with emphasis on those found in Central America. This work will enable quarantine workers, veterinarians, and others concerned with biting insects to identify these flies.

Technical Abstract: The family Xylophagidae (xylophagid flies) is reviewed at the generic level for Central America, based on literature reviews and original research. A key to genera is presented, the first to include all genera occurring south of the United States. A synopsis of knowledge of the family is presented as well as short treatises on the two Central American genera.