SINCLAIR et al.

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

An illustrated identification key to Nearctic genera of
Empidoidea (exclusive of Dolichopodidae sensu stricto)(Diptera)
Bradley J. Sinclair1,2*; Scott E. Brooks2; Jeffrey M. Cumming2
Canadian Food Inspection Agency, K.W. Neatby Bldg., C.E.F., 960 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A
0C6; bradley.sinclair@inspection.gc.ca

1

Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada,
K.W. Neatby Bldg., C.E.F., 960 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0C6; scott.brooks@agr.gc.ca;
jeff.cumming@agr.gc.ca

2* Corresponding author

Abstract
The Empidoidea (exclusive of Dolichopodidae sensu stricto), or “dance flies”, are a diverse group of
Diptera that include six families and 72 genera in the Nearctic Region. An illustrated key to the dance
fly genera is presented, updating the 1981 key from the “Empididae” chapter of the Manual of Nearctic
Diptera, utilizing over 600 colour photographs displaying many unique characters as well as some rarely
seen or photographed genera. Since publication of the Manual chapter, 14 generic names have been added(or updated), five generic names have been removed and two undescribed genera are now recognized.
Currently, 953 Nearctic species of Empidoidea (exclusive of Dolichopodidae sensu stricto) have been
described. A brief synopsis of each genus is included providing information on number of species,
taxonomic literature, biology, defining morphological characters and Nearctic distribution.
Published online September 27 2023

Introduction
The superfamily Empidoidea has traditionally
included two families: Empididae (dance flies) andDolichopodidae (long-legged flies). Empidoids are very
widespread from tundra to deserts and alpine streams tomarine coastlines. Both adults and larvae are predaceous
on a wide variety of soft-bodied arthropods (Sinclair& Cumming 2006). In addition, they are importantpollinators, especially for early spring flowers and incolder ecological zones (Lefebvre et al. 2014). There are
more than 13000 described species in the world and 2250
described species in Canada and the United States (Table
1).
The most recent keys to genera of the Empidoidea
in the Manual of Nearctic Diptera recognized two
families: Empididae (Steyskal & Knutson 1981) andDolichopodidae (Robinson & Vockeroth 1981), but
numerous taxonomic changes have been since proposed.
As many as nine families are now recognized in the
Empidoidea, although not all have been acceptedby specialists. For the Nearctic Region, the former“Empididae” as treated in the Manual of Nearctic
Diptera has been divided into five families: Atelestidae,
Brachystomatidae,
Empididae,
Hybotidae
andIteaphilidae, as well as the subfamilies Microphorinae
and Parathalassiinae which are now classified within
doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

the family Dolichopodidae sensu lato (Table 1) (Sinclair& Cumming 2006; Sinclair & Shamshev 2021). The
remaining Dolichopodidae are now referred to as the
Dolichopodidae sensu stricto and the Nearctic generaof that large group can be identified using the key inBickel (2009). The main families of Empidoidea can be
identified using the key to families and genus groups in
Sinclair & Cumming (2006: 82) and using “Key Four” inMarshall (2012: 580).
There have also been changes in subfamilyclassification, with several newly proposed groups. In
North America, these new or revised subfamilies include
Bicellariinae, Brochellinae, Oedaleinae, Ragadinae,
Trichininae and Trichopezinae (Table 1) (Sinclair& Cumming 2006; Yang et al. 2007; Sinclair 2016;
Wahlberg & Johanson 2018).
In addition to changes in family status, there havebeen numerous taxonomic changes to the genera of“Empididae” in the Nearctic Region since Steyskal& Knutson (1981). These include 14 generic names
added or updated, five generic names removed andtwo undescribed genera recognized (Table 2). Thesetaxonomic changes support the urgent need to update
the 1981 key to “Empididae” presented in the Manual of
Nearctic Diptera to allow identification of the 72 genera
currently recognized in the Region (Table 1).
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Table 1. Classification and number of species of Nearctic Empidoidea.
FamilySubfamily

Genus

Author, Year

No. of Species

Iteaphila

Zetterstedt, 1838

35

Brochellinae

Brochella

Melander, 1928

1

Clinocerinae

Asymphyloptera

Collin, 1933

2

Iteaphilidae
Empididae

Empidinae

Hemerodromiinae

Atelestidae
Brachystomatidae

Clinocera

Meigen, 1803

42

Dolichocephala

Macquart, 1823

7

Oreothalia

Melander, 1902

5

Proclinopyga

Melander, 1928

6

Roederiodes

Coquillett, 1901

8

Trichoclinocera

Collin, 1941

16

Wiedemannia

Zetterstedt, 1838

7

Empis

Linnaeus, 1758

91

Hesperempis

Melander, 1906

5

HilaraMeigen, 1822

43

Lamprempis

Wheeler & Melander,
1901

undescribed (1)Philetus

Melander, 1928

3

Porphyrochroa

Melander, 1928

undescribed (2)Rhamphomyia

Meigen, 1822

205

Chelifera

Macquart, 1823

22

Chelipoda

Macquart, 1823

7

Hemerodromia

Meigen, 1822

22

Metachela

Coquillett, 1903

3

Neoplasta

Coquillett, 1895

12

Oreogetoninae

Oreogeton

Schiner, 1860

8

Ragadinae

HormopezaZetterstedt, 1838

7

Ragas

Walker, 1837

4

Zanclotus

Wilder, 1982

2

Atelestinae

Meghyperus

Loew, 1850

2

Brachystomatinae

Anomalempis

Melander, 1928

2

Trichopezinae

Brachystoma

Meigen, 1822

4

Apalocnemis

Philippi, 1865

undescribed (1)Boreodromia

Coquillett, 1903

1

Ceratempis

Melander, 1928

1

Gloma

Meigen, 1822

3

Heleodromia

Haliday, 1833

6

Niphogenia

Melander, 1928

2

Sabroskyella

Wilder, 1982

1

Saigusamyia

Sinclair, 2021

3

Undescribed genus A

2

Undescribed genus B
Hybotidae

Bicellariinae
Hybotinae

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

undescribed (1)Bicellaria

Macquart, 1823

12

Hoplocyrtoma

Melander, 1928

2

Euhybus

Coquillett, 1895

13

Hybos

Meigen, 1803

1

SyndyasLoew, 1857

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Syneches

Walker, 1852

Leptopeza

Macquart, 1828

5

Ocydromia

Meigen, 1820

1

Allanthalia

Melander, 1928

undescribed (1)Anthalia

Zetterstedt, 183812

Euthyneura1

Macquart, 1836

6

Ocydromiinae
Oedaleinae

Tachydromiinae

Oedalea

Meigen, 1820

4

Allodromia

Smith, 1962

1

Baeodromia

Cumming, 2007

1

Chersodromia

Walker, 1849

8

Crossopalpus

Bigot, 1857

15

Drapetis

Meigen, 1822

18

Elaphropeza

Macquart, 1828

2

Megagrapha

Melander, 1928

3

Micrempis

Melander, 1928

10

Platypalpus

Macquart, 1828

117
13

StilponLoew, 1859

Symballophthalmus

Becker, 1889

1

Tachydromia

Meigen, 1803

15

Tachyempis

Melander, 1928

6

Tachypeza

Meigen, 1830

18

Trichina

Meigen, 1830

1

Trichinomyia

Tuomikoski, 1959

5

Microphorinae

Microphor

Macquart, 1828

5

Schistostoma

Becker, 1902

28

Parathalassiinae

Microphorella

Becker, 1909

10

Parathalassius

Mik, 1891

12

Thalassophorus

Saigusa, 1986

Trichininae
Dolichopodidae sensu lato

11

1

Dolichopodidae sensu stricto

1301

Total

2254

Of two original spellings (Euthyneura and Euthinevra) in Macquart (1836), Euthinevra was chosen by Macquart via Article 24.2.4 of
the Code (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature 1999) (see Evenhuis et al. 2016), but Euthyneura is used here as it isin prevailing usage in compliance with Article 33.3.1.
1

Diagnosis of Empidoidea
Members of the superfamily Empidoidea can becharacterized by the following combination of features:• Antenna with apical flagellum consolidated into a
compact, single-segmented postpedicel bearing a
distinct robust stylus or arista-like stylus.
• Mouthparts with palpus one-segmented.
• Mouthparts with labrum usually armed at apex with
epipharyngeal blades.
• Head without ptilinal fissure.
• Wing with vein CuA short, ending in vein CuA+CuP,
usually near wing base.
• Wing with cell cua closed, never reaching wing
margin.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48• Wing with cell dm usually present, but if not, then
R4+5 and M1+2 not forked.
• Legs often with one pair possessing raptorial
modifications.
• Legs with apical tarsomere usually bearing two
broad, flattened pads below tarsal claws.
• Male terminalia either unrotated, twisted 45º to 90º toright, or rotated 90º to 180º to right and lateroflexed;
often asymmetrical.
• Female terminalia with or without acanthophorous
spines.
• Female terminalia with one spermatheca internally.
Conveniently,
Empidoidea(exclusiveof
Dolichopodidae sensu stricto) can generally be
differentiated from similar Dolichopodidae (sensu

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Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

stricto) (see Bickel 2009) by their lack of green metallic
body colouration. However, some empidoids (e.g., mostLamprempis Wheeler & Melander and Porphyrochroa
Melander) are metallic blue or blue-green and somedolichopodids (sensu stricto) are not metallic. A more
precise separation of Dolichopodidae (sensu stricto)from the remaining Empidoidea is provided in our key,
particularly in couplets 4 and 73, based on differencesin wing venation. Some bombyliid and asiloid groups(e.g., Therevidae sensu lato), as well as Bolbomyia
Loew (Rhagionidae sensu lato), can be confused withempidoids, but these flies generally have a larger wingcell cua that attains, or nearly attains, the wing margin
and they lack predaceous modifications on either legs
or mouthparts. A few platypezids (e.g., Microsania
Zetterstedt) can also be confused with empidoids, but theantennal arista of these small flies is comprised of threearticles, rather than two articles (as in the stylus of mostempidoids), and the acrostichal setae of the thorax are
uniserial, rather than biserial or absent.
Biology of the Empidoidea
The Empidoidea (exclusive of Dolichopodidae sensu
stricto) represent a large group of mostly predaceous
flies. Adults are often found in various riparian forest
habitats, on leaves, tree trunks, aquatic vegetation, or instream beds and seepage habitats, although some taxa areassociated with more open areas such as fields, marshes,
coastal zones and beaches (Collin 1961; Cumming &Sinclair 2009). Adults capture various arthropod prey,including small to medium sized Diptera, Hemiptera,
Thysanoptera, Lepidoptera, Trichoptera, Hymenoptera,
Neuroptera, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Coleoptera,
Collembola, and Acari (Tuomikoski 1952; Smith 1969;
Cumming & Sinclair 2008).
A number of genera visit flowers as adults, presumably
to obtain nectar, but at least a few groups (e.g., Anthalia
Zetterstedt, Euthyneura Macquart, Iteaphila Zetterstedt,
Schistostoma Becker) meet their protein requirements byfeeding on pollen (Downes & Smith 1969; Chvála 1983;
Sinclair & Shamshev 2012, 2021; Brooks & Cumming2022). Many empidoids are important pollinators,
especially during the spring, in high altitude ecologicalzones and higher latitudes (Kevan 1972; Lefebvre et al.
2014; Sinclair & Shamshev 2021). Larvae are generally
found in moist soil, rotten wood, dung, or in aquatic
habitats (Cumming & Sinclair 2009; Cumming et al.
2018) and appear to be predaceous on various arthropods,
particularly other Diptera larvae (Cumming & Cooper1993).
Many species mate on the ground or on vegetation,
whereas others gather in mating swarms (Downes 1969;
Chvála 1976, 1983). The synchronized movement of
adult flies within these mating swarms is the basis forthe common name “dance flies” that is sometimes used

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

Table 2. Summary of taxonomic changes to the North American
genera of Empidoidea since Steyskal and Knutson (1981).
Genera added to North American fauna
Allodromia Smith, 1962

Micrempis testacea Melander, 1928
transferred by Chillcott & Teskey(1983)

Asymphyloptera
Collin, 1933

species collected in 1980s and 1990s
and described (Sinclair 2015)

Baeodromia
Cumming, 2007

genus described forDrapetis pleuritica Melander, 1928

Crossopalpus Bigot, 1857

previously a subgenus ofDrapetis Meigen, 1822

Elaphropeza
Macquart, 1828

previously a subgenus ofDrapetis Meigen, 1822

Lamprempis
Wheeler & Melander, 1901

one undescribed species first collected
in 1990s

Microphor Macquart, 1828change in spelling for Microphorus

Porphyrochroa
Melander, 1928

two undescribed species recently
identified

Sabroskyella Wilder, 1982

genus and species described

Saigusamyia Sinclair, 2021

genus and species described

Schistostoma Becker 1902

genus newly recorded in
North America

Thalassophorus
Saigusa, 1986

species described (Brooks &Cumming 2011)

Trichinomyia
Tuomikoski, 1959

genus newly recorded in
North America

Zanclotus Wilder, 1982

genus and species described

Undescribed genus A

two described species currently in
Apalocnemis

Undescribed genus B

one undescribed species identified

Genera removed from North American fauna
Anthepiscopus
Becker, 1891

junior synonym of Iteaphila (Sinclair& Shamshev 2021)

Charadrodromia
Melander, 1928

junior synonym of Platypalpus(Shamshev & Grootaert 2012)

Phyllodromia
Zetterstedt, 1837

P. americana Melander, 1947
transferred to Chelipoda (MacDonald
1993)

Thanategia
Melander, 1928

junior synonym of Chelifera(MacDonald 1988)

Toreus Melander, 1906

junior synonym of Hesperempis(Cumming et al. 2014)

for the entire group. Members of one large subfamily,
the Empidinae, transfer nuptial gifts from male tofemale during courtship and mating (Cumming 1994).
Depending on the species, these nuptial gifts include
prey, various types of inedible objects, or secreted
balloons (Sinclair et al. 2013). Within the Empidinae,
mate choice is generally performed by females that visit
male-dominated swarms. However, many species exhibit
sex-role reversed courtship behaviour where females

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SINCLAIR et al.

gather in swarms to await males that choose mates. These
species exhibit many female secondary sexual charactersused in courting males, such as enlarged wings, pinnate
leg scales, and eversible abdominal pleural sacs
(Cumming 1994).

directly or preserved in paper triangles, which helps topreserve flat and straight wings. Dried specimens are best
glued directly to pins, which allows for easy manipulationand study. Terminalia can be cleared in hot 85% lactic
acid, using either a hot plate or microwave oven.
Character selection
The text and character selection is modified from
Steyskal & Knutson (1981) and Cumming & Sinclair(2009), with input from Collin (1961). Terms used in the
key follow those described in Cumming & Wood (2017).
How to use the key
In the following key to genera, photos of each
described character are provided below each couplet.
Arrows and labels point out or highlight key featuresdescribed in the couplet text. Hyperlinks advance theuser to the next couplet and to each genus synopsis page.
Each couplet has a “back button” (blue arrow at top left
corner) which allows the user to return to the previous
couplet. Hyperlinks are also included on each genus
synopsis page to allow the user to return to the couplet
where the genus is identified.

Material & methods
Specimens and photography
Pinned specimens were selected from the Canadian
National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes(CNC), Ottawa, Canada and photographed with a Leicacamera model DFC5400 using Leica Application Suite
X, except as noted in the key and Acknowledgements.
Additional photos of live empidoid flies were provided
by the photographers and used with permission, as notedin the figure captions and Acknowledgements.
Specimen preparation
Adult empidoids (especially smaller specimens) are
best collected directly into 75% ethanol and later criticalpoint-dried. This prevents shrinkage and distortion often
seen in specimens that are mounted directly and allowed
to air-dry. Larger specimens can also be mounted on pins

(Key, acknowledgments, and references follow.)

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

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SINCLAIR ET AL.

Key to Nearctic genera of Empidoidea(exclusive of Dolichopodidae sensu stricto)

The illustrated identification key presented here updates the key to “Empididae” of North America north of Mexico by Steyskal &Knutson (1981) in the Manual of Nearctic Diptera. This updated key compliments the generic key to “Empididae” in the Manual ofCentral American Diptera by Cumming & Sinclair (2009), which covers Central America and northern Mexico. Together these keys will
also help identify most genera found in South America, except for some endemic genera that occur mainly in Chile and Argentina.

© S.A. Marshall© J. Alcock© S.A. Marshall© J. Alcock© S.A. Marshall© A. Abela

START KEY

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

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Wing reduced or miniaturized to only slightly longer than thorax (FigsA, B): GO TO COUPLET 2

1

SINCLAIR ET AL.

1ʹ

Wing well developed, at least twice as long as thorax (Fig. a):
GO TO COUPLET 4A
Ba
FIGURES: (A) Chersodromia parallela (Melander), dorsolateral view of body. (B) C. parallela,dorsal view of body.

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FIGURE: (a) Hilara sp., habitus.

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2ʹ

Wing triangular (Fig. a) or rounded (Fig. b), often with darkened apex;
neck arising well below top of head (Figs c, d); TACHYDROMIINAE [inpart]: GO TO COUPLET 3

A

a

b

B

c

d

Wing narrow, with light round spots (Fig. A); neck arising from near
top of head (Fig. B); CLINOCERINAE [in part]: DOLICHOCEPHALA
Macquart [in part]

2

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Dolichocephala borkenti Sinclair & MacDonald. (b) Head and thorax of D.
argus Melander.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

FIGURES: (A) Wings and body of Chersodromia parallela (Melander), dorsolateral view. (B)
Wings and body of Tachyempis sp., dorsal view; photo by J. Runyon. (C) Head and thorax of C.
parallela. (D) Head and thorax of Tachyempis sp.

8Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

Wing triangular (Fig. A); thorax with postpronotal lobe not distinctly
differentiated, small (Figs A, B); legs with strong, erect setae (Fig. C):
CHERSODROMIA Walker [in part]

3

SINCLAIR ET AL.

3ʹ

Wing rounded (Fig. a); thorax with postpronotal lobe distinctly
differentiated, large and usually elongate (Figs a, b); legs without
strong, erect setae: TACHYEMPIS Macquart [in part]

A

a

b

B

FIGURES: (a) Wings and body of Tachyempis sp., dorsal view; photo by J. Runyon. (b) Thorax of
Tachyempis sp., dorsal view.

C
FIGURES: (A) Wings and body of Chersodromia parallela (Melander), dorsolateral view. (B)Thorax of C. parallela, dorsal view. (C) C. parallela, habitus.

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Wing (Figs A, B) with vein Rs originating distal to level of crossvein h(except some Anthalia); vein R4+5 branched or unbranched; maleterminalia not rotated forward beneath or beside abdomen (Figs C,
D): GO TO COUPLET 5

4

Rs

4ʹ

Wing (Figs a, b) with vein Rs originating at or near level of crossvein h;vein R4+5 unbranched; male terminalia (Figs c–e) rotated forward andflexed to right, lying beside or beneath abdomen; DOLICHOPODIDAE
sensu lato: GO TO COUPLET 73

h

Rs

h

h

h

R4+5

A

R4+5

Rs

B

Rs

a

b

c

d

C

D

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Platypalpus harpiger Melander. (B) Wing of Hilara sp. (C) Abdomen andmale terminalia of Hilara sp. (D) Abdomen and male terminalia of Stilpon chillcotti Cumming.
Abbreviations: h – humeral crossvein; R4+5 – radial vein; Rs – radial sector.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

e
FIGURES: (a) Wing of Microphor obscurus Coquillett. (b) Wing of Chrysotus sp. (c–d) Abdomenof male Thalassophorus arnaudi Brooks & Cumming, dorsal (c) and lateral (d) views. (e)Abdomen of male Dolichopus cuprinus Wiedemann, lateral view. Abbreviations: h – humeralcrossvein; R4+5 – radial vein; Rs – radial sector.

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SINCLAIR ET AL.

Wing (Figs A, B) with cell dm absent, neither vein R4+5 nor M1 forked;
all veins running without branching to wing margin; cell cua usuallylacking, but when present (Fig. A), shorter than cells bm and br withvein CuA+CuP weak and faint; TACHYDROMIINAE (HYBOTIDAE):GO TO COUPLET 6

5ʹ

Wing with cell dm present (Fig. a) or absent (Figs b–d); when that cellabsent, veins R4+5, and/or M1+2 forked (Figs b, c, vein M1+2
evanescent in Bicellaria and Hoplocyrtoma), or vein R2+3 forked towing margin (Fig. d), or foreleg markedly raptorial (Fig. e); cell cua
usually present, if absent vein R4+5 forked: GO TO COUPLET 20

dm

br
R4+5

bm
CuA+CuP

M1
M2

a

M1

A

b

R4+5
M1+2

c

R4+5
M1

B
FIGURES: (A) Wing of Platypalpus glacialis Melander. (B) Wing of Crossopalpus setiger (Loew).
Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; br – basal radial cell; cua – anterior cubital cell; CuA+CuP –anterior branch + posterior branch of cubital vein; M1 – medial vein; R4+5 – radial vein.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

R2+3

d

e

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Rhamphomyia sp. (b) Wing of Hoplocyrtoma femorata (Loew). (c) Wing ofHemerodromia oratoria Strobl. (d) Wing of Asymphyloptera sp. (Australia). (e) Foreleg and headof Chelipoda praestans Melander. Abbreviations: dm – discal medial cell; M1+2, M1, M2 – medial
veins; R2+3, R4+5 – radial veins.

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SINCLAIR ET AL.

Thorax with postpronotal lobe distinctly differentiated, large andusually elongate (Fig. A); wing with vein CuA+CuP absent (Figs B, C);eyes bare (Fig. A): GO TO COUPLET 7

6ʹ

a

A

Thorax with postpronotal lobe not distinctly differentiated, usuallysmall (Fig. a), if somewhat large (Fig. b), then wing with vein CuA+CuP
present (Fig. c); eyes with tiny ommatrichia (Fig. a), or bare:
GO TO COUPLET 9

b

B

c

C
FIGURES: (A) Head and thorax of Tachypeza corticalis (Melander). (B) Wing of Tachypeza sp. (C)Wing of Tachydromia sp.

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FIGURES: (a) Thorax of Crossopalpus setiger (Loew). (b) Thorax of Platypalpus sp. (c) Wing of
Platypalpus harpiger Melander.

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Head with frons fairly broad and V-shaped, sides divergent above (Fig.
A); thorax with scutum only slightly longer than broad (Fig. B); palpus
usually oval, often subequal in length to short proboscis (Fig. C); wing
usually hyaline to slightly infuscate (Fig. D): TACHYEMPIS Melander

7

7ʹ

Head with frons narrow, sides nearly parallel (Fig. a); thorax with
scutum much longer than broad (Fig. b); palpus usually narrow andshorter than proboscis (Fig. c); wing usually patterned withcrossbands (Fig. d) or heavily infuscate: GO TO COUPLET 8

B

a
A

b

C

c

D
FIGURES: (A) Head of Tachyempis sp., dorsal view. (B) Thorax of Tachyempis sp. (C) Head of
Tachyempis sp., lateral view. (D) Wing of Tachyempis sp.

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d
FIGURES: (a) Head of Tachypeza corticalis (Melander), anterior view. (b) Thorax of T. corticalis.
(c) Head of T. corticalis, lateral view. (d) Wing of Tachydromia sp.

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Eyes with upper margins extending far beyond ocellar tubercle,
slightly convergent or parallel behind ocellar tubercle with distance
between eyes usually slightly narrower than frons (Fig. A); wing withvein CuA usually present (Fig. B): TACHYPEZA Meigen

8

A

B

FIGURES: (A) Head of Tachypeza corticalis (Melander), dorsal view. (B) Wing of Tachypeza sp.

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SINCLAIR ET AL.

8ʹ

Eyes with upper margins closer to level of ocellar tubercle, divergent
near ocellar tubercle with distance between eyes wider than frons(Fig. a); wing with vein CuA absent (Fig. b): TACHYDROMIA Meigenab

FIGURES: (a) Head of Tachydromia sp., dorsal view. (b) Wing of Tachydromia sp.

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Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

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Wing cell cua more or less formed with vein CuA usually distinct andvein CuA+CuP present (Figs A, B), although sometimes both veinsfaint (Fig. B); thorax with scutum longer or slightly longer than broad(Fig. C); eyes bare (Fig. C): GO TO COUPLET 1099ʹ

Wing cell cua absent without vein CuA, vein CuA+CuP sometimes
apparent but usually faint (Figs a, b); thorax with scutum not longer
than broad (Fig. c); eyes with tiny ommatrichia (Figs c, d):
GO TO COUPLET 12cC

CuA+CuPAadB
FIGURES: (A) Wing of Platypalpus harpiger Melander. (B) Wing of Symballophthalmus sp. (C)Head and thorax of Platypalpus sp. Abbreviations: cua – anterior cubital cell; CuA+CuP – anterior
branch + posterior branch of cubital vein.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

b
FIGURES: (a) Wing of Crossopalpus setiger (Loew). (b) Wing of Chersodromia sp. (c) Head andthorax of Megagrapha exquiseta Malloch, dorsal view. (d) Head of M. exquiseta, anterior view.

15

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

10 Legs with mid femur thickened, armed with rows of spine-like setae

10ʹ Legs with mid femur slender, not thickened; mid tibia usually withoutAaand/or longer bristle-like setae ventrally; mid tibia often ending in
sharp spur (Fig. A): PLATYPALPUS Macquart [in part]

FIGURE: (A) Midleg of Platypalpus sp.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

spur, rarely ending in short black spur (Fig. a): GO TO COUPLET 11

FIGURE: (a) Midleg of Symballophthalmus masoni Chillcott.

16

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

11 Wing without anal lobe, narrowly tapered to base (Fig. A); small sized

11ʹ Wing with narrow anal lobe, moderately broad at base (Fig. a); tiny toAaspecimens (3–4 mm); eastern: SYMBALLOPHTHALMUS Becker

FIGURE: (A) Wing of Symballophthalmus sp.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

very small specimens (less than 2 mm); western: PLATYPALPUS
Macquart [in part]

FIGURE: (a) Wing of Platypalpus tanbarkiensis Shamshev & Grootaert.

17

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

12ʹ Wing with cell br ending distinctly short of apex of cell bm (Figs a, b):

12 Wing with cells br and bm aligned apically (Figs A–D):
GO TO COUPLET 13

GO TO COUPLET 16

br
bm

A

B
a

br
bm

D

b

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Chersodromia sp. (B) Wing of female Megagrapha exquiseta Malloch. (C)Wing of Micrempis bomboxynon Chillcott. (D) Wing of Allodromia wirthi Chillcott (Dominica).
Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; br – basal radial cell.

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Crossopalpus setiger (Loew). (b) Wing of Elaphropeza sp. Abbreviations:bm – basal medial cell; br – basal radial cell.

C

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

18

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

13 Head with gena distinctly extended below eye (Figs A–C); eyes usuallywidely separated on face and frons (Fig. C); legs with strong bristlelike setae, particularly on hind tibia (Fig. D): CHERSODROMIA Walker[in part]13ʹ Head with gena scarely extended below eye (Fig. a); eyes at leastnearly contiguous on face (Fig. b); leg chaetotaxy variable:
GO TO COUPLET 14

a

A

b

B

C

FIGURES: (a) Head of Megagrapha exquiseta Malloch, lateral view. (b) Head of M. exquiseta,
anterior view

D
FIGURES: (A) Head of Chersodromia sp., lateral view (B) Head of Chersodromia sp., lateral view(C) Head of Chersodromia sp., anterior view (D) Hindleg of C. parallela (Melander).

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

19

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

14 Thorax with 3–4 pairs of strong scutellar setae (Fig. A); wing with vein

R2+3 straight or only slightly curved so that second costal section (C2)between veins R1 and R2+3 usually longer than, or at least equal to,third section (C3) between veins R2+3 and R4+5 (Fig. B):
MEGAGRAPHA Melander

A

B

14ʹ Thorax with 1–2 pairs of strong scutellar setae (Fig. a); wing with vein
R2+3 strongly curved upwards so that second costal section (C2)between veins R1 and R2+3 distinctly shorter than third section (C3)between veins R2+3 and R4+5 (Fig. b): GO TO COUPLET 15

a

C2

b

C2
C3

C3
R1

R1

R2+3
R4+5

FIGURES: (A) Thorax of Megagrapha exquiseta Malloch. (B) Wing of M. exquiseta.
Abbreviations: C2, C3 – costal sections; R1, R2+3, R4+5 – radial veins.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

R2+3
R4+5

FIGURES: (a) Thorax of Allodromia wirthi Chillcott (Dominica). (b) Wing of A. wirthi (Dominica).
Abbreviations: C2, C3 – costal sections; R1, R2+3, R4+5 – radial veins.

20Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

15 Antenna with arista-like stylus terminal (Fig. A); wing with second

costal section (C2) between veins R1 and R2+3 longer than fourth
section (C4) between veins R4+5 and M1 (Fig. B); male terminalia withshort non-filamentous phallus: MICREMPIS MelanderA

B

with second costal section (C2) between R1 and R2+3 shorter or equal
to fourth section (C4) between veins R4+5 and M1 (Fig. b); maleterminalia with long filamentous phallus: ALLODROMIA Smith

a

C2

R1

15ʹ Antenna with arista-like stylus subterminal and dorsal (Fig. a); wing

b

C2
R1

R2+3

R2+3
R4+5

R4+5
C4
M1

C4
M1

B
FIGURES: (A) Head of Micrempis bomboxynon Chillcott. (B) Wing of M. bomboxynon.
Abbreviations: C2, C4 – costal sections; M1 – medial vein; R1, R2+3, R4+5 – radial veins.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

FIGURES: (a) Head of Allodromia wirthi Chillcott (Dominica). (b) Wing of A. wirthi Chillcott(Dominica). Abbreviations: C2, C4 – costal sections; M1 – medial vein; R1, R2+3, R4+5 – radialveins.

21

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

16 Antenna with arista-like stylus dorsal, postpedicel short and round(Fig. A); eyes contiguous on face (Fig. A); abdominal tergites withoutsquamiform (scale-like) setae (Figs B, C): GO TO COUPLET 17

A16ʹ Antenna with arista-like stylus terminal or subterminal, postpedicel

short-oval or lanceolate or conical (Figs a, b); eyes usually narrowly
separated on face (Fig. c), if apparently contiguous then someabdominal tergites with squamiform (scale-like) setae laterally (Fig. d):
GO TO COUPLET 18

B

a

b

c

d

C

FIGURES: (A) Head of Baeodromia pleuritica (Melander). (B) Abdomen of Stilpon chillcotti
Cumming, lateral view. (C) Abdomen of Baeodromia sp. (Costa Rica), lateral view.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

FIGURES: (a) Head of Elaphropeza sp. (b) Head of Crossopalpus setiger (Loew), dorsal view. (c)Head of C. setiger, anterior view. (d) Abdominal tergites of Elaphropeza sp., dorsal view.

22Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

17 Head with margins of frons nearly parallel (Fig. A); male terminalia

large (Fig. C) with one slender internal apodeme; female terminalia
with tergite and sternite 8 separated laterally (Fig. B): STILPON Loew

A

B

C
FIGURES: (A) Head of Stilpon chillcotti Cumming, dorsal view. (B) Female terminalia of S.
chillcotti. (C) Abdomen and male terminalia of S. chillcotti.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

17ʹ Head with margins of frons strongly divergent dorsally (Fig. a); maleterminalia small (Figs c, d) with two slender internal apodemes;
female terminalia with tergite and sternite 8 fused together laterally
to form ring segment (Fig. b): BAEODROMIA Cumming

a

b

c

d

FIGURES: (a) Head of Baeodromia pleuritica (Melander), dorsal view. (b) Female terminalia of B.
pleuritica. (c) Abdomen and male terminalia of Baeodromia sp. (Costa Rica). (d) Abdomen andmale terminalia of Baeodromia sp. (Costa Rica).

23

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

18 Wing vein Rs short, as short or shorter than bm-m crossvein (Fig. A);
head with gena distinctly developed below eye (Fig. B); 1 pair ofocellar setae present (Fig. B); antennal pedicel with distinct ventral
bristle-like seta (Fig. C): CROSSOPALPUS Bigot

18ʹ Wing vein Rs long, longer than bm-m crossvein (Figs a, b); head withgena scarcely extended below eye; 2 pairs of ocellar setae present(Fig. c); pedicel usually without distinct ventral bristle-like seta (Fig. c):
GO TO COUPLET 19

A

Rs

a

Rs

bm-m

bm-m

B

C

b
FIGURES: (A) Wing of Crossopalpus setiger (Loew). (B) Head of C. setiger, anterior view. (C)Head of C. setiger, dorsal view. Abbreviations: bm-m – basal medial crossvein; Rs – radial sector.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

c

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Elaphropeza sp. (b) Wing of Drapetis sp. (c) Head of Elaphropeza sp.
Abbreviations: bm-m – basal medial crossvein; Rs – radial sector.

24

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

19 Thorax with anepisternum bare and shiny (Fig. A); antenna with

postpedicel conical to lanceolate (Fig. A); head with occiput convex(Fig. A); hind tibia usually with 1–2 long erect anterodorsal bristle-likesetae (Fig. B); body often with yellowish markings: ELAPHROPEZA
Macquart

A

B

FIGURES: (A) Head and thorax of Elaphropeza sp. (B) Hindleg of Elaphropeza sp.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

19ʹ Thorax with scattered setulae on anepisternum, at least dorsally (Fig.
a), if bare (rarely) then anepisternum tomentose; antenna with
postpedicel oval to conical (Fig. a); head with occiput somewhat
flattened (Fig. a); hind tibia without long anterodorsal bristle-likesetae (Fig. b), occasionally with fringe of fine dorsal setae; body
primarily dark brown to black: DRAPETIS Meigenab

FIGURES: (a) Head and thorax of Drapetis sp. (b) Hindleg of Drapetis sp.

25

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

20 Fore coxa at least two-thirds length of fore femur (Figs A–D); fore

femur with 1–2 rows of black, peg-like setae ventrally (Figs A, B); fore
femur width usually 2–3 times that of fore tibia (Figs A, C, except
Neoplasta, Fig. D); HEMERODROMIINAE (EMPIDIDAE):GO TO COUPLET 21

20ʹ Fore coxa (Fig. a) less than two-thirds length of fore femur; fore femur
lacking black, peg-like setae ventrally (bristle-like setae present insome taxa); fore femur width usually less than 1.5 times that of fore
tibia: GO TO COUPLET 25

a

femur
coxa
tibia

A

tibia

B
femur

femur

tibia

C

coxa

D

FIGURES: (A) Foreleg, head and thorax of Chelipoda elongata (Melander). (B) Foreleg and headof Hemerodromia glabella MacDonald. (C) Foreleg, head and thorax of Chelipoda praestans
Melander. (D) Foreleg and head of Neoplasta deyrupi MacDonald & Turner.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

FIGURE: (a) Foreleg, head and thorax of Hilara sp.

26

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

21 Antenna ending in long, slender arista-like stylus, twice as long as
postpedicel (Figs A, B); wing vein R4+5 unbranched (Fig. C):
CHELIPODA Macquart

A

B

SINCLAIR ET AL.

21ʹ Antenna ending in short stylus (Figs a, b); wing vein R4+5 branched(Fig. c): GO TO COUPLET 22abC
FIGURES: (A) Head of Chelipoda elongata (Melander). (B) Head of C. praestans Melander. (C)Wing of C. praestans.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

c
FIGURES: (a) Head of Hemerodromia glabella MacDonald. (b) Head of Metachela collusor(Melander). (c) Wing of Neoplasta paramegorchis MacDonald & Turner.

27

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

22 Wing (Fig. A) with cell cua, vein CuA and cell dm absent; cell bm notextending to mid-length of wing: HEMERODROMIA Meigen

22ʹ Wing with cell cua and vein CuA present (Figs a, b); cell dm (Fig. b), or

cell bm+dm (Fig. a) present; cell bm+dm extending beyond mid-lengthof wing: GO TO COUPLET 23

CuA

a

A
FIGURE: (A) Wing of Hemerodromia oratoria Fallén. Abbreviation: bm – basal medial cell.

CuAb
FIGURES: (a) Wing of Neoplasta paramegorchis MacDonald & Turner. (b) Wing of Chelifera
subnotata MacDonald. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; bm+dm – basal medial cell + discal
medial cell; cua – anterior cubital cell; CuA – anterior branch of cubital vein; dm – discal medialcell.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

28

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

23 Wing (Fig. A) with veins M1 and M2 arising separately from fused cell
bm+dm: NEOPLASTA Coquillett

23ʹ Wing (Figs a, b) with veins M1 and M2 petiolate, with common stem
arising from anterior end of crossvein dm-m: GO TO COUPLET 24

M1
M2

a

M1
M2

A
FIGURE: (A) Wing of Neoplasta paramegorchis MacDonald & Turner. Abbreviations: bm+dm –basal medial cell + discal medial cell; dm-m – discal medial crossvein; M1, M2 – medial veins.

M1
M2

b

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Chelifera subnotata MacDonald. (b) Wing of Metachela collusor(Melander). Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; bm+dm – basal medial cell + discal medial
cell; dm – discal medial cell; dm-m – discal medial crossvein; M1, M2 – medial veins.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

29

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

24ʹ Wing (Fig. a) with cells bm and dm separated by crossvein bm-m:

24 Wing (Fig. A) with cells bm and dm fused, crossvein bm-m absent:
METACHELA Coquillett

CHELIFERA Macquart

bm-m

A

a

FIGURE: (A) Wing of Metachela collusor (Melander). Abbreviation: bm+dm – basal medial cell +discal medial cell.

FIGURE: (a) Wing of Chelifera subnotata MacDonald. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; bmm – basal medial crossvein; dm – discal medial cell.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

30

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

25 Fore coxa with erect, spine-like setae, sometimes on tubercle (Figs A,B); mouthparts with labrum recurved, large and prominent (Figs A, B);
RAGADINAE (EMPIDIDAE) [in part]: GO TO COUPLET 26

A

SINCLAIR ET AL.

25ʹ Fore coxa without erect, spine-like setae (Figs a–d); mouthparts withlabrum variable in shape and size (Figs a–d), straight or recurved, large
and prominent to relatively small and mostly concealed:
GO TO COUPLET 27

a

b

c

d

B

FIGURES: (A) Head and foreleg of Ragas alpina Sinclair & Saigusa. (B) Head and foreleg ofZanclotus dioktes Wilder.

FIGURES: (a) Head and fore coxa of Niphogenia sp. (b) Head and fore coxa of Empis lucida
Zetterstedt. (c) Head and fore coxa of Anomalempis archon Melander. (d) Head and fore coxa ofHilara sp.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

31

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

26 Fore coxa with spine-like setae confined to short tubercle (Figs A, B);

wing with pterostigma rounded (Fig. C); eyes with dense pubescence(ommatrichia, Fig. A): ZANCLOTUS Wilder

26ʹ Fore coxa with spine-like setae widespread (Fig. A); wing withpterostigma narrow, elongate (Fig. B); eyes bare (Fig. A):RAGAS Walker

B

A
a

C
FIGURES: (A–B) Head and foreleg of Zanclotus dioktes Wilder. (C) Wing of Z. dioktes.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

b
FIGURES: (a) Head and fore coxa of Ragas alpina Sinclair & Saigusa. (b) Wing of R. alpina.

32

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

27ʹ Wing usually with cell cua one-quarter length of wing (Fig. a); if cua

27 Wing with cell cua at least one-third length of wing and vein Sc
complete, reaching costa (Figs A, B); BRACHYSTOMATINAE(BRACHYSTOMATIDAE): GO TO COUPLET 28

longer and nearly one-third length of wing (Fig. b), then vein Sc
incomplete, not reaching costa, and often hidden by R1 (Fig. b):
GO TO COUPLET 29

Sc

Sc

A

a
Sc

Sc

B
FIGURES: (A) Wing of Anomalempis archon Melander. (B) Wing of Brachystoma robertsonii
Coquillett. Abbreviations: cua – anterior cubital cell; Sc – subcostal vein.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

R1

b
FIGURES: (a) Wing of Rhamphomyia sp. (b) Wing of Hybos reversus Walker. Abbreviations: cua –anterior cubital cell; R1 – radial vein; Sc – subcostal vein.

33

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

28 Wing vein R4+5 unbranched (Fig. A); antenna with thick stylus (Fig. B):
ANOMALEMPIS Melander

SINCLAIR ET AL.

28ʹ Wing vein R4+5 branched (Fig. a); antenna with arista-like stylus (Fig.
b): BRACHYSTOMA Meigen

A

a
b

B
FIGURES: (A) Wing of Anomalempis archon Melander. (B) Head and thorax of A. archon.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Brachystoma robertsonii Coquillett. (b) Head and thorax of B. robertsonii.

34

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

29 Wing with anal lobe not developed; wing narrower at apex of cell bmthan at apex of cell dm (Fig. A); in doubtful cases (Fig. B), costa withstrong, erect setae (Fig. B) or thoracic setae greatly reduced (Fig. C):
GO TO COUPLET 30

bm

29ʹ Wing with anal lobe well developed, angular; wing as broad or

broader at apex of cell bm than at apex of cell dm (Figs a, b) (except
Empis leptogastra Loew and allies); costa rarely with strong, erectsetae (Figs a, b); thoracic setae variable, usually well developed:
GO TO COUPLET 45

dm
dm

A
B

a

C

bm
dm

dm

b
FIGURES: (A) Wing of Boreodromia bicolor (Loew). (B) Wing of Proclinopyga sp. (C) Thorax ofHesperempis neomexicana (Melander). Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; dm – discal medialcell.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Rhamphomyia sp. (b) Wing of Hybos reversus Walker. Abbreviations: bm –basal medial cell; dm – discal medial cell.

35

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

30 Face extending beyond base of palpus (Fig. A); antennal postpedicel
elongate-oval, without stylus (Fig. A); BROCHELLINAE (EMPIDIDAE):
BROCHELLA Melander

SINCLAIR ET AL.

30ʹ Face ending at base of palpus (Fig. a); postpedicel narrowed, variable
in length, with stylus (Figs a, c, d), or without stylus (Fig. b):
GO TO COUPLET 31

a
pped

fc
plp

b

pped

plp
fc

A
FIGURE: (A) Head and thorax of Brochella monticola Melander. Abbreviations: fc – face; plp –palpus; pped – postpedicel.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

cd

FIGURES: (a) Head of Hesperempis neomexicana (Melander). (b) Head of Niphogenia sp. (c) Headof Heleodromia cranehollowensis Cumming & Coovert. (d) Head of Proclinopyga sp.
Abbreviations: fc – face; plp – palpus; pped – postpedicel.

36

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

31 Thoracic setae greatly reduced (Fig. A); EMPIDINAE (EMPIDIDAE) [in31ʹ Thoracic setae usually well developed and distinct (Fig. a):Aapart]: HESPEREMPIS Melander

FIGURE: (A) Head and thorax of Hesperempis neomexicana (Melander).

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

GO TO COUPLET 32

FIGURE: (a) Head and thorax of Niphogenia sp.

37

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

32 Antenna with postpedicel elongate, without evident stylus, at mostwith minute, peg-like terminal sensillum (Figs A, B); TRICHOPEZINAE(BRACHYSTOMATIDAE) [in part]: GO TO COUPLET 33

A

B

FIGURES: (A) Head of Ceratempis longicornis Melander. (B) Head of Niphogenia sp.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

SINCLAIR ET AL.

32ʹ Antenna with postpedicel not elongate, with stylus or arista-like stylus(Figs a, b): GO TO COUPLET 34ab

FIGURES: (a) Head of Heleodromia cranehollowensis Cumming & Coovert. (b) Head of
Proclinopyga sp.

38

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

33 Body mostly yellowish brown (Fig. A); thorax with acrostichal setae
absent or reduced to several setulae at extreme anterior section of
scutum (Fig. B): CERATEMPIS Melander

A

B

FIGURE: (A) Male of Ceratempis longicornis Melander, habitus. (B) Head and thorax of C.
longicornis, dorsal view.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

33ʹ Body brown to dark brown (Fig. a); thorax with acrostichal setae

forming distinct row, extending to prescutellar depression (Fig. b):
NIPHOGENIA Melanderab

FIGURE: (a) Male of Niphogenia sp., habitus. (b) Head and thorax of Niphogenia sp., dorsal view.

39Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

34 Thorax with laterotergite bare (Figs A–C, white arrows); wing vein

R2+3 unbranched (Figs D–F); TRICHOPEZINAE (BRACHYSTOMATIDAE)[in part]: GO TO COUPLET 35

SINCLAIR ET AL.

34ʹ Thorax with laterotergite setose (Figs a, b, yellow arrows); if bare (Fig.
c, white arrow), then wing vein R2+3 branched (Fig. d);
CLINOCERINAE (EMPIDIDAE): GO TO COUPLET 38

D

A

E
F

B
C

FIGURES: (A) Head and thorax of Boreodromia bicolor (Loew). (B) Head and thorax of
Sabroskyella rancheria Wilder. (C) Head and thorax of Heleodromia cranehollowensis Cumming &Coovert. (D) Wing of Heleodromia pullata (Melander). (E) Wing of S. rancheria. (F) Body andwing of Saigusamyia harkrideri Sinclair.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

a

b

c

d

FIGURES: (a) Thorax of Oreothalia sierrensis Wilder. (b) Thorax of Trichoclinocera hamifera(Melander). (c) Thorax of Asymphyloptera sp. (Australia). (d) Wing of Asymphyloptera sp.
(Australia).

40

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

35ʹ Wing vein R4+5 branched (Figs a, b): GO TO COUPLET 37

35 Wing vein R4+5 unbranched (Figs A, B): GO TO COUPLET 36

A

a

B

b

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Boreodromia bicolor (Loew). (B) Wing of Heleodromia pullata (Melander).

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Sabroskyella rancheria Wilder. (b) Wing of Saigusamyia harkrideri Sinclair.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

41

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

36 Antenna with scape and pedicel yellow (Fig. A); wing with cell cua

shorter than cell bm (Fig. B); male terminalia projecting dorsally (Fig.
C), not capsule-like or projecting below abdomen; male cerci
elongate, upright (Fig. D): BOREODROMIA Coquillett

36ʹ Antenna with scape and pedicel brown (Fig. a); wing with cell cua aslong as cell bm (Fig. b); male terminalia in form of enlarged capsule,usually projecting below abdomen (Figs c, d); male cerci reduced,
hidden within capsule: HELEODROMIA Haliday

b

A

C

B

D

FIGURES: (A) Head of Boreodromia bicolor (Loew). (B) Wing of B. bicolor. (C) Abdomen of male
B. bicolor. (D) Male terminalia of B. bicolor. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; cua – anterior
cubital cell.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

a

c

d

FIGURES: (a) Head of Heleodromia cranehollowensis Cumming & Coovert. (b) Wing of H. pullata(Melander). (c) Abdomen of male H. cranehollowensis. (d) Abdomen of male H. chillcotti Sinclair.
Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; cua – anterior cubital cell.

42

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

37 Antenna with postpedicel short, ovate (Fig. A); mid femur slender,
without rows of strong ventral setae (Fig. B, white arrow):
SAIGUSAMYIA Sinclair

A

B

FIGURES: (A) Head of Saigusamyia harkrideri Sinclair. (B) Body and legs of S. harkrideri.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

SINCLAIR ET AL.

37ʹ Antenna with postpedicel long and tapered (Fig. a); mid femur

broader than hind femur, with rows of strong ventral setae (Fig. a):
SABROSKYELLA Wildera

FIGURE: (a) Body and legs of Sabroskyella rancheria Wilder.

43

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

38ʹ Wing vein R4+5 branched (Figs a–d): GO TO COUPLET 40

38 Wing vein R4+5 unbranched (Figs A, B): GO TO COUPLET 39

A

B
FIGURES: (A) Wing of Asymphyloptera sp. (Australia). (B) Wing of Oreothalia sierrensis Wilder.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

a

c

b

d

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Clinocera conjuncta Loew. (b) Wing of Dolichocephala argus Melander. (c)Wing of Proclinopyga sp. (d) Wing of Roederiodes recurvatus Chillcott.

44

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

39ʹ Wing with cell dm present (Fig. a); vein R2+3 unbranched (Fig. a); fore

39 Wing with cell dm absent (Fig. A); vein R2+3 branched (Fig. A); fore
femur without spine-like ventral setae (Fig. B): ASYMPHYLOPTERA
Collinfemur with spine-like ventral setae (Fig. b): OREOTHALIA Melander

dm

A
B

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Asymphyloptera sp. (Australia). (B) Foreleg of Asymphyloptera sp.
(Australia).

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

ab

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Oreothalia sierrensis Wilder. (b) Foreleg of O. spinitarsis Wilder.
Abbreviations: dm – discal medial cell.

45

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

40 Proboscis long and slender, about as long as head (Fig. A):
ROEDERIODES Coquillett

SINCLAIR ET AL.

40ʹ Proboscis short and broad, one-third or less as long as head (Figsa–d): GO TO COUPLET 41

a

c

b

d

A
FIGURE: (A) Head and thorax of Roederiodes recurvatus Chillcott.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

FIGURES: (a) Head of Dolichocephala argus Melander. (b) Head of Proclinopyga sp. (c) Head of
Trichoclinocera hamifera (Melander). (d) Head of Wiedemannia simplex (Loew).

46

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

41 Neck arising from near top of head (Fig. A); wing with light spots ondark background (Figs B, C) ; small flies, body less than 2.5 mm long
(Fig. B): DOLICHOCEPHALA Macquart [in part]41ʹ Neck usually arising well below top of head (Fig. a); wing hyaline (Figsc, d) or with dark spots on light background (Fig. b); most species
much larger, body usually 3–5 mm long (Fig. b): GO TO COUPLET 42

a
A

1 mm

B

c

1 mm

C
FIGURES: (A) Head of Dolichocephala argus Melander. (B) Male of D. argus, habitus. (C) Wing of
D. argus.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

db

FIGURES: (a) Head of Clinocera conjuncta Loew. (b) Male of C. conjuncta, habitus. (c) Wing of
Proclinopyga sp. (d) Wing of Wiedemannia simplex (Loew).

47

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

42 Wing vein Sc ending prior to reaching costa (Figs A, B):
PROCLINOPYGA Melander

SINCLAIR ET AL.

42ʹ Wing vein Sc reaching costa (Figs a, b): GO TO COUPLET 43

A

a

B

b

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Proclinopyga sp. (B) Wing of Proclinopyga sp., close-up.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Trichoclinocera longipes (Walker). (b) Wing of T. longipes, close-up.

48Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

43 Wing vein R1 with setae along dorsal surface (Fig. A):
TRICHOCLINOCERA Collin

SINCLAIR ET AL.

43ʹ Wing vein R1 without setae along dorsal surface (Fig. a):
GO TO COUPLET 44a

A
FIGURE: (A) Wing of Trichoclinocera hamifera (Melander), dorsal surface of basal part.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

FIGURE: (a) Wing of Wiedemannia simplex (Loew), dorsal surface of basal part.

49

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

44 Lower margin of face with concave notch above mouthparts (Figs A,
B): WIEDEMANNIA Zetterstedt

A

B

FIGURES: (A) Head of Wiedemannia simplex (Loew), anterior view. (B) Head of W. simplex,
lateral view.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

SINCLAIR ET AL.

44ʹ Lower margin of face lacking concave notch above mouthparts (Figsa, b): CLINOCERA Meigenab

FIGURES: (a) Head of Clinocera conjuncta Loew, anterior view. (b) Head of C. conjuncta, lateral
view.

50

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

45 Wing vein CuA usually recurved and confluent with vein CuP on

underside of cell cua (Figs A, B); if CuA weakly recurved, then vein
R4+5 branched (Fig. C), or thorax with laterotergite setose (Figs D, E);fore tibia without gland (Fig. F): GO TO COUPLET 46

A

B45ʹ Wing vein CuA forming distinct angle with vein CuP (Figs a, b); vein

R4+5 unbranched (Fig. a); thorax with laterotergite bare (Fig. c); fore
tibia usually with gland on inner basal margin (Fig. d), glandsometimes indistinct: GO TO COUPLET 59

C
a

D

E

F

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Rhamphomyia sp. (B) Wing of Empis lucida Zetterstedt. (C) Wing ofOreogeton scopifer (Coquillett). (D) Thorax of Empis poeciloptera Loew. (E) Body and wing baseof Lamprempis sp. (F) Head and forelegs of Porphyrochroa sp.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

c

b

d

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Trichina sp. (b) Wing of Hybos reversus Walker. (c) Thorax of Anthalia sp.
(d) Head and forelegs of Ocydromia glabricula (Fallén).

51

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

46 Thorax with laterotergite setose (Figs A, B), setae dark, pale, orsometimes indistinct: GO TO COUPLET 47

SINCLAIR ET AL.

46ʹ Thorax with laterotergite bare (Fig. a): GO TO COUPLET 51a

A

B
FIGURES: (A) Thorax of Oreogeton scopifer (Coquillett). (B) Thorax of Lamprempis sp.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

FIGURE: (a) Head and thorax of Hilara sp.

52

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

47ʹ Wing vein R4+5 unbranched (Figs a, b); EMPIDINAE (EMPIDIDAE) [in

47 Wing vein R4+5 branched (Figs A, B): GO TO COUPLET 48

part]: GO TO COUPLET 50

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Oreogeton scopifer (Coquillett). (B) Wing of Empis lucida Zetterstedt.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

A

a

B

b
FIGURES: (a) Wing of Rhamphomyia sp. (b) Wing of Porphyrochroa sp.

53

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

48 Wing vein R1 with setae dorsally (Figs A, B); OREOGETONINAE

48ʹ Wing vein R1 without setae dorsally (Fig. a); EMPIDINAE (EMPIDIDAE)Aa(EMPIDIDAE): OREOGETON Schiner[in part]: GO TO COUPLET 49

B

FIGURES: (A) Oreogeton rufus (Loew), body and dorsal surface of wing. (B) Oreogeton scopifer(Coquillett), dorsal surface of wing.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

FIGURE: (a) Lamprempis sp., dorsal view of wing and body.

54

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

49 Antenna generally inserted high up on head (Fig. A); scape nearly as

long as postpedicel (Fig. A); female and male often with pinnate setaeon legs (Fig. B); body commonly shiny metallic blue or blue-green (Fig.
A): LAMPREMPIS Wheeler & Melander

A

B

49ʹ Antenna inserted near middle of head (Figs a, c); scape shorter than

postpedicel (Fig. a); at least male without pinnate setae on legs (Figsb, c); body rarely shiny metallic (Figs b, c): EMPIS Linnaeus

pped scp

pped

scp

a

b
FIGURES: (A) Head and thorax of female Lamprempis sp. (B) Hind leg of female Lamprempis sp.
Abbreviations: pped – postpedicel; scp – scape.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

c

FIGURES: (a) Head of Empis lucida Zetterstedt. (b) Empis pallida (Loew), male. (c) Empis sp.,male habitus. Abbreviations: pped – postpedicel; scp – scape.

55

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

50 Wing with pterostigma extending to near apex of vein R2+3 (Fig. A);

abdomen metallic blue or blue-green (Figs B, C); male terminalia withphallus short and usually concealed within elongate hypandrium (Fig.
C): PORPHYROCHROA Melander

50ʹ Wing with pterostigma well short of apex of vein R2+3 (Fig. a);

abdomen not metallic blue or blue-green (Figs b–d); male terminalia
with phallus often long and usually not concealed within hypandrium(Figs b–d): RHAMPHOMYIA Meigen

R2+3
R2+3

B

A

a

b

C

c

d

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Porphyrochroa sp. (B) Thorax and basal abdominal tergites ofPorphyrochroa sp. (dorsal). (C) Abdomen of male Porphyrochroa sp. Abbreviation: R2+3 – radialvein.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Rhamphomyia vockerothi Barták. (b) Abdomen of male R. longicauda
Loew. (c) Abdomen of male R. rhytmica Barták. (d) Abdomen of male R. amplipedis Coquillett.
Abbreviation: R2+3 – radial vein.

56

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

51 Wing vein R1 distinctly dilated before joining costa (Fig. A); vein Sc

bent forward to meet costa (Fig. A); mouthparts with palpus usuallyarched and curved beneath head (Fig. B); male foreleg with firsttarsomere often enlarged and swollen (Figs C, D); EMPIDINAE(EMPIDIDAE) [in part]: HILARA Meigen

A

Sc R1

SINCLAIR ET AL.

51ʹ Wing vein R1 not dilated before joining costa (Figs a, b); vein Sc

evanescent apically (Fig. a), or meeting costa acutely (Fig. b);
mouthparts with palpus usually straight, projecting obliquely orparallel to proboscis (Figs c, d); male foreleg with first tarsomere notenlarged (Fig. e): GO TO COUPLET 52
Sc

Sc

B

R1

R1

a

♂

C

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Hilara sp. (B) Head of Hilara sp. (C) Male Hilara sp. showing forelegs. (D)Male Hilara sp. showing foreleg. Abbreviations: R1 – radial vein; Sc – subcostal vein.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

♂

♂

D

b

c

d

e

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Gloma fuscipes Melander. (b) Wing of Iteaphila macquarti Zetterstedt. (c)Head of Philetus schizophorus Melander. (d) Head of I. macquarti. (e) Male I. macquarti showing
forelegs. Abbreviations: R1 – radial vein; Sc – subcostal vein.

57

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

52ʹ Wing vein R4+5 branched (Figs a, b): GO TO COUPLET 53

52 Wing vein R4+5 unbranched (Fig. A); ITEAPHILIDAE: ITEAPHILA
Zetterstedt [in part]aA
FIGURE: (A) Wing of Iteaphila longipalpis (Melander).

b
FIGURES: (a) Wing of Hormopeza copulifera Melander. (b) Wing of Iteaphila macquarti
Zetterstedt.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

58

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

53 Eyes narrow, obliquely oriented and ovoid in lateral view (Fig. A);
ocelli anterior to vertex (Figs A, B); male eyes separated above
antennae (dichoptic, Fig. B); EMPIDINAE (EMPIDIDAE) [in part]:
PHILETUS Melander

♂

A

♂

B

FIGURES: (A) Head of male Philetus schizophorus Melander, lateral view. (B) Head of male P.
schizophorus, oblique view.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

SINCLAIR ET AL.

53ʹ Eyes broad, not obliquely oriented, but rounded or hemispherical inlateral view (Figs a–c); ocelli at vertex (Figs a, b, d–f), or anterior tovertex (Fig. c); male eyes meeting above antennae (holoptic, Figs d–f):
GO TO COUPLET 54

♂

♀

♀

a

b

c

♂

♂

d

♂

e

f

FIGURES: (a) Head of male Gloma fuscipes Melander, lateral view. (b) Head of female Iteaphilamacquarti Zetterstedt, lateral view. (c) Head of female G. fuscipes, lateral view. (d) Head of male
Hormopeza copulifera Melander, oblique view. (e) Head of male I. macquarti, oblique view. (f)Head of male G. fuscipes, anterior view.

59Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

54 Antenna with postpedicel broadly ovate and stylus short (Figs A, B);

wing with pterostigma not overlapping apex of vein R1 (Fig. C); malewing with costa indistinct beyond vein R5 (Fig. C); male without tarsal
claws at least on foreleg (Fig. D); RAGADINAE (EMPIDIDAE) [in part]:
HORMOPEZA Zetterstedt♂

pterostigma

R1♂

54ʹ Antenna with postpedicel elongate (Figs a, b), reniform (Fig. c), or

pointed ovate (Fig. d), if broadly pointed ovate, then stylus longer
than postpedicel (Fig. d); wing with pterostigma overlapping apex ofvein R1 (Fig. e); male wing with costa distinct beyond vein R5 (Fig. e);male with tarsal claws on all legs: GO TO COUPLET 55

a

c

b

C

pped
R5

A

♀

pped

C
D

d

e

R1

pterostigma

styl
pped

styl

B
FIGURES: (A) Head of male Hormopeza copulifera Melander, oblique view. (B) Head of female H.
copulifera, oblique view. (C) Wing of male H. copulifera. (D) Foreleg and midleg of H. senator
Melander. Abbreviations: C – costa; pped – postpedicel; R1, R5 – radial veins; styl - stylus.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

R5

♂

C

FIGURES: (a) Head of Iteaphila macquarti Zetterstedt. (b) Head of Undescribed genus B sp. (c)Head of Gloma fuscipes Melander. (d) Head of Apalocnemis sp. (e) Wing of male Apalocnemis sp.
(Costa Rica). Abbreviations: C – costa; pped – postpedicel; R1, R5 – radial veins; styl - stylus.

60

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

55 Antennal stylus arista-like and longer than postpedicel (Figs A, B);

55ʹ Antennal stylus much shorter than postpedicel (Figs a, b):Aa

TRICHOPEZINAE (BRACHYSTOMATIDAE) [in part]:
GO TO COUPLET 56

B

FIGURES: (A) Head of Gloma fuscipes Melander. (B) Head of Apalocnemis sp.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

GO TO COUPLET 58b

FIGURES: (a) Head of Iteaphila macquarti Zetterstedt. (b) Head of Undescribed genus B sp.

61

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

56 Antennal postpedicel reniform with narrow dorsal extension bearing
arista-like stylus (Figs A, B); male terminalia with cercus with apical
prolongation (Fig. C); female mouthparts with palpus narrow andsetose (Fig. B): GLOMA Meigen

56ʹ Antennal postpedicel pointed ovate, lacking narrow dorsal extension,arista-like stylus apical (Figs a, b); male terminalia with cercus without
apical prolongation (Fig. c); female mouthparts with palpus narrowand setose (Fig. b), or broad with only dark apical setae (Fig. a):
GO TO COUPLET 57

a

♀

♀

A

♀

B
FIGURES: (A) Antenna of Gloma fuscipes Melander. (B) Head of female G. fuscipes. (C) Maleterminalia of G. fuscipes.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

bC

c
FIGURES: (a) Head of female Apalocnemis sp. (b) Head of female Undescribed genus A sp. (c)Male terminalia of Apalocnemis sp. (Costa Rica).

62

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

57 Male terminalia projecting posteriorly, not arched dorsally (Fig. A);

female mouthparts with palpus broad bearing only dark apical setae(Fig. B); female frons without setae (Fig. B): APALOCNEMIS Philippi

A

B

FIGURES: (A) Male terminalia of Apalocnemis sp. (Costa Rica). (B) Head of female Apalocnemissp.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

SINCLAIR ET AL.

57ʹ Male terminalia arched dorsally over abdomen (Fig. a); female

mouthparts with palpus narrow and setose (Fig. b); female frons withpair of strong setae (Fig. b): Undescribed genus Aab

FIGURES: (a) Male terminalia of Undescribed genus A sp. (b) Head of female Undescribed genus
A sp.

63

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

58 Thorax with more than 3 pairs of scutellar setae (Fig. A); antenna with
postpedicel nearly parallel-sided, base only slightly broader than apex
(Fig. B); ITEAPHILIDAE: ITEAPHILA Zetterstedt [in part]

A

B

FIGURES: (A) Thorax of Iteaphila macquarti Zetterstedt (dorsal). (B) Head of I. macquarti.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

SINCLAIR ET AL.

58ʹ Thorax with 3 or fewer pairs of scutellar setae (Fig. a); antenna with
postpedicel tapered, base much broader than apex (Fig. b);
TRICHOPEZINAE (BRACHYSTOMATIDAE) [in part]: Undescribedgenus Bab

FIGURES: (a) Thorax of Undescribed genus B sp. (dorsal). (b) Head of Undescribed genus B sp.

64

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

59 Wing with cell cua usually truncate, either ending short of apex of cellbm or apically aligned (Figs A–D); HYBOTIDAE [in part]:
GO TO COUPLET 60

SINCLAIR ET AL.

59ʹ Wing with cell cua as long as or longer than cell bm, with apex (veinCuA) arched distally to meet vein CuA+CuP (Figs a–d); HYBOTIDAE [inpart] and ATELESTIDAE: GO TO COUPLET 69

bm
CuA
CuA+CuP

A

B

a

b

bm

C

D

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Leptopeza flavipes (Meigen). (B) Wing of Ocydromia glabricula (Fallén). (C)Wing of Trichina sp. (D) Wing of Anthalia sp. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; cua –anterior cubital cell.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

cd

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Meghyperus occidens Coquillett. (b) Wing of Syneches thoracicus (Say). (c)Wing of Hybos reversus Walker. (d) Wing of Euhybus triplex (Walker). Abbreviations: bm – basal
medial cell; cua – anterior cubital cell; CuA – anterior branch of cubital vein; CuA+CuP – anterior
branch of cubital vein + posterior branch of cubital vein.

65

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

60ʹ Wing with cell dm usually present (crossvein m-m rarely absent in

60 Wing with cell dm absent; veins M1 and M2 very weakened, only
distinct toward wing margin (Figs A, B); BICELLARIINAE:
GO TO COUPLET 61

Allanthalia and Euthyneura), veins M1 and M2 usually distinct (Figs a,b), M1 occasionally stub-like (Fig. a) or absent: GO TO COUPLET 62

M1

dm
m-m

M1
M2

M2

o

A

a

dm
M1

M1

M2

M2

B

b

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Bicellaria sp. (B) Wing of Hoplocyrtoma femorata (Loew). Abbreviations:
M1, M2 – medial veins.

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Leptopeza flavipes (Meigen). (b) Wing of Anthalia sp. Abbreviations: dm –discal medial cell; M1, M2 – medial veins; m-m – medial crossvein.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

66

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

61 Hindleg raptorial (Fig. A); hind femur thickened; hind tibia geniculate
at base: HOPLOCYRTOMA MelanderA
FIGURE: (A) Hindleg of Hoplocyrtoma femorata (Loew).

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

SINCLAIR ET AL.

61ʹ Hindleg slender (Fig. a); hind femur not greatly thickened; hind tibia
simple at base: BICELLARIA Macquarta
FIGURE: (a) Hindleg of Bicellaria sp.

67

Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

62 Wing with cell dm emitting two veins (M2, M4) reaching wing margin(Figs A, B), sometimes a third stump vein also present (M1, Fig. A);
antenna with long arista-like stylus, longer than postpedicel (Figs C,D); OCYDROMIINAE: GO TO COUPLET 63

62ʹ Wing with cell dm (crossvein m-m rarely absent) emitting three veins(M1, M2, M4) reaching or nearly reaching wing margin (Figs a, b);antenna with short stylus, not longer than postpedicel (Figs c, d):
GO TO COUPLET 64

M1

dm

dm
M1

m-m

A

M4

A
C

M2

M2

B

M4

D

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Leptopeza flavipes (Meigen). (B) Wing of Ocydromia glabricula (Fallén). (C)Head of Leptopeza sp. (D) Head of O. glabricula. Abbreviations: dm – discal medial cell; M1, M2,
M4 – medial veins.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

M2
M4

a

c

b

d

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Trichina sp. (b) Wing of Anthalia sp. (c) Head of Anthalia sp. (d) Head of
Oedalea lanceolata Melander. Abbreviations: dm – discal medial cell; M1, M2, M4 – medial veins;m-m – medial crossvein.

68Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

63 Antenna (Fig. A) with postpedicel conical; arista-like stylus terminal;
female ovipositor often narrowed and extended (Fig. B); mid tibia
with distinct, erect dorsal setae (Fig. C): LEPTOPEZA Macquart

SINCLAIR ET AL.

63ʹ Antenna (Fig. a) with postpedicel oval; arista-like stylus dorsoapical;
female ovipositor not narrowed and extended (Fig. b); mid tibia
without distinct dorsal setae (Fig. c): OCYDROMIA Meigen

c

C

A
B

FIGURES: (A) Head of Leptopeza sp. (B) Abdomen of female Leptopeza flavipes (Meigen). (C)Body and legs of Leptopeza sp.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

ab

FIGURES: (a) Head of Ocydromia glabricula (Fallén). (b) Abdomen of female O. glabricula. (c)Body and legs of O. glabricula.

69Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

64 Wing with pterostigma extended to apex of vein R2+3, filling apex ofcell r1 (Figs A, B); TRICHININAE [in part]: TRICHINA Meigen

64ʹ Wing with pterostigma not extended to apex of vein R2+3, not filling
apex of cell r1 (Figs a, b): GO TO COUPLET 65

R2+3

R2+3

r1

r1

a

A
pterostigma

B

r1

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Trichina sp. (B) Wing of Trichina sp. (close up). Abbreviations: r1 – radial
cell 1; R2+3 – radial vein.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

pterostigmab

r1

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Anthalia sp. (b) Wing of Anthalia sp. (close up). Abbreviations: r1 – radial
cell 1; R2+3 – radial vein.

70Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

SINCLAIR ET AL.

65ʹ Wing with cell bm as narrow distally as proximal end, crossvein bm-m

65 Wing with cell bm twice as broad distally as proximal end, withcrossvein bm-m nearly perpendicular (Fig. A); proboscis long,projecting obliquely forwards (Figs B, C); OEDALEINAE [in part]:
EUTHYNEURA Macquart

oblique (Fig. a); proboscis length variable (Figs b–e):
GO TO COUPLET 66

bm

bm

bm-m

bm-m

A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Euthyneura bucinator Melander. (B) Head of male E. bucinator. (C) Headof female E. bucinator. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; bm-m – basal medial crossvein.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

a

b

c

d

e

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Anthalia sp. (b) Head of Anthalia sp. (c) Head of Anthalia sp. (d) Head of
Oedalea lanceolata Melander. (e) Head of Allanthalia sp. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell;bm-m – basal medial crossvein.

71

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66 Antenna without obvious stylus (Fig. A); proboscis usually retracted

into wide subcranial cavity (Fig. A); eyes of both sexes widely
separated above antennae (dichoptic), upper facets not enlarged (Fig.
A); OEDALEINAE [in part]: ALLANTHALIA MelanderA
FIGURE: (A) Head and thorax of female Allanthalia sp.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

66ʹ Antenna with stylus (Fig. a); proboscis not retracted into subcranial
cavity (Fig. a); male eyes meeting above antennae (holoptic), withupper facets enlarged (Fig. a): GO TO COUPLET 67a
FIGURE: (a) Head and thorax of male Anthalia sp.

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67 Antenna with postpedicel usually short and broad, width subequal tolength (Figs A, B); hind femur usually slender (Fig. C), if inflated,
antenna with stylus longer than basal width of postpedicel and wingvein M2 complete; OEDALEINAE [in part]: ANTHALIA Zetterstedt

A

B

C
FIGURES: (A) Head of Anthalia sp. (B) Head of Anthalia sp. (C) Body and legs of Anthalia sp.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

SINCLAIR ET AL.

67ʹ Antenna (Figs a, b) with postpedicel elongated, often more or lessstrap-shaped; stylus shorter than basal width of postpedicel; hindfemur slender (Fig. c) or thickened with strong ventral setae (Fig. d); if
rarely postpedicel long and broad, then wing vein M2 incomplete, notreaching wing margin: GO TO COUPLET 68

a

c

b

d

FIGURES: (a) Head of Trichinomyia sp. (b) Head of Oedalea lanceolata Melander. (c) Hindleg of
Trichinomyia sp. (d) Hindleg of O. lanceolata.

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68 Hind femur thickened with strong ventral setae (Figs A, B);
OEDALEINAE [in part]: OEDALEA Meigen

A

68ʹ Hind femur slender without strong ventral setae (Fig. a); TRICHININAE[in part]: TRICHINOMYIA Tuomikoskia

B

FIGURES: (A) Hindleg of Oedalea lanceolata Melander. (B) Hindleg of O. lanceolata.

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SINCLAIR ET AL.

FIGURE: (a) Hindleg of Trichinomyia sp.

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69 Wing (Fig. A) with vein M1+2 branched beyond apex of cell dm; aluladeveloped; fore tibial gland absent (Fig. B); only male eyes meeting
above antennae (holoptic, Fig. C) with upper facets enlarged; female
eyes separated above antennae (dichoptic, Fig. B), without upper
facets enlarged; ATELESTINAE (ATELESTIDAE): MEGHYPERUS Loew

69ʹ Wing (Fig. a) with vein M1+2 unbranched; alula greatly reduced or

lacking; fore tibial gland present (Fig. b); eyes of both sexes meeting
above antennae (holoptic, Fig. b) with upper facets enlarged;
HYBOTINAE: GO TO COUPLET 70

a
A
B
♀

C

♂

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Meghyperus occidens Coquillett. (B) Head and foreleg of female
Meghyperus nitidus Melander. (C) Head of male Meghyperus sp.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

b♀

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Syndyas merbleuensis Teskey & Chillcott. (b) Head, thorax and foreleg of
female Syneches thoracicus (Say).

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70 Wing (Fig. A) with vein Rs long, arising basal to middle of cell bm; apex
of cell cua usually aligned with apex of cell bm: SYNECHES Walker

70ʹ Wing (Fig. a) with vein Rs short, arising distal to middle of cell bm;
apex of cell cua extending beyond apex of cell bm:
GO TO COUPLET 71

Rs

Rs

bm

bm
cua

cua

A
FIGURE: (A) Wing of Syneches thoracicus (Say). Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; cua –anterior cubital cell; Rs – radial sector.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

a
FIGURE: (a) Wing of Syndyas merbleuensis Teskey & Chillcott. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial
cell; cua – anterior cubital cell; Rs – radial sector.

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71 Wing (Fig. A) with basal section of vein M markedly weakened; cell dmmuch shorter than vein M1; hind femur slender (Fig. B); hind tibia
usually clavate (Fig. B): SYNDYAS Loew

71ʹ Wing (Fig. a) with vein M strong basally or only slightly weakened; celldm not much shorter than vein M1; hind femur more or less thickened(Fig. b); hind tibia not clavate (Fig. b): GO TO COUPLET 72

M

dm

M
M1

dm

M1

a

A

b

B
FIGURES: (A) Wing of Syndyas merbleuensis Teskey & Chillcott. (B) Hindleg of S. merbleuensis.
Abbreviations: dm – discal medial cell; M, M1 – medial veins.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Hybos reversus Walker. (b) Hindleg of H. reversus. Abbreviations: dm –discal medial cell; M, M1 – medial veins.

77Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)

72 Proboscis elongate and projecting, about as long as head (Fig. A);

palpus prominent (Fig. A); labellum constricted for piercing (Fig. A),
without pseudotracheae; eyes widely separated on face (Fig. B):
HYBOS Meigen

A

B

FIGURES: (A) Head of Hybos reversus Walker, lateral view. (B) Head of H. reversus, oblique view.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

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72ʹ Proboscis and palpus short to moderately projecting (Fig. a); labellum
not constricted for piercing (Fig. a), with pseudotracheae; eyes
meeting on face (Fig. b): EUHYBUS Coquillettab

FIGURES: (a) Head of Euhybus sp., lateral view. (b) Head of Euhybus sp., oblique view.

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73 Wing cell bm+dm emitting two branches (M1, M4, Figs A, B); crossvein
bm-m absent (cell bm confluent with cell dm, Figs A, B):
DOLICHOPODIDAE sensu stricto

73ʹ Wing cell dm emitting three branches (M1, M2, M4, Figs a–c);crossvein bm-m present (cells bm and dm separate, Figs a–c), butsometimes incomplete anteriorly (Figs b, c): GO TO COUPLET 74

M1
dm
bm-m
M1

A

M4

a

M4

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Chrysotus sp. (B) Wing of Hydrophorus sp. Abbreviations: bm+dm – basal
medial cell + discal medial cell; M1, M4 – medial veins.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

b

M2

dm

dm

M1

B

M4

c

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Schistostoma sycophantor (Melander). (b) Wing of Parathalassius
candidatus Melander. (c) Wing of Thalassophorus arnaudi Brooks & Cumming. Abbreviations:bm – basal medial cell; bm-m – basal medial crossvein; dm – discal medial cell; M1, M2, M4 –medial veins.

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74 Wing with anal lobe well developed (Figs A, B); antennal stylus two-segmented (Figs C, D), with short basal segment (1) and long apicalsegment (2); eyes bare (Figs C, D), meeting above antennae (holoptic)
in male (Fig. D); MICROPHORINAE: GO TO COUPLET 75

SINCLAIR ET AL.

74ʹ Wing with anal lobe reduced (Figs a, b); antennal stylus one-segmented (Figs c–e); eyes pubescent (with ommatrichia, Figs c, e),broadly separated above antennae (dichoptic) in male (Figs c, e);
PARATHALASSIINAE: GO TO COUPLET 76

a
A

B

b

c
d

♂

2

1
2

1

C

D

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Microphor obscurus Coquillett. (B) Wing of Schistostoma sycophantor(Melander). (C) Head of male S. armipes (Melander). (D) Head of male M. obscurus.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

♂

e

♂

FIGURES: (a) Wing of Parathalassius candidatus Melander. (b) Wing of Microphorella breviradia
Cumming & Brooks. (c) Head of male P. abela Brooks & Cumming. (d) Antenna of P. abela. (e)Head of male Thalassophorus arnaudi Brooks & Cumming (dorsal).

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75 Thorax with 6–10 scutellar setae (Figs A, B); male terminalia without

medial hypandrial prolongation (Fig. C); female abdomen with fiveexposed segments (terminalia retractable into segment five, Fig. D):
MICROPHOR Macquart

75ʹ Thorax of most species with 2–4 scutellar setae (Fig. a), but

occasionally with 6–8 setae; male terminalia with medial hypandrial
prolongation (Fig. b); female abdomen with six or seven exposed
segments (terminalia retractable into segments six or seven, Fig. c):
SCHISTOSTOMA Becker

a

b

sctl

A

C

sctl

2

3

4

2

5

3

4

5

6

D

c

FIGURES: (A) Thorax of Microphor skevingtoni Brooks & Cumming. (B) Scutellum of M. discalis
Melander (posterior). (C) Abdomen and male terminalia of M. discalis (lateral). (D) Female
abdomen of M. discalis (dorsal). Abbreviation: sctl – scutellum.

FIGURES: (a) Thorax of Schistostoma evisceratum (Melander) (dorsal). (b) Abdomen and maleterminalia of S. evisceratum (lateral). (c) Female abdomen of S. evisceratum (dorsal).
Abbreviation: sctl – scutellum.

B

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76 Body and legs silvery-grey with pale setae (Figs A, C); wing cell cua

truncate apically (Fig. B); thorax with 2–3 pairs of scutellar setae (Fig.
C); found on sandy seacoast habitats: PARATHALASSIUS Mik

SINCLAIR ET AL.

76ʹ Body and legs dull grey or brownish, with mostly dark setae (Figs a, c),setae of legs dark or pale; wing cell cua convex apically (Fig. b); thorax
with 1 pair of scutellar setae (Fig. c); found on rocky or stony seacoast
habitats, or in riparian habitats: GO TO COUPLET 77

A

b

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Parathalassius abela Brooks & Cumming resting on sand, Oso Flaco Dunes,
California; photo by A. Abela. (B) Wing of P. candidatus Melander. (C) Thorax of P. sinclairi
Brooks & Cumming (dorsal).

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

ac

FIGURES: (a) Male of Microphorella sp., habitus. (b) Wing of M. breviradia Cumming & Brooks.
(c) Thorax of Thalassophorus arnaudi Brooks & Cumming (dorsal).

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77 Head with gena distinctly projecting below eye (Figs A, B);

mouthparts with palpus triangular, tapered to pointed tip (Figs A, B);
wing with spine-like anterior costal setae along basal third (Figs A, C,D); found on rocky or stony seacoast habitats: THALASSOPHORUS
SaigusaA

B

78B

SINCLAIR ET AL.

77ʹ Head with gena weakly developed, scarcely projected below eye (Fig.

a); mouthparts with palpus broadly or narrowly rounded apically, nottriangular (Fig. b); wing without spine-like anterior costal setae along
basal third (Fig. c); found in riparian habitats: MICROPHORELLA Becker

C

plp

plp
gn

plp

D
FIGURES: (A) Head, thorax and wing base of Thalassophorus arnaudi Brooks & Cumming. (B)Head of T. arnaudi. (C) Body of T. arnaudi (dorsolateral view). (D) Wing of T. arnaudi.
Abbreviations: gn – gena; plp – palpus.

doi:10.3752/cjai.2023.48

a

gn

b

c
FIGURES: (a) Head, thorax and wing base of Microphorella breviradia Cumming & Brooks. (b)Head of M. breviradia. (c) Wing of M. breviradia. Abbreviations: gn – gena; plp – palpus.

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◄Back to KEY(66)Allanthalia MelanderThis genus of Oedaleinae (Hybotidae) has long been thought to be
represented in North America by the Palaearctic species, Allanthalia pallida(Zetterstedt). Re-examination of Nearctic specimens indicates that they
represent an undescribed species, which is not conspecific with Palaearctic
specimens of that species (Shamshev et al. 2017). Adults are nectar feeders
and are often found on flowers (Chvála 1983). The genus (wing length: 1.5–
2.4 mm) is characterized by its yellow colour (Fig. B), widely separated eyes
in both sexes (Fig. A), antennal postpedicel large, elongate oval, without anobvious terminal stylus (Fig. A), wing vein R4+5 unbranched and cell dm
emitting three veins (Fig. B). In North America, Allanthalia is recorded fromeastern North America, Missouri, Mississippi, Idaho and British Columbia.

A

B
FIGURES: (A) Head and thorax of female Allanthalia sp. (B) Allanthalia sp., female habitus. Abbreviation: dm – discal medial cell.

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◄Back to KEY(15)Allodromia Smith
This genus of Tachydromiinae (Hybotidae) includes one described Nearctic
species north of Mexico. Chillcott & Teskey (1983) revised the New World
species and provided a key to species. The genus (wing length: 1.3–1.5 mm)
is characterized by wing (Fig. A) with cell cua absent, cells br and bm
apically aligned, and veins R2+3 and R4+5 strongly curved anteriorly, headwith narrow gena (Fig. D), thorax with 1–2 pairs of scutellar setae (Fig. B),
antenna with dorsal arista-like stylus (Fig. C), and male terminalia with long
filamentous phallus. Allodromia testacea (Melander) occurs in eastern
North America with adults having been bred from decaying wood
(Cumming et al. 2018).

A

B

C

D

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Allodromia wirthi Chillcott (Dominica). (B) Thorax of A. wirthi. (C) Head of Allodromia sp., dorsal view. (D) A. wirthi, male habitus. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell;
br – basal radial cell.

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◄Back to KEY(28)Anomalempis MelanderThis genus of Brachystomatinae (Brachystomatidae) includes two described Nearctic
species, and one or two undescribed Nearctic species (W.J. Turner unpubl. data). Thereis also one species described from Russia (Shamshev 2022). Melander (1945) provided
features distinguishing the two described Nearctic species. The genus (wing length: 3.5–
4.0 mm; Figs A, D) is characterized by the elongate wing cell cua with rounded vein CuA,
vein R4+5 unbranched (Fig. C), mouthparts with long recurved labrum (Fig. B) andfemale abdomen with truncate apex (Fig. D). In North America, Anomalempis isrecorded from Alaska, Colorado, Washington and Yukon.

C

♀

♂

A

B

D

FIGURES: (A) Anomalempis archon Melander, male habitus. (B) A. archon, close-up of mouthparts. (C) Wing of A. archon. (D) A. archon, female habitus. Abbreviation: cua – anterior cubital cell.

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Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 48 (September, 2023)◄Back to KEY(4)◄Back to KEY(67)Anthalia Zetterstedt

SINCLAIR ET AL.

DThis genus of Oedaleinae (Hybotidae) includes 12 described Nearctic species.
Adults are common on flowers (Fig. D), feeding on nectar and pollen (Downes &Smith 1969). Large numbers of specimens are readily collected, with adults
attracted to coloured surfaces, including vehicles and pan traps. Melander (1928)
provided an identification key to species. The genus (wing length: 1.5–2.3 mm) is
characterized by the antennal postpedicel usually short and broad (Figs A, B),
width subequal to length, with distinct stylus, males holoptic (Fig. A), wing vein
R4+5 unbranched and cell dm emitting three veins reaching wing margin (Fig. E).
Females of some species are yellow (Figs C, D), in contrast to darkly coloured males(Fig. D). Anthalia is recorded from across North America. Females of the genus cansometimes be mistaken for those of Microphor or Schistostoma (often foundtogether on flowers, Fig. D) but can usually be distinguished by their broad
postpedicel (Fig. B).

dm

♂

♀

A

B

♀

C

E

FIGURES: (A) Head of male Anthalia sp. (B) Head of female Anthalia sp. (C) Anthalia sp., female habitus. (D) Several individuals of Anthalia sp. (including yellow females, arrows) on flowers of
Physocarpus sp., with larger female Microphor obscurus Coquillett at center; photo by S.A. Marshall. (E) Wing of Anthalia sp. Abbreviation: dm – discal medial cell.

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◄Back to KEY(57)Apalocnemis Philippi
This genus of Trichopezinae (Brachystomatidae) includes one undescribed species inNorth America. Apalocnemis occurs in cool temperate forests. The two North American
species previously assigned to Apalocnemis are now assigned to Undescribed genus A(Sinclair 2021). The genus (wing length: 3.0 mm) usually has broad wings with V-shaped
radial fork (Figs A, C), fleshy labellum (Figs B, C), and antenna with short postpedicel
and long, stout arista-like stylus (Fig. B). Apalocnemis is primarily a Southern
Hemisphere genus, extending from South America as far north as New Mexico.

A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Apalocnemis sp. (Costa Rica). (B) Head of Apalocnemis sp. (C) Apalocnemis sp. (Costa Rica), male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(39)

Asymphyloptera Collin
This genus of Clinocerinae (Empididae) includes two described Nearctic species of verysmall flies north of Mexico. Asymphyloptera (Fig. C) is an aquatic genus, occurring on wet
rocks and seepages in small streams and cascades. Sinclair (2015) revised the New World
species and provided a key to species. The immature stages remain unknown. The genus(wing length: 1.0–2.5 mm) is easily recognized by narrow wings with vein R2+3 forked andabsence of cell dm (Figs A, C), face with distinct clypeus and mouthparts with narrow,elongate palpus (Fig. B). Asymphyloptera is primarily a Southern Hemisphere genus,
extending from South America as far north as southwestern United States.

A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Asymphyloptera sp. (Australia). (B) Head of Asymphyloptera sp. (Australia). (C) Asymphyloptera sp. (Australia), male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(17)Baeodromia Cumming
This genus of Tachydromiinae (Hybotidae) contains the Nearctic species, Baeodromia pleuritica (Melander)and several similar undescribed Neotropical species (Cumming 2007). The genus (wing length: 1.3–1.5 mm)
is characterized by wing with cell cua absent, short cell br (Fig. B), antenna with dorsal arista-like stylus(Figs B, C), eyes contiguous on face (Fig. C), and margins of frons divergent dorsally (Fig. D). Baeodromia
pleuritica is a widely distributed species in eastern North America (Cumming 2007).

C

A

B

D

FIGURES: (A) Baeodromia sp. (Costa Rica), male. (B) Head, thorax and wing of B. pleuritica (Melander). (C) Head of B. pleuritica, oblique view. (D) Head of B. pleuritica, dorsal view.

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◄Back to KEY(61)Bicellaria Macquart
This genus of Bicellariinae (Hybotidae) contains 12 Nearctic species (Smith 1971; Yang et al.
2007). Melander (1928) provided an identification key to nine of these species, which is
now quite outdated. Adults are often abundant in various habitats, particularly forested
areas and clearings, where they sit on vegetation waiting to prey on nearby flying insects,
which they capture in flight (Chvála 1980; Chvála 1983). Mating occurs on the ground andnot in swarms, although very rare, possibly relict, male swarms have been observed(Chvála 1980). The genus (wing length: 2.5–3.5 mm; Fig. C) is easily characterized by its
wing venation with cell dm absent and veins M1 and M2 evanescent basally (Fig. A), in
combination with a non-raptorial slender hindleg (Fig. B). Bicellaria occurs widely acrossNorth America.

M1
M2

A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Bicellaria sp. (B) Hindleg of Bicellaria sp. (C) Male of Bicellaria sp., habitus. Abbreviations: M1, M2 – medial veins.

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◄Back to KEY(36)Boreodromia Coquillett
This monotypic Nearctic genus of Trichopezinae (Brachystomatidae) is based on the species,
Boreodromia bicolor (Loew). This species has been collected along streams and riparian regions
in coastal rainforests, as well as coastal tundra habitats (Sinclair 2008a). The genus (winglength: 3.9–4.2 mm; Fig. C) is readily recognized by the narrow wings with vein R4+5
unbranched (Fig. B) and antenna (Fig. A) with yellowish scape and pedicel, and brownish
postpedicel and stylus. Boreodromia bicolor is confined along the Pacific coast of North
America from Alaska (including Aleutian islands), south to San Francisco Bay region of
California.

A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Head of Boreodromia bicolor (Loew). (B) Wing of B. bicolor. (C) B. bicolor, male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(28)Brachystoma Meigen
This genus of Brachystomatinae (Brachystomatidae) includes four described Nearctic
species. An identification key to species was provided by Melander (1902). The genus(wing length: 3.5–5.0 mm) is characterized by the wing with elongate cell cua
extending beyond cell bm, with convex vein CuA, vein R4+5 branched (Fig. A),
mouthparts with long recurved labrum (Fig. B) and female abdomen with an enlarged
balloon-like sclerite encircling the apex in Brachystoma occidentale Melander (Fig. C).
In North America, there is a single widespread western species (B. occidentale, Figs C,D) recorded from British Columbia to southern California. In the east, there are threewidespread species in the USA, with only B. serrulatum Loew extending north into
southern Ontario.

♀
C

♂

A

B

D

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Brachystoma robertsonii Coquillett. (B) Head of B. robertsoni. (C) B. occidentale Melander, female habitus. (D) B. occidentale Melander, male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(30)Brochella MelanderThis monotypic Nearctic genus of Brochellinae (Empididae) is based on the species,
Brochella monticola Melander (Figs A, B). This is a rarely encountered species, andcurrently only collected in the month of August. Adults are likely flower visitors,
based on mouthpart morphology (Sinclair & Cumming 2006). This genus was
assigned to its own subfamily, Brochellinae, by Yang et al. (2007). The genus (winglength: 4.8 mm) is readily recognized by anteriorly positioned proboscis, withprolonged clypeus (Fig. B), antenna without an apical stylus (Fig. B), and broad wings
with vein R4+5 branched, with clouding at base of branch and at apex of cell dm (Fig.
A). Brochella monitcola is currently known from the state of Washington (i.e., Mt.
Rainier) and British Columbia (i.e., Mt. Doom, Vancouver Is).

A

B

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Brochella monticola Melander. (B) Head and thorax of B. monticola.

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◄Back to KEY(33)Ceratempis MelanderThis monotypic Nearctic genus of Trichopezinae (Brachystomatidae)
is based on the species, Ceratempis longicornis Melander (Figs A, B)
and has been collected in coastal forests (Sinclair 2008a). The genus(wing length: 3.8–4.0 mm) is readily recognized by the yellow bodycolour (Fig. B), antenna with postpedicel greatly elongated, clothedin grey pubescence without apical stylus (Fig. A), acrostichal setulae
greatly reduced and vein R4+5 branched. Ceratempis longicornis isconfined to the extreme southwestern region of Washington State(Sinclair 2008a), with a recent record from Lincoln County, Oregon(Gerth 2016).

A

B
FIGURES: (A) Head of Ceratempis longicornis Melander. (B) C. longicornis, male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(24)Chelifera Macquart
This genus of Hemerodromiinae (Empididae) includes 22 described Nearctic species north of
Mexico (MacDonald 1994). Chelifera is an aquatic genus, collected from riparian vegetation
along streams. MacDonald (1994) revised the Nearctic species and provided keys to species.
The larvae and pupae have been described and illustrated (Brammer et al. 2009). The genus(wing length: 3.0–5.0 mm; Fig. B) is readily distinguished from other Hemerodromiinae
genera by the wing venation where cells dm and bm are separated, not fused, two veins are
emitted from cell dm, and vein M1+2 is petiolate and forked distal of cell dm (Figs A, C).
Chelifera occurs across North America, ranging from Alaska to the USA southern border.

bm

A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Chelifera subnotata MacDonald. (D) Chelifera sp., male; photo by S.A. Marshall. (C) C. valida (Loew), male habitus. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; dm –discal medial cell.

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Chelipoda Macquart

This genus of Hemerodromiinae (Empididae) includes seven described Nearctic species
north of Mexico (MacDonald 1993). Chelipoda is generally observed in damp forest
undergrowth and the genus is not associated with streams, unlike the other genera ofthis subfamily. The immature stages are unknown in North America, but are probably notaquatic as Cumming et al. (2018) indicated that two species were bred from decaying
wood. MacDonald (1993) revised the Nearctic species and provided a key to species. The
loss of crossvein dm-m and the resulting open cell dm has been used to assign somespecies to the genus Phyllodromia Zetterstedt (e.g., C. americana (Melander) and C.
limitaria MacDonald). In North America, this wing vein modification is not considered ofgeneric importance, although Phyllodromia is recognized in other regions of the world.
Chelipoda (wing length: 2.0–3.0 mm) is readily distinguished from other Hemerodromiinae
by the elongate arista-like stylus of the antenna, at least twice as long the postpedicel(Figs A, C, D), and wing vein R4+5 is unbranched (Fig. B). Chelipoda occurs primarily ineastern North America, ranging from Newfoundland to Texas and Florida, and west to
Manitoba and the Dakotas. A single species (C. contracta Melander) extends west to
British Columbia and Washington.

A

B

C

D

C

FIGURES: (A) Head of Chelipoda elongata (Melander). (B) Wing of C. praestans Melander. (C) Chelipoda sp., female with prey; photo by S.A. Marshall. (D) C. praestans, male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(3)◄Back to KEY(13)Chersodromia Walker
This genus of Tachydromiinae (Hybotidae) includes eight describedNorth American species (Yang et al. 2007). Melander (1945) provided a
key to five of the North American species. The genus (wing length: 1.2–
3.5 mm; Figs A, D, E) is characterized by wing with cell cua absent, cells
br and bm aligned apically (Fig. B), head with broad gena (Fig. C), andbristly legs. A few species have greatly reduced wings, reduced totriangular “flaps”, barely longer than the thorax (Fig. E). Species ofChersodromia occur on marine shorelines and beaches along both the
Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America (Cumming & Sinclair 2009).
A
D

E

br

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Chersodromia sp., male habitus. (B) Wing of Chersodromia sp. (C) Head of Chersodromia sp. (D) C. insignita Melander with prey; photo by A. Abela. (E) C. inchoata (Melander);photo by A. Abela. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; br – basal redial cell.

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◄Back to KEY(44)Clinocera Meigen
This genus of Clinocerinae (Empididae) includes 42 described Nearctic species north of
Mexico. Clinocera is an aquatic genus, common in springs, small shaded streams, creeks
and waterfalls. Sinclair (2008b) revised the New World species and provided keys tospecies. The immature stages for Nearctic species of Clinocera were described andillustrated by Sinclair (2008b). The genus (wing length: 2.0–6.0 mm; Figs B, C) is easily
recognized by the narrow wing (Figs A, E), rounded head and narrow face without amedial notch (Fig. D). Clinocera occurs across North America, primarily in the western andeastern mountain ranges, ranging as far north as Baffin Island and Alaska, and south
beyond Mexico.

D

C

A

B

E

FIGURES: (A) Clinocera fuscipennis Loew; photo by S.A. Marshall. (B) C. lineata Loew; photo by J. van der Linden. (C) Mating pair of C. binotata Loew; photo by S.A. Marshall. (D) Head of C.
conjuncta Loew, anterior view. (E) C. conjuncta, male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(18)Crossopalpus Bigot
This genus of Tachydromiinae (Hybotidae) includes 15 described North American species(Yang et al. 2007). An identification key to species (as Eudrapetis Melander) is provided
within a key to Drapetis sensu lato by Melander (1918). The genus (wing length: 1.4–3.0mm; Figs A, C) is characterized by wing with cell cua absent, cell br shorter than cell bm,
and short vein Rs (Figs C, D), antenna with terminal arista-like stylus (Figs B, C), eyes
narrowly separated on face (Fig. B), and head with broad gena (Fig. B). Crossopalpus
occurs on flowers, shrubs, organic matter and dung in various habitats across North
America.

C
Rs

A

B

D

FIGURES: (A) Crossopalpus aenescens (Wiedemann), female (Tanzania); photo by S.A. Marshall. (B) Head of C. setiger (Loew). (C) C. setiger, female habitus. (D) Wing of C. setiger.
Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; br – basal radial cell; Rs – radial sector.

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◄Back to KEY(2)◄Back to KEY(41)Dolichocephala Macquart
This genus of Clinocerinae (Empididae) includes seven described North
America species (Sinclair & MacDonald 2012). Dolichocephala is an aquatic
genus, occurring in seepages and springs, often associated with moss,
sphagnum and sedges. Sinclair & MacDonald (2012) revised the New World
species and provided an identification key to species. The genus (wing length:
1.8–2.8 mm) is easily recognized by narrow wings with white spots (Figs A, D),narrow head attached high on occiput (Figs C, D) and male terminalia with thesubepandrial sclerite extending beyond the base of the clasping cercus.
Dolichocephala borkenti Sinclair & MacDonald has miniaturized wings (Fig. B)
that are greatly narrowed and slightly longer than the thorax. Dolichocephalaoccurs across North America, with several species confined to the western
mountain ranges, extending from Alaska to California.

A

B

C

D

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Dolichocephala argus Melander. (B) Wing of D. borkenti Sinclair & MacDonald. (C) Head and neck of D. argus. (D) D. argus, male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(73)

DOLICHOPODIDAE sensu stricto
This group of Empidoidea includes the traditional Dolichopodidae,
exclusive of the Microphorinae and Parathalassiinae genera (i.e.,
Microphor Macquart, Schistostoma Becker, Microphorella Becker,
Parathalassius Mik and Thalassophorus Saigusa in the Nearctic
Region). Worldwide the group includes about 7500 described
species, of which over 1300 are described from the Nearctic Region.
These flies can be diagnosed by the following features: small to
medium-sized flies (body length: 0.8–9 mm), with slender build; wing
(Fig. A) with vein Rs originating at, or near level of humeral crossvein,shortened basal cells (less than ½ length of cell dm), crossvein r-m inthe basal ¼ of wing, costal vein ending at, or before vein M1,
subcostal vein short and ending in vein R1, cell bm+dm emitting 2
veins (M1 and M4), and crossvein bm-m absent (cells bm and dm
confluent); male terminalia rotated and lateroflexed forward below
the preceding abdominal segments (Sinclair & Cumming 2006).
Adults often have metallic colouration, typically blue-green withbronze reflections, sometimes brown to black, greyish, or yellow(Figs B–F). Males are often adorned with male secondary sexual
characters on the antennae, mouthparts, legs, wings and abdomen.
Adults are predaceous on small soft-bodied arthropods and annelids(Ulrich 2005) in a variety of warm, moist habitats. Larvae occur inmud, damp soil, leaf litter, moss, algae, on trees (sap wounds, underbark, in tree holes), within plant tissues, and on intertidal rocks (Dyte
1959; Poulding 1998, 2011). Bickel (2009) provided a key to the New
World genera of Dolichopodidae sensu stricto.

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A
C

E

B
D

F

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Chrysotus sp. (B) Argyra sp., female. (C) Melanderia mandibulata Aldrich,pair with male on top. (D) Sympycnus sp., male. (E) Rhaphium sp., male. (F) Dolichopus sp.,mating pair with adjacent male engaged in mating display. All in situ photos by S.A. Marshall.
Abbreviation: bm+dm – basal medial cell + discal medial cell.

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◄Back to KEY(19)Drapetis Meigen
This genus of Tachydromiinae (Hybotidae) includes 18 described North
American species (Yang et al. 2007). An identification key to Nearctic species
can be found within a key to Drapetis sensu lato by Melander (1918) and Rogers(1989) provided a key to the Drapetis assimilis species group. The genus (winglength: 1.3–2.0 mm; Fig. C) is characterized by wing with cell cua absent, cell br
shorter than cell bm, and long vein Rs (Fig. A), antenna with terminal orsubterminal arista-like stylus (Fig. B), eyes usually narrowly separated on face,narrow gena, somewhat flattened occiput, oval to conical postpedicel, andanepisternum with scattered setulae (Fig. B). Drapetis occurs on flowers,
shrubs, organic matter and dung in various habitats across North America.

Rs

A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Drapetis sp. (B) Head and thorax of Drapetis sp. (C) Drapetis sp., male habitus. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; br – basal radial cell; Rs – radial sector.

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◄Back to KEY(19)Elaphropeza Macquart
This genus of Tachydromiinae (Hybotidae) includes two described Nearctic
species north of Mexico (Yang et al. 2007), which are recorded from Florida.
The genus (wing length: 1.5–2.5 mm; Fig. C) is characterized by wing with cell
cua absent, cell br shorter than cell bm, and long vein Rs (Fig. D), antenna withterminal arista-like stylus (Fig. A), eyes usually narrowly separated on face (Fig.
E), head with narrow gena, convex occiput, antenna with conical to lanceolate
postpedicel, thorax with bare anepisternum (Fig. A), and 1–2 long, erectanterodorsal bristle-like setae on the hind tibia (Fig. B). Species of Elaphropeza
are generally found in various forest habitats in southern North America.

C
Rs

A

B

D

E

FIGURES: (A) Head and thorax of Elaphropeza sp. (B) Hind leg and abdomen of Elaphropeza sp. (C) Elaphropeza sp., male habitus. (D) Wing of Elaphropeza sp. (E) Head of Elaphropeza sp.,anterior view. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; br – basal radial cell; Rs – radial sector.

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◄Back to KEY(49)

Empis Linnaeus
This genus of Empidinae (Empididae) includes 91 described
species in North America, with at least as many species
remaining undescribed, but appears to be less diverse than
Nearctic Rhamphomyia. The genus has been divided into 15
subgenera (Yang et al. 2007; not including Enoplempis Bigot),
but the subgeneric classification for the Nearctic fauna has notbeen thoroughly applied or investigated. Empis is mostcommon in forests and mountainous regions, often collectedfrom flowers. The genus displays an interesting array of mating
behaviours (Cumming 1994), especially concerning the transfer
of nuptial gifts (Figs F, J). Melander (1902) provided
identification keys to species (incl. Empis, Empimorpha
Coquillett, Pachymeria Stephens). More recently, the eastern
North American species of E. (Enoplempis) and the E.
(Enoplempis) mira group have been revised and identification
keys to species provided (Sinclair et al. 2013, 2021, Figs E, G, J).
Adults of the genus (wing length: 2.2–12.0 mm; Figs D–F, H–J)
are readily distinguished from other Empidinae genera byantennae inserted near middle of head, scape shorter than
postpedicel (Fig. A), laterotergite setose (Fig. C), and the wing
venation where vein R4+5 is branched, vein CuA strongly
recurved into vein CuP, pterostigma removed from apex of vein
R2+3, and costa extending only as far as apex of wing (Figs B,
D, E). Empis is widespread across the Nearctic Region from
Alaska, south to the Mexican border.
Additional images of Empis (Figs F–J) on next slide…

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A

B

C

D

E

FIGURES: (A) Head of Empis lucida Zetterstedt. (B) Wing of E. lucida. (C) Thorax of E. poeciloptera Loew
(D) E. poeciloptera, female habitus. (E) E. appalachicola Sinclair, male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(49)

Empis Linnaeus (continued)

I

F

G

H

J

FIGURES: (F) Empis gulosa Coquillett, mating pair with syrphid prey; photo by J. Alcock. (G) E. mira Bigot, left hind leg, anterior view of femur and tibia. (H) Empis sp., male habitus. (I) E. lucida
Zetterstedt, male habitus. (J) E. vockerothi Cumming, male with balloon; photo by A. Coovert.

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◄Back to KEY(72)Euhybus Coquillett
This genus of Hybotinae (Hybotidae) includes 13 described species in North America(Melander 1928). Euhybus species prey on flying insects and like other Hybotinae do not visit
flowers or form mating swarms. Melander (1928) revised the New World species and provided
an identification key to species. The genus (wing length: 3.5–5.5 mm) is readily distinguishedfrom other Hybotinae species by the wing venation (Fig. A) where vein Rs is short, arising in
the distal half of cell br, vein M separating cells br and bm well developed, hind leg (Fig. C)
with femur thickened and tibia slender, not clavate, eyes meeting on face (Fig. B) andmouthparts (Figs B, D) not elongate, palps short, with labellum not constricted andsclerotized for piercing, and with pseudotracheae present. Euhybus usually occurs in forested
regions and is found throughout North America, extending as far north as Churchill,
Manitoba, with greatest species diversity in the east.

C

Rs

M

br
bm

A

B

D

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Euhybus triplex (Walker). (B) Head of Euhybus sp., oblique view. (C) Euhybus sp., male habitus. (D) Head of Euhybus sp., lateral view. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell;
br – basal radial cell; M – medial vein; Rs – radial sector.

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◄Back to KEY(65)

Euthyneura Macquart
This Holarctic genus of Oedaleinae (Hybotidae) includes six described Nearctic species. Adults arenectar and/or pollen feeders and are frequently found on flowers (Chvála 1983). Larvae are probably
predators in decaying wood as adults have been repeatedly bred from rotten wood (Chvála 1983;
Cumming et al. 2018). Melander (1928) provided an identification key to Nearctic species. Euthyneura(wing length: 2.1–3.3 mm) is characterized by a head with long proboscis (Figs A, C, D), antenna withshort stylus (Fig. A), wing with pterostigma not filling apex of cell r1, cell dm emitting three veinsthat reach wing margin, and cell bm broad apically with crossvein bm-m nearly perpendicular (Fig.
B). The genus occurs across North America, ranging from Alaska and Yukon in the north to thesouthern United States.

♂

C

bm
dm
bm-m

♀
A

B

D

FIGURES: (A) Head of female Euthyneura bucinator Melander. (B) Wing of E. bucinator. (C) E. buccinator, male habitus. (D) E. buccinator, female habitus. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial
cell; dm – discal medial cell.

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◄Back to KEY(56)Gloma Meigen
This genus of Trichopezinae (Brachystomatidae) includes three described species in North
America (Sinclair et al. 2019a). Gloma is usually collected in humid forests. Sinclair et al.
(2019a) revised the World species and provided an identification key to species. The genus(wing length: 3.0–4.5 mm) is recognized by broad wings (Fig. D) with V-shaped radial fork
(Fig. B), antenna with postpedicel reniform with sub-dorsal arista-like extension (Fig. A)
and cercus of male terminalia with apical prolongation (Fig. C). In North America, thegenus is confined to the western mountain ranges, ranging from Alaska to California andas far east as Colorado.

B

A

C

D

FIGURES: (A) Head of Gloma fuscipes Melander, lateral view. (B) Wing of G. fuscipes. (C) Male terminalia of G. fuscipes. (D) G. fuscipes, male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(36)Heleodromia Haliday
This genus of Trichopezinae (Brachystomatidae) includes six described species in North America(Sinclair et al. 2011). Heleodromia has been collected on tundra and in boreal, coniferous anddeciduous forests. Sinclair et al. (2011) revised the Nearctic species and provided an identification
key to species. The genus (wing length: 2.0–4.0 mm) is recognized by narrow wing with vein R4+5
unbranched (Figs A, C, D) and male terminalia forming an enlarged capsule that usually projects
below abdomen (Figs A–C). In North America, the genus is mostly found in the western mountain
ranges, ranging from Alaska to Arizona and across the Canadian Arctic (Sinclair et al. 2011). There is
only a single species of Heleodromia in eastern North America south of the Great Lakes, currently
known only from the type locality in south-central Ohio.

C

A

B

D

FIGURES: (A) Heleodromia cranehollowensis Cumming & Coovert, male habitus. (B) Abdomen and male terminalia of H. chillcotti Sinclair. (C) H. pullata Melander, male habitus. (D) Wing of H.
pullata.

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◄Back to KEY(22)C

Hemerodromia Meigen
This genus of Hemerodromiinae (Empididae) includes 22 described Nearctic species
north of Mexico (MacDonald 1998). Hemerodromia is an aquatic genus (Fig. D),collected from riparian vegetation and rocks along streams and rivers. MacDonald(1998) revised the Nearctic species and provided keys to species. In North America,
the larvae and pupae have been illustrated by Brammer et al. (2009), with a key to
Hemerodromiinae genera. The genus (wing length: 2.0–3.5 mm; Figs A–D) is readily
distinguished from other Hemerodromiinae by the wing venation where vein R4+5 isbranched, cell cua is absent, without vein CuA, and cell dm is absent (Fig. A).
Hemerodromia occurs across North America, ranging from Alaska to the USA
southern border.

D

A

B

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Hemerodromia oratoria Fallén. (B) Head and foreleg of H. glabella MacDonald. (C) Hemerodromia sp., male. (D) Congregation of Hemerodromia sp. on wet rock; photo by
S.A. Marshall.

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◄Back to KEY(31)Hesperempis MelanderThis genus of Empidinae (Empididae) includes five described species in North America(Cumming et al. 2014). Toreus Melander (1906), later renamed Melanderalus by Özdikem &Basar (2010), was synonymized under Hesperempis by Cumming et al. (2014). Adults ofHesperempis (Fig. C) are flower visitors and are collected in various mature forest
habitats. Cumming et al. (2014) revised the World species and provided an identification
key to species. The genus (wing length: 3.0–7.0 mm) is characterized by a flat face, maleeyes dichoptic (Figs A, B), antenna with short cylindrical or slightly tapered stylus (Figs D,E), thorax with greatly reduced and inconspicuous setae (Figs A, B), wing with vein R4+5
branched, cell cua angled apically with vein CuA curved back towards vein CuP (Fig. F),
and male terminalia with dorsoapically prolonged hypandrial apex flanking phallus.
Hesperempis includes four primarily western Cordilleran species and one southern
Appalachian species (Cumming et al. 2014).

C

A

D

B

E

F
FIGURES: (A) Head and thorax of Hesperempis neomexicana (Melander). (B) Head and thorax of H. mabelae (Melander). (C) H. mabelae, male habitus. (D) Antenna of H. sanduca Melander.
(E) Antenna of H. mabelae. (F) Wing of H. mabelae.

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◄Back to KEY(51)Hilara Meigen
This genus of Empidinae (Empididae) includes 43 described species in North America, with atleast twice as many species remaining undescribed. The genus has been divided into numerous
species groups (e.g., Chvála 2005), but this classification for the Nearctic fauna has not been
investigated. Hilara is most common in forests, often swept from swarms along trails andstreams or scooped up from specimens skimming water surfaces. The genus displays aninteresting array of mating behaviours (Cumming 1994), especially concerning the transfer ofnuptial gifts. Melander (1902) provided an identification key to 29 species and Coquillett (1895)
provided an identification key to 22 species, but neither are useful. In an unpublished thesis,
Roach (1971) provided a key to 72 eastern North American species, of which 48 new invalid
species were included. In a second unpublished thesis, Rogers (1982) recognized and illustrated
17 species from the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. The genus (wing length: 2.5–8.0 mm)
is readily distinguished from other Empidinae genera by the bare laterotergite (Fig. B), wing withvein R4+5 branched, vein Sc bent forward to meet costa, vein R1 distinctly dilated before joining
costa (Fig. A), and male foreleg with first tarsomere often enlarged and swollen (Figs B, D).
Hilara is widespread across the Nearctic Region from Alaska, south to the Mexican border.
A

D
C

B

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Hilara sp. (B) Foreleg and body of Hilara sp. (C) Forelegs and body of Hilara sp., male. (D) Hilara sp., male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(61)

Hoplocyrtoma MelanderThis genus of Bicellariinae (Hybotidae) includes two described Nearctic
species and two described Japanese species (Melander 1928; Saigusa & Kato
2002). In Japan, adults are found in forested areas and on grassy alpine
slopes, where they sit on vegetation waiting to pursue flying insects thatthey capture in flight with their raptorial hindlegs (Saigusa & Kato 2002). An
identification key to the four described species was provided by Saigusa &Kato (2002). The genus (wing length: 2.5–3.5 mm) is readily distinguished by
the raptorial hindleg (Fig. B) and characteristic wing venation with cell dm
absent and veins M1 and M2 evanescent basally (Fig. A). In North America
one described species occurs in the east, whereas the other is found in thenorthwest from Alaska to Oregon (Melander 1965).

M1
M2

A

B

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Hoplocyrtoma femorata (Loew). (B) H. femorata, female habitus. Abbreviations: M1, M2 – medial veins.

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◄Back to KEY(54)Hormopeza Zetterstedt
This genus of Ragadinae (Empididae) includes seven described North American species (Steyskal
1969). The antennal postpedicel possesses a pair of sensory pits, which are presumably used in
the detection of smoke (Sinclair & Cumming 2006). Large swarms of these flies have been
observed in smoke from wood fires in forested regions, as well as being attracted to smokescented clothing (Kessel 1958, 1960). Steyskal (1969) provided an identification key to five ofseven Nearctic species. The genus (wing length: 2.3–3.7 mm; Figs A, B) is distinguished by theantenna with a broad postpedicel and stout stylus (Fig. C), wing with pterostigma not overlapping
the apex of vein R1 (Fig. D), male wing with costa indistinct beyond vein R5 (Fig. D) and malewithout tarsal claws on at least the foreleg (Fig. E). The genus is widespread across western andeastern North America, ranging from Alaska to California and Ontario to the southern
Appalachian Mountains.

♀
A

♂

♂
B

C

♂
D

E

FIGURES: (A) Hormopeza virgator Melander, female habitus. (B) Hormopeza sp. (Russia), male; photo by N. Vikhrev. (C) Head of male H. copulifera Melander, oblique view. (D) Wing of male
H. copulifera. (E) Foreleg and midleg of H. senator Melander.

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Hybos Meigen

This genus of Hybotinae (Hybotidae) includes a single described species in North
America, Hybos reversus Walker (Melander 1928). Hybos preys on flying insects inshady areas and species do not visit flowers or form mating swarms (Chvála
1983). Ale-Rocha (2001) revised the New World species and provided an
identification key to species. The male wings of H. reversus are variable incolouration, and previously some variants were recognized as different species orvarieties. The genus (wing length: 3.0–5.5 mm) is readily distinguished from other
Hybotinae genera by the wing venation where vein Rs is short, arising in the distal
half of cell br, and vein M separating cells br and bm is well developed (Fig. A),
hind femur thickened, hind tibia slender, not clavate (Figs A, B), eyes widely
separated on face (Fig. C), and mouthparts narrow, elongate, palps elongate,with labellum constricted and sclerotized for piercing, and without
pseudotracheae (Figs C, D). Hybos reversus is usually found in forested regions
and is restricted to eastern North America (Melander 1965).

B

C

A

D

FIGURES: (A) Hybos reversus Walker, male habitus. (B) Hindleg of H. reversus. (C) Head of H. reversus, oblique view. (D) Head of H. reversus, lateral view.

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Iteaphila Zetterstedt

A

This genus (Iteaphilidae) includes 35 described species in North America (Sinclair & Shamshev
2012, 2021). Adults of Iteaphila are flower visitors primarily collected on flowers of willow, butalso known from a variety of other early spring flowering plants (Sinclair & Shamshev 2012,2021). The adults (Fig. A) feed on both nectar and pollen. Sinclair & Shamshev (2012, 2021)
revised the World species and provided identification keys to species. In addition, Sinclair &Shamshev (2021) included a key to species groups and genera of Iteaphilidae. The genus(wing length: 2.0–4.5 mm) includes specimens with wing vein R4+5 either branched (Fig. C)
or unbranched (= Anthepiscopus Becker, Fig. B). The genus is recognized by broad wings (Fig.
B), bare laterotergite, more than 3 pairs of scutellar setae (Fig. D), antenna with postpedicel
nearly parallel-sided, and palpus that is usually long and slender (Fig. E). Iteaphila iswidespread in North America, including several transcontinental and Holarctic species. In thewest, the genus ranges from Alaska and Yukon, south to Baja California and in the east
ranges from northern Quebec to the southern Appalachian Mountains.

B

C

D

E

FIGURES: (A) Mating pair of Iteaphila sp.; photo by S.A. Marshall. (B) Wing of I. longipalpus (Melander). (C) Wing of I. macquarti Zetterstedt. (D) Thorax of I. macquarti. (E) Head of I. macquarti.

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◄Back to KEY(49)

Lamprempis Wheeler & MelanderThis genus of Empidinae (Empididae) contains 24 described Neotropical species from South andCentral America, including six described species from Mexico (Cumming & Sinclair 2009). Smith(1975) provided an identification key to these species. Here we record an undescribed species
from eastern Arizona and western New Mexico, which has been collected in riparian woodland
and meadow habitats. The genus (wing length: 2.5–8.0 mm) is distinguished from other
Empidinae genera by antennae generally inserted high up on head, scape nearly as long as
postpedicel (Fig. A), laterotergite setose (Fig. B), male often with pinnate bristle-like setae on legs
(Fig. C), body commonly shiny metallic blue or blue-green (Figs B, D), and wing venation where
vein R4+5 is branched, CuA strongly recurved into vein CuP, pterostigma removed from apex ofvein R2+3, and costa extending only as far as apex of wing (Fig. E). Lamprempis is primarily a
Neotropical genus, extending from South America as far north as Arizona and New Mexico.

D

A

B

C

E

FIGURES: (A) Head of female Lamprempis sp. (B) Thorax of Lamprempis sp. (C) Hindleg of male Lamprempis sp. (D) Lamprempis sp., male habitus. (E) Wing of Lamprempis sp.

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◄Back to KEY(63)Leptopeza Macquart
This primarily Holarctic genus of Ocydromiinae (Hybotidae)
includes five described species in North America, of which two are
considered to be Holarctic. Adults (Figs C, E) are generally found inforested habitats and don’t appear to visit flowers (Chvála 1983).
Larvae are probably predators in decaying wood as adults havebeen reared from rotten wood (Chvála 1983; Cumming et al. 2018).
Melander (1928) provided an identification key to species that
occur in North America. The genus (wing length: 2.8–4.9 mm) is
characterized by an antenna with conical postpedicel and terminal
arista-like stylus (Fig. B), wing with cell dm emitting two veins thatreach wing margin (Fig. A), mid tibia with erect dorsal setae (Fig.
E), and a usually narrowed and prolonged female ovipositor (FigsC, D). In North America, Leptopeza occurs widely throughout
Canada and USA south into Mexico.

A

B

E

C

D

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Leptopeza flavipes (Meigen). (B) Head of Leptopeza sp. (C) L. flavipes, female habitus. (D) Abdomen of female L. flavipes. (E) Leptopeza sp., male; photo by S.A. Marshall.

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◄Back to KEY(14)A

Megagrapha MelanderThis genus of Tachydromiinae (Hybotidae) includes three described Nearctic species. Chillcott &Teskey (1983) revised North American Megagrapha and provided an identification key to species. The
genus (wing length: 2.0–2.8 mm; Fig. A) is characterized by the wing (Fig. B) with cell cua absent,
cells br and bm aligned apically, and vein R2+3 nearly straight, not strongly curved anteriorly, headwith narrow gena (Fig. C), thorax with 3–4 pairs of scutellar setae (Fig. D), and terminal antennal
stylus (Figs D, E). Nearctic Megagrapha species appear to occur mainly in mature forests throughout
eastern North America.
B

C

D

E
br
bm

FIGURES: (A) Megagrapha exquiseta Malloch, male habitus. (B) Wing of female M. exquiseta. (C) Head of M. exquiseta, lateral view. (D) Head and thorax of M. exquiseta, dorsal view. (E) Headof M. exquiseta, anterior view. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; br – basal radial cell.

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◄Back to KEY(69)

Meghyperus Loew
This genus of Atelestinae (Atelestidae) includes two described species in North America,
although three additional undescribed Nearctic species have been identified (Wiegmann 1989).
Adults of Meghyperus have been swept from flowers and the immature stages are unknown.
Meghyperus (wing length: 2.5–3.0 mm; Figs B, C) is characterized by the wing with a narrow celldm, cell cua longer than cell bm, vein CuA arched, and vein M1+2 forked distal to cell dm withvein M2 fading out before reaching the wing margin (Fig. A). In North America, this genus is
known from the western United States, unknown from Canada, but likely will be discovered insouthern Alberta and British Columbia.

♂

♀

A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Meghyperus occidens Coquillett. (B) M. nitidus Melander, female habitus. (C) Meghyperus sp., male habitus. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; dm – discal medial
cell; cua – anterior cubital cell.

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◄Back to KEY(24)Metachela Coquillett
This genus of Hemerodromiinae (Empididae) includes three described Nearctic species northof Mexico (MacDonald 1989). Metachela is an aquatic genus, collected from riparianvegetation along streams. MacDonald (1989) revised the Nearctic species and provided a key
to species. The larvae and pupae have been described and illustrated (MacDonald &Harkrider 1999; Brammer et al. 2009). The genus (wing length: 3.0–4.0 mm; Figs A–E) isreadily distinguished from other Hemerodromiinae genera by the wing venation where cells
dm and bm are fused into a single cell, two veins emitted from cell bm+dm, and vein M1+2 ispetiolate and forked distal of cell bm+dm (Fig. A). Metachela is either boreal or associatedwith western mountain streams, with only one species extending into eastern North
America, including a glacial disjunct population in the White Mountains of New Hampshire(MacDonald 1989).

A

B

C

D

E

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Metachela collusor (Melander). (B) Head and foreleg of M. collusor. (C) Metachela sp., male habitus. (D) M. collusor, female. (E) M. collusor, male. Abbreviations: bm+dm –basal medial cell + discal medial cell.

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◄Back to KEY(15)Micrempis MelanderC

This genus of Tachydromiinae (Hybotidae) includes 10 described
Nearctic species north of Mexico (Chillcott & Teskey 1983;
Cumming & Cooper 1989). Chillcott & Teskey (1983) revised the
New World species and provided an identification key tospecies. The genus (wing length: 1.0–1.5 mm) is characterized bywing cell cua absent, cells br and bm aligned apically, and vein
R2+3 strongly curved anteriorly with vein R4+5 more gradually
curved (Fig. A), head with narrow gena (Fig. B), thorax with 1–2
pairs of scutellar setae, terminal arista-like antennal stylus (Fig.
C), and male terminalia with short non-filamentous phallus.
Micrempis occurs throughout North America in a variety ofopen habitats.

A

B

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Micrempis bomboxynon Chillcott. (B) M. bomboxynon, male habitus. (C) Head of M. bomboxynon, dorsal view. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; br – basal radial cell.

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◄Back to KEY(75)Microphor Macquart
This genus of the Microphorinae (Dolichopodidae sensu lato)
includes five described species in North America. Brooks & Cumming(2022) revised the Nearctic species and provided an identification
key to species. Adults (Figs C, D, F, G) are found in various habitats
such as forest margins, meadows, and gardens. They are mostly
predaceous, but are often found on flowers (Fig. C). Some species
are known to feed on insects trapped in spider webs, or on spider
prey not found in webs (Fig. D). The genus (wing length: 1.9–3.5mm) is characterized by wing with vein Rs originating near level ofcrossvein h (Figs A, B), cell dm long (Fig. A), or if cell dm short (Fig.
B) then antennal stylus shorter than postpedicel (Fig. E), thorax with
3–4 pairs of scutellar setae, male genitalia without medial hypandrial
prolongation, and female abdomen with five exposed segments.
Species of Microphor are distributed across North America.

C

D

E

dm
Rs

A

B

F

G

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Microphor discalis Melander. (B) Wing of M. obscurus Coquillett. (C) M. obscurus, male on flower of Maiantheum racemosum (L.) Link; photo by S.A. Marshall. (D)Females of Microphor sp. feeding on noctuine caterpillar prey of crab spider (Xysticus sp.) in Germany; photo Gerrit Öhm. (E) Head of M. obscurus, oblique view. (F) M. obscurus, male
habitus. (G) M. discalis, male habitus. Abbreviations: dm – discal medial cell; Rs – radial sector.

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◄Back to KEY(77)Microphorella Becker
This genus of Parathalassiinae (Dolichopodidae sensu lato) includes 10 described Nearctic
species and at least 20 North American species awaiting description (Cumming & Brooks2019). These species are classified into four species groups by Cumming & Brooks (2019)with an identification key to the groups provided by Cumming & Brooks (2022).
Identification keys to the described Nearctic species in two of these species groups areavailable in Brooks & Cumming (2012) and Cumming & Brooks (2022). Adults (Fig. D) of
North American Microphorella (wing length: 1.3–2.0 mm) can be recognized by the wingwith vein Rs originating near level of crossvein h, a reduced anal lobe, apically convex cellcua, short to absent vein CuA+CuP and cell dm present (Figs A, B), in combination with ahead with weakly developed gena, small short rounded or narrow palpus, and a nonlengthened arista-like stylus (Fig. C). In North America, Microphorella has a western
distribution with species found primarily in a variety of riparian habitats.

C

Rs

dm

A

B

D

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Microphorella breviradia Cumming & Brooks. (B) Wing of M. chillcotti Brooks & Cumming. (C) Head of M. breviradia, lateral view. (D) Microphorella sp., male habitus.
Abbreviations: dm – discal medial cell; Rs – radial sector.

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◄Back to KEY(23)Neoplasta Coquillett
This genus of Hemerodromiinae (Empididae) includes 12 described
Nearctic species north of Mexico (MacDonald & Turner 1993). Neoplasta
is an aquatic genus, collected from riparian vegetation along streams.
MacDonald & Turner (1993) revised the Nearctic species and provided an
identification keys to species. The larvae and pupae have been describedand illustrated (MacDonald & Harkrider 1999; Brammer et al. 2009).
Adults of the genus (wing length: 2.5–4.0 mm; Figs A–C) are readily
distinguished from other Hemerodromiinae genera by the less enlarged
fore femur, and the wing venation where cells bm and dm are fused, andthree veins are emitted from cell bm+dm (Fig. D). Neoplasta occurs
across North America, ranging from south of the Arctic circle to the USA
southern border.
C

A

B

D

FIGURES: (A) Neoplasta sp., male. (B) Neoplasta sp. (Costa Rica), male with prey (probably Ceratopogonidae). (C) Neoplasta sp., female. (D) Wing of Neoplasta paramegorchis MacDonald &Turner. All in situ photos by S.A. Marshall. Abbreviation: bm+dm – basal medial cell + discal medial cell.

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◄Back to KEY(33)Niphogenia MelanderThis endemic Nearctic genus of Trichopezinae(Brachystomatidae) includes two described species(Wilder 1981b). Adults of Niphogenia are found inmontane forest habitats in low-growing vegetation,
often in high numbers, feeding on insect larvae
unearthed from soil. An identification key to species
was provided by Wilder (1981b). The genus (winglength: 3.0–4.0 mm) is characterized by dark bodycolouration (Figs A–C), antenna with an elongate
postpedicel and very short stylus (Fig. A), barerounded dichoptic eyes in both sexes, and wing withanal lobe not developed and vein R4+5 forked (Figs B,
C). Niphogenia occurs in the mountain ranges ofnorthern California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon andWashington (Wilder 1981b).

♀
♂

♂
A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Niphogenia sp., male head and thorax. (B) Niphogenia sp., male habitus. (C) Niphogenia sp., female habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(63)Ocydromia Meigen
This genus of Ocydromiinae (Hybotidae) is known from the Nearctic,
Palaearctic, Oriental and Afrotropical Regions and includes nine described
species (Yang et al. 2007). The single species found in the Nearctic Region isthought to be a Holarctic species, Ocydromia glabricula (Fallén), but thisrequires further verification. A possible second eastern species has also beententatively identified (B.J. Sinclair unpubl. data). Adults of this species (Fig. A)
fly low over the ground in open areas. Larvae have been reared from dung anddecaying organic matter, and females are viviparous (Chvála 1983). The genus(wing length: 2.8–4.5 mm) is characterized by an antenna with oval postpedicel
and long dorsoapical arista-like stylus (Fig. C), wing with cell dm emitting two
veins that reach the wing margin (Fig. B), and legs without distinct setae. In
North America, Ocydromia occurs widely throughout Canada and the USA.

A

dm

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Ocydromia glabricula (Fallén), female; photo by N. Vladimirov. (B) Wing of O. glabricula. (C) Head, thorax and foreleg of O. glabricula. Abbreviation: dm – discal medial cell.

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◄Back to KEY(68)Oedalea Meigen
This primarily Holarctic genus of Oedaleinae (Hybotidae) includes four described
Nearctic species and at least one undescribed species. Adults (Fig. A) are generally
found in forested habitats and are not known to visit flowers (Chvála 1983). Larvae areprobably predators in decaying wood as adults have been repeatedly bred from rotten
wood (Chvála 1983; Cumming et al. 2018). Melander (1928) provided an identification
key to Nearctic species. Oedalea (wing length: 3.0–4.8 mm) is characterized by anantenna with elongated postpedicel and short stylus (Fig. B), wing with pterostigma
not filling apex of cell r1, cell dm emitting three veins that reach wing margin, cell bm
narrow apically with crossvein bm-m oblique (Fig. C), and hind femur thickened withstrong ventral setae (Fig. D). The genus occurs across North America from Alaska,
Yukon, Alberta, central and eastern Canada in the north to California, Texas, Georgia
and Durango Mexico in the south.

A

bm
bm-m
dm

B

C

D

FIGURES: (A) Oedalea lanceolata Melander, male habitus. (B) Head of O. lanceolata, lateral view. (C) Wing of O. lanceolata. (D) Hing leg of O. lanceolata. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell;bm-m – basal medial crossvein; dm – discal medial cell.

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◄Back to KEY(48)

Oreogeton Schiner

CThis Holarctic genus includes eight described Nearctic species and seven
undescribed species (B.J. Sinclair unpubl. data). Oreogeton is often classified in themonotypic subfamily Oreogetoninae (Empididae), but recent morphological studies
suggest that the genus is closely related to the genus Gloma of the subfamily
Trichopezinae (Sinclair et al. 2019a). Oreogeton is an aquatic genus, found in small
streams mostly in mountainous regions, with adults (Figs C, D) swept fromoverhanging riparian vegetation. Melander (1928) provided an identification key tospecies, but it is now outdated. Immature stages were described by Sommerman(1962). The genus (wing length: 4.5–8.0 mm) is easily recognized by wing vein R1
with setae dorsally (Fig. A), vein R4+5 branched (Fig. B) and laterotergite setose(Fig. A). Oreogeton is primarily found in the western and eastern mountain ranges,
from Alaska to California and Ontario to the southern Appalachian Mountains.

A

B

D

FIGURES: (A) Oreogeton scopifer (Coquillett). (B) Wing of O. scopifer. (C) Oreogeton sp., female; photo by S.A. Marshall. (D) Oreogeton sp., female; photo by S.A. Marshall.

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◄Back to KEY(39)

Oreothalia MelanderThis endemic Nearctic genus of Clinocerinae (Empididae) includes five described species
and one undescribed species (Sinclair 1995). Oreothalia is an aquatic genus, found in
headwater streams and madicolous habitats, although some species are found in boggy
areas, tundra, wet soil and puddles along forest trails (Wilder 1981a; Sinclair 1995). Wilder(1981a) revised the genus and provided an identification key to species. The immature
stages remain unknown. The genus (wing length: 2.0–4.0 mm) is easily recognized by thenarrow wing (Fig. C) with unbranched vein R4+5 (Fig. A) and spine-like ventral setae on thefore femur (Fig. B). Oreothalia includes one southern Appalachian species and four western
Cordilleran species (Wilder 1981a). An undescribed species is known from Florida (Sinclair
1995; Sinclair et al. 2020).

A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Oreothalia sierrensis Wilder. (B) Fore femur of O. spinitarsis Wilder, lateral view. (C) O. spinitarsis, male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(76)Parathalassius Mik

A

B

D

E

This distinctive genus of the Parathalassiinae (Dolichopodidae sensulato) includes 15 described species of small flies that occur along sandyseacoast habitats in both the Palaearctic and Nearctic Regions. Brooks &Cumming (2017) revised the Nearctic species and provided a key to the
known world species. The Nearctic species (wing length: 1.5–3.5 mm) areeasily recognized by their silvery-grey colouration and pale setae of the
body and legs (Figs A, B, D, E), wing with vein Rs originating near level ofcrossvein h, cell cua truncate apically (Fig. C) and thorax with 2 or morepairs of scutellar setae. The genus occurs primarily along the west coastof North America from the Aleutian Islands and Alaska south to Baja
California; however, one of the western species has also been recorded
from the Atlantic coast of the USA (Sapelo Island, Georgia).
C

FIGURES: (A) Parathalassius abela Brooks & Cumming, male. (B) P. uniformus Brooks & Cumming, female. (C) Wing of P. candidatus Melander. (D) P. infuscatus Brooks & Cumming, male.
(E) Mating pair of P. uniformus. All in situ photos by A. Abela.

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◄Back to KEY(53)Philetus MelanderThis endemic Nearctic genus of Empidinae (Empididae) includes three described species(Cumming et al. 2016; Cumming & Brooks 2020). Adults of Philetus (Fig. A) are found inmontane and coastal forest habitats, with one species recorded from shrub tundra. An
identification key to males of the species was provided by Cumming & Brooks (2020). The
genus (wing length: 3.0–4.5 mm) is characterized by a head with ocelli positioned anterior to
the vertex, eyes dichoptic and narrow and obliquely oriented, palpus straight (Fig. C), thorax
with laterotergite bare (Fig. C), and wing with vein R4+5 branched, cell cua angled apically withvein CuA curved back towards vein CuP, and anal lobe developed (Fig. B). The genus occurs
primarily in the western mountain ranges, from Alaska and Yukon in the north, to California,
Nevada and Arizona in the south, including records from British Columbia, Washington,
Oregon, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado (Cumming et al. 2016; Cumming & Brooks 2020).
Females of an unidentified species are also known from the southern Appalachian Mountains.

B

A

C
FIGURES: (A) Philetus sp., female; photo by S.A. Marshall. (B) Wing of P. memorandus Melander. (C) Head and thorax of P. schizophorus Melander.

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◄Back to KEY(10)◄Back to KEY(11)Platypalpus Macquart

This is the most speciose genus of Tachydromiinae (Hybotidae) in the world andcurrently includes 117 described North American species (Yang et al. 2007; Shamshev& Grootaert 2012). An identification key to most Nearctic species was provided by
Melander (1928) with Chillcott (1962) subsequently revising the Platypalpus juvenis
species group. In addition, species that were formerly classified as the separate
genus Charadrodromia Melander, were synonymized under Platypalpus and keyedby Shamshev & Grootaert (2012). Several species of Platypalpus appear to beparthenogenic allowing them to reproduce without males (Chvála 1975; Sinclair &Cumming 2017). Platypalpus (wing length: 1.3–5.5 mm) is characterized by a wingwith cell cua present (Fig. A), bare eyes, and raptorial midlegs (Figs B, C) with mid
femur usually thickened and mid tibia usually ending in an apical spur (Fig. B). The
genus is found in various habitats throughout North America.

A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Platypalpus glacialis Melander. (B) Midleg of Platypalus sp. (C) Platypalpus sp., female; photo by S.A. Marshall.

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◄Back to KEY(50)Porphyrochroa MelanderThis genus of Empidinae (Empididae) contains 53 described Neotropical species (Rafael & Cumming
2004; Mendonça 2010), including four described species from Central America (Cumming & Sinclair2009). Here we record two undescribed species from Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, which havebeen collected in riparian woodland and meadow habitats. Adults of the genus (wing length: 2.5–
3.5 mm; Figs C, D) are distinguished from other Empidinae genera by the thorax with laterotergite
setose, abdomen metallic blue or blue-green (Fig. D), wing venation where vein R4+5 isunbranched, vein CuA strongly recurved into vein CuP, pterostigma extending to near apex of vein
R2+3 (Fig. A), and male terminalia with phallus short and usually concealed within elongate
hypandrium (Fig. B). Porphyrochroa is primarily a Neotropical genus, extending from South America
into the southern USA.

C

A

B

D

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Porphyrochroa sp. (B) Male terminalia of Porphyrochroa sp. (C) Porphyrochroa sp. (Ecuador) on flower; photo by S.A. Marshall. (D) Porphyrochroa sp. (Ecuador), malein flight; photo by S.A. Marshall.

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◄Back to KEY(42)Proclinopyga MelanderThis genus of Clinocerinae (Empididae) includes six described North American
species and ten undescribed species (Sinclair 1995). Proclinopyga is an aquatic
genus, with the larva recently described (Sinclair et al. 2022). The genus
occurs in small to large rocky streams and rivers, often together with speciesof Trichoclinocera. Melander (1928) provided an identification key to six
species, but the genus is in need of revision. Adults of the genus (wing length:
3.0–6.0 mm; Fig. D) are readily distinguished from other Clinocerinae by thewing with an incomplete subcostal vein (Fig. A), protruding face (Fig. B) andtruncate female abdomen (Fig. C). Proclinopyga includes two primarily
Appalachian species with the remaining identified species confined to thewestern mountains, ranging from Alaska to southern California and New
Mexico.

B

♂

♀
A

C

D

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Proclinopyga sp. (B) Head of Proclinopyga sp., lateral view. (C) P. exporrecta Melander, female habitus. (D) Proclinopyga sp., male habitus.

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Ragas Walker

This genus of Ragadinae (Empididae) includes four described North American species(Sinclair & Saigusa 2001). In North America, Ragas is relatively rarely collected with adults
appearing in winter months (Sinclair & Saigusa 2001). In Europe, adults have been observed
clustered on tree trunks where they prey on small insects, such as Collembola. Sinclair &Saigusa (2001) provided an identification key to species. Adults of the genus (wing length:
2.0–2.5 mm; Figs A, B) are readily distinguished by stout setae on the postgena behind theproboscis, on the anterior surface of the fore coxa (Fig. C) and on the anteroventral surfaceof the fore trochanter, and by a wing with a narrow or indistinct pterostigma (Fig. D). In
North America, species of this genus are known from Arizona and California (Sinclair &Saigusa 2001).

C

♂
A

♀
B

D

FIGURES: (A) Ragas alpina Sinclair & Saigusa, male habitus. (B) R. alpina, female habitus. (C) Head of R. alpine, lateral view. (D) Wing of R. alpina.

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Rhamphomyia Meigen

This genus of Empidinae (Empididae) includes 205 described species inNorth America, with at least as many species remaining undescribed(Sinclair et al. 2019b) and represents one of the most diverse andcommon groups of Empididae. With such diversity, the genus has
been divided into more than 10 subgenera and several remain to beformally described (Saigusa 2012). Adults of Rhamphomyia (Figs B–L)
are most common in forests, along streams, on tundra and in
mountainous regions, and are often observed resting on flowers (Fig.
C). The genus displays an interesting array of mating behaviours(Cumming 1994), especially concerning the transfer of nuptial gifts(Fig. E). Coquillett (1895) provided the first identification key tospecies, which is now outdated. More recently, various groups of
Nearctic Rhamphomyia have been revised and authors have usuallyprovided keys to species, including: R. (Pararhamphomyia) basalis
group (Chillcott 1959), species described by Walker (Smith 1971;
Sinclair & Saigusa 2018), R. (Megacyttarus) (Barták 2002), R.
(Vockerothempis) (Saigusa 2012) and species of the Canadian arctic
islands (Sinclair et al. 2019b). The genus (wing length: 2.2–10.0 mm) isreadily distinguished from other Empidinae genera by wing venation(Fig. A) where vein R4+5 is unbranched, vein CuA is strongly recurved
into vein CuP, pterostigma does not extend to apex of vein R2+3,
costa extends only as far as apex of wing, and by laterotergite setose(Fig. A). Rhamphomyia is widespread across the Nearctic Region fromEllesmere Island and Greenland in the north, south to the Mexican
border.

B

Additional images of Rhamphomyia (Figs D–L) on next slide…

FIGURES: (A) Thorax and wing of Rhamphomyia sp. (B) Rhamphomyia sp., female in flight; photo
by S. A. Marshall. (C) Rhamphomyia sp., male on flower; photo by S.A. Marshall.

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◄Back to KEY(50)Rhamphomyia Meigen (continued)

D

E

F

G

H

J

I

K

L

FIGURES: (D) Rhamphomyia sp., female. (E) Rhamphomyia sudigeronis Coquillett, mating pair, female with tephritid fly as nuptial gift. (F) R. longicauda, male with prey. (G–H) R. longicauda,
female with inflated abdomen. (I) Rhamphomyia sp., male. (J–L) Rhamphomyia spp., females. All in situ photos by S.A. Marshall, except Fig. G by J. Alcock.

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Roederiodes Coquillett
This genus of Clinocerinae (Empididae) includes eight North American species (Sinclair2023). Roederiodes is an aquatic genus, with adults found on emergent wet rocks in streams,
creeks and small rivers. Adults appear to overwinter, clustered together on the underside ofrocks. Sinclair (2023) provided an identification key to species. The immature stages were
described by Sinclair & Harkrider (2004). Adults of the genus (wing length: 2.0–4.0 mm; Fig.
C) are readily distinguished by the narrow wing (Figs A, C) and elongate, narrow proboscis(Fig. B). In North America, the genus is widespread, known from Northwest Territories to
Florida. Roederiodes is surprisingly absent from the Pacific Northwest (British Columbia,
Idaho, Oregon, Washington), Alberta and Montana, despite focused collections of aquatic
associated empidids by a number of dipterists for the past 100 years.

A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Roederiodes recurvatus Chillcott. (B) Head of R. recurvatus, lateral view. (C) R. recurvatus, male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(37)Sabroskyella Wilder
This monotypic Nearctic genus of Trichopezinae (Brachystomatidae) is basedon the species, Sabroskyella rancheria Wilder (Wilder 1982; Figs A–C). Adultsof the genus have been collected from riparian vegetation of mountainstreams at high elevation, usually active in early morning and late evening(Wilder 1982). The genus (wing length: 3.0–4.0 mm) is easily recognized by
the antenna with long, gradually tapered postpedicel, without a terminal
stylus (Fig. C), wing with weakly developed anal lobe, vein R4+5 branched(Fig. B), mid femur with spine-like anteroventral and posteroventral setae(Fig. C), and male terminalia asymmetrical with long thread-like phallus.
Sabroskyella is known only from the Sierra Nevada mountains of California(Wilder 1982).

B

A

C
FIGURES: (A) Sabroskyella rancheria Wilder, female habitus. (B) Wing of S. rancheria. (C) S. rancheria, male showing antenna and midleg.

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Saigusamyia Sinclair
This endemic Nearctic genus of Trichopezinae (Brachystomatidae) includes
three described species (Sinclair 2021). Saigusamyia is recorded primarily fromthe winter months. Adults have been collected along small streams and theimmature stages are believed to be aquatic. The species are readily
distinguished by body colour and configuration of male terminalia (Sinclair2021). Adults of the genus (wing length: 2.5–3.5 mm; Fig. C) are easily
recognized by the narrow wing, branched vein R4+5 (Fig. C), antenna withshort, ovate postpedicel with subdorsal arista-like stylus (Fig. A), and maleterminalia with long sickle-shaped surstyli arched over the right side of theabdomen (Fig. B). Saigusamyia is recorded only from California (Sinclair 2021).

A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Head of Saigusamyia harkrideri Sinclair. (B) Male terminalia of S. uvasensis Sinclair. (C) S. harkrideri, male habitus.

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Schistostoma Becker

This genus of Microphorinae (Dolichopodidae sensu lato) includes 28
described species in North America. Brooks & Cumming (2022) revised the
Nearctic species and provided an identification key. North American
Schistostoma are generally found in riparian habitats, but some species occur
in drier areas. Adults of several species are flower visitors and some feed onpollen (Brooks & Cumming 2022, Fig. A). Adults of the genus (wing length:
1.7–3.1 mm; Figs A, B) are characterized by wing vein Rs originating near levelof crossvein h, cell dm short (Fig. C), antennal stylus at least subequal topostpedicel (Fig. D), thorax with setae widely spaced (Figs B, D), usually with
2 pairs of scutellar setae (occasionally one, three or four), male terminalia
with medial hypandrial prolongation (Fig. E), and female abdomen with six
or seven exposed segments. Schistostoma is distributed throughout North
America with most species occurring in the west.

A

B

dm
Rs

C

D

E

FIGURES: (A) Schistostoma armipes (Melander) female eating pollen from dehisced thimbleberry anther. (B) S. evisceratum (Melander), male; photo by S.A. Marshall. (C) Wing of S. sycophantor(Melander). (D) Head and thorax of male S. borkenti Brooks & Cumming. (E) Abdomen and male terminalia of S. armipes. Abbreviations: dm – discal medial cell; Rs – radial sector.

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◄Back to KEY(17)Stilpon Loew
This genus of Tachydromiinae (Hybotidae) includes 13 described Nearctic species. Cumming &Cooper (1992) revised the North American species and provided an identification key tospecies. Adults of the genus (wing length: 1.3–2.0 mm; Figs B, D) are characterized by wingwith cell cua absent, cell br shorter than cell bm, antenna with dorsal arista-like stylus (Fig. A),eyes contiguous on face, and margin of frons nearly parallel (Fig. A), male terminalia large (Fig.
D) with one slender internal apodeme, and female terminalia with tergite and sternite 8
separated laterally (Fig. C). Species of Stilpon are widely distributed in eastern North America
and are primarily found in various open habitats such as grasslands, sandy coastal areas, sedge
and moss zones, and open riparian woodlands.

B

C

A

D

FIGURES: (A) Head of Stilpon chillcotti Cumming, dorsal view. (B) Stilpon sp.; photo by T. Murray. (C) Female abdomen of S. chillcotti. (D) S. chillcotti, male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(11)Symballophthalmus Becker
This Holarctic genus of Tachydromiinae (Hybotidae) includes one described
Nearctic species (Chillcott 1958). Symballophthalmus (wing length: 2.5–3.0 mm; Figs
A, B) is characterized by a wing with cell cua present and anal lobe absent, bareeyes, slender legs with mid femur not thickened, and mid tibia without an apicalspur. Symballophthalmus masoni Chillcott occurs in forested habitats throughout
northeastern North America.

A

B

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Symballophthalmus sp. (B) Symballophthalmus sp., female habitus.

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Syndyas Walker
This genus of Hybotinae (Hybotidae) includes six described species inNorth America (Teskey & Chillcott 1977). Syndyas preys on flying insects,
with habits similar to Hybos (Chvála 1983). Although Teskey & Chillcott(1977) revised the North American species and provided an identification
key to species, the species definitions require reassessment. Adults ofthe genus (wing length: 2.4–3.4 mm; Figs B, C, E) are readily
distinguished from other Hybotinae species by the wing venation where
vein Rs is very short, arising in the apex of cell br, M vein separating cells
br and bm weak and unpigmented, and cell cua longer than cell bm (Fig.
A), hind femur slender to thickened, hind tibia clavate (Fig. D), andmouthparts narrow, elongate and sclerotized for piercing. Syndyas is
widespread in North America from Nova Scotia to Florida, extending
west to British Columbia and Texas (Teskey & Chillcott 1977).
M

B

C
D

Rs

E

br

A
FIGURES: (A) Wing of Syndyas merbleuensis Teskey & Chillcott. (B) S. merbleuensis, male habitus. (C) S. merbleuensis, female habitus. (D) Hindleg of S. merbleuensis. (E) Syndyas sp, male;
photo by D. Patton. Abbreviations: bm – basal medial cell; br – basal radial cell; cua – anterior cubital cell; M – medial vein; Rs – radial sector.

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Syneches Walker
This genus of Hybotinae (Hybotidae) includes 11 described species in North America (Wilder
1974) and an undescribed species from Texas. Syneches preys on flying insects in theundergrowth of forests and grasslands, with at least some species becoming active towards
dusk (Wilder 1974). Wilder (1974) revised the North American and Antilles species andprovided an identification key to species. Adults of the genus (wing length: 4.5–5.5 mm; Figs
C, D) are readily distinguished from other Hybotinae genera by the wing venation where vein
Rs is long, arising in the basal half of cell br, M vein separating cells br and bm welldeveloped, and cell cua usually as long as cell bm (Fig. A), hind femur narrow to thickened,hind tibia slender and not clavate (Figs C, D), head hemispherical, often with eyes flattened
dorsally with prominent ocellar triangle and mouthparts narrow, elongate and sclerotizedfor piercing (Fig. B). Syneches is widespread in eastern North America from Nova Scotia to
Florida, extending west to South Dakota and south through Texas and Arizona (Wilder 1974).

C

M Rs br

A

B

D

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Syneches thoracicus (Say). (B) Head of S. debilis Coquillett, lateral view. (C) S. thoracicus; photo by C. Butler. (D) S. thoracicus, female habitus. Abbreviations: bm – basal
medial cell; br – basal radial cell; cua – anterior cubital cell; M – medial vein; Rs – radial sector.

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◄Back to KEY(8)Tachydromia Meigen
This genus of Tachydromiinae (Hybotidae) includes 15 described Nearctic
species (Shamshev & Grootaert 2018). An identification key to the Nearctic
species was provided by Melander (1928). Tachydromia (wing length: 1.6–3.0mm; Figs B, C) is characterized by the postpronotal lobe being large, elongate
and distinctly differentiated (Fig. A), wing cell cua and vein CuA absent (Fig.
D), frons narrow with sides nearly parallel (Fig. A), and eyes bare and withupper margins nearly on level with ocellar tubercle (Fig. A). The genus occurs
throughout North America in a variety of forested habitats.

C

B

A

D

FIGURES: (A) Head and thorax of Tachydromia sp., dorsal view. (B) Tachydromia sp., male habitus. (C) Tachydromia sp.; photo by S.A. Marshall. (D) Wing of Tachydromia sp.

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Tachyempis MelanderThis genus of Tachydromiinae (Hybotidae) includes six described Nearctic
species (Yang et al. 2007). An identification key to the New World species
was provided by Melander (1928). Adults of Tachyempis (wing length: 1.3–2.0mm; Fig. C) are characterized by the postpronotal lobe being of moderate
size and distinctly differentiated (Fig. B), wing cell cua and vein CuA absent(Fig. A), eyes bare, and frons fairly broad with sides divergent above (Fig. B).
Females of one undescribed species from Montana have short wings thatare about the length of the thorax. The genus occurs throughout North
America in a variety of habitats.

A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Wing of Tachyempis sp. (B) Head and thorax of Tachyempis sp., dorsal view. (C) Tachyempis sp., male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(8)Tachypeza Meigen

B

C

This genus of Tachydromiinae (Hybotidae) includes 18 described Nearctic
species (Shamshev & Grootaert 2018). An identification key to most of the
Nearctic species was provided by Melander (1928). Adults of Tachypeza(wing length: 2.1–4.3 mm; Fig. A) are characterized by the postpronotal
lobe being large, elongate and distinctly differentiated (Fig. B), wing cell
cua absent and vein CuA usually present (Fig. D), frons narrow with sides
nearly parallel (Fig. C), eyes bare and with upper margins extending far
beyond ocellar tubercle (Fig. B). The genus occurs throughout North
America, commonly on tree trunks in a variety of forested habitats.
AD
FIGURES: (A) Tachypeza sp.; photo by S.A. Marshall. (B) Head and thorax of T. corticalis (Melander), dorsal view. (C) Head of T. corticalis, anterior view. (D) Wing of Tachypeza sp.

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Thalassophorus Saigusa

A

B

This distinctive genus of Parathalassiinae (Dolichopodidae sensu lato) includes two
described species, one from western North America (Thalassophorus arnaudi
Brooks & Cumming, Figs A, C, D) and the other from Hokkaido, Japan (T. spinipennis
Saigusa, Fig. B). Thalassophorus (wing length: 2.0–2.5 mm) is recognized by thefollowing features: gena distinctly projecting below eye, palpus triangular withpointed apex (Fig. D) and wing with spine-like anterior costal setae near base (FigsA, C). Other generic features include: male abdominal sternite 5 with prominent
ventral projection, male terminalia with elongate medial hypandrial projection andstraight phallus, female terminalia with tergite 9+10 bearing acanthophorous setae
and cercus with narrow apical projection (see figures in Brooks & Cumming 2011).
The genus prefers rocky or stony seacoast habitats (Saigusa 1986; Brooks &Cumming 2011) and T. arnaudi is known from the Prince Rupert environs of British
Columbia, south to the Monterey Peninsula of California.

C

D

FIGURES: (A) Thalassophorus arnaudi Brooks & Cumming, male. (B) T. spinipennis, male; photo by M. Satô. (C) Wing of male T. arnaudi. (D) Head, thorax and wing base of T. arnaudi.

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◄Back to KEY(64)Trichina Meigen
This genus of Trichininae (Hybotidae) is Holarctic and includes only one described Nearctic
species, Trichina nura Melander, as suggested by Chvála (1983). The supposedly Holarctic
species T. clavipes Meigen (Melander 1965), does not appear to occur in North America.
Adults of Trichina (Figs B, C) are most often found on low-lying vegetation along the margins
of forests (Chvála 1983). The genus (wing length: 2.5–3.2 mm) is characterized by head (Fig.
A) with short proboscis and antenna with moderately long postpedicel, wing (Fig. D) withpterostigma filling apex of cell r1 and cell dm emitting three veins that reach wing margin,
and hind tibia dilated apically (Fig. C). Trichina nura occurs in northeastern North America
with at least two additional undescribed species occurring in the west.

C

dm

A

B

D

FIGURES: (A) Head of Trichina sp., lateral view. (B) Trichina sp., female habitus. (C) Trichina sp., male habitus. (D) Wing of Trichina sp. Abbreviation: dm – discal medial cell.

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◄Back to KEY(68)Trichinomyia TuomikoskiThis genus of Trichininae (Hybotidae) was reported
from North America by Chvála (1983) and Cumming etal. (2018). Five described Nearctic species were listed
by Melander (1928) under the genus Trichina, but one
species, the supposedly Holarctic species Trichinomyia
flavipes (Meigen), probably does not occur in North
America and its identification requires confirmation.
Adults of Trichinomyia are found on shaded low-lying
vegetation often at the margins of forests (Chvála
1983) and have been bred from decaying wood
(Cumming et al. 2018). An identification key to thedescribed Nearctic species was provided by Melander(1928) under the genus Trichina. The genus (winglength: 2.0–3.3 mm; Fig. A) is characterized by headwith short proboscis, antenna with moderately longpostpedicel, wing with pterostigma not filling apex ofcell r1 and cell dm emitting three veins that reach wing
margin, and hind tibia slender apically. Trichinomyia
occurs in both eastern and western North America.

dm

A
FIGURE: (A) Trichinomyia sp., male habitus. Abbreviation: dm – discal medial cell.

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◄Back to KEY(43)Trichoclinocera Collin

A

This genus of Clinocerinae (Empididae) includes 16 described North American
species (Sinclair 1994). Trichoclinocera is an aquatic genus, with adults found on
emergent wet rocks and margins of streams, creeks and small rivers (Figs A–C).
Sinclair (1994) provided an identification key to Nearctic species and described
the immature stages. Trichoclinocera cummingi Sinclair was described only on thebasis of female specimens and males remain unknown. The genus (wing length:
3.0–6.5 mm) is readily distinguished by the narrow wing with setulae along theupper surface of vein R1 (Fig. D), distinct cleft on the lower margin of the face(Fig. E), and truncate female abdomen (Fig. A). Trichoclinocera occurs in botheastern and western North America (Sinclair 1994).
B

C

D

E

FIGURES: (A) Trichoclinocera pectinifemur Sinclair with prey (Chironomidae). (B) Congregation of Trichoclinocera sp. on emergent rock. (C) Two individuals of T. hamifera (Melander).
(D) Wing base of T. hamifera, dorsal view. (E) Head of T. hamifera, lateral view. All in situ photos by S.A. Marshall.

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◄Back to KEY(44)Wiedemannia Zetterstedt
This genus of Clinocerinae (Empididae) includes seven described North American species(Sinclair 1998; 2007). Wiedemannia is an aquatic genus, with adults readily swept fromemergent rocks in open canopy creeks and rivers (Fig. C). Sinclair (2007) provided an
identification key to species. Adults of the genus (wing length: 3.5–4.5 mm; Figs C, D) arereadily distinguished by the narrow wing (Fig. D), broad gena (Fig. B), distinct cleft on thelower margin of the face (Fig. A) and tapered female abdomen. The North American species
are known from the western Cordillera and northern Canada, with a glacial relict population
on Isle Royale in Lake Superior (Sinclair 1998).

A

B

C

D

FIGURES: (A) Head of Wiedemannia simplex (Loew), anterior view. (B) Head of W. simplex, lateral view. (C) Congregation of Wiedemannia sp. (Spain) resting on a rock; photo by C. Pradera.
(D) W. simplex, male habitus.

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◄Back to KEY(26)Zanclotus Wilder
This endemic genus of Ragadinae (Empididae) includes two described North
American species (Wilder 1982; Sinclair 1999). Adults of Zanclotus (Fig. C) are foundalong streams, often on the underside of emergent rocks and logs. The spines on theunderside of the head, fore coxae and trochanters serve to hold and impale small
prey, such as Collembola (Wilder 1982). Sinclair (1999) provided an identification key
to species. The genus (wing length: 4.0–4.5 mm) is readily distinguished by the setose
tubercle on the fore coxa (Fig. A), stout setae on the fore trochanter (Fig. A), wingwith a rounded pterostigma and presence of an auxiliary vein between veins R2+3
and R4 (Fig. B). Species of this genus are confined to the Pacific Northwest,
specifically British Columbia, Washington and Idaho (Wilder 1982; Sinclair 1999).

A

B

C

FIGURES: (A) Head and forelegs of Zanclotus dioktes Wilder, lateral view. (B) Wing of Z. dioktes. (C) Z. dioktes, female habitus.

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Undescribed genus A

B

This genus, assigned to the Trichopezinae (Brachystomatidae),includes two Nearctic species formerly assigned to Apalocnemis (A.
hirsuta Melander, A. oreas Melander) and an undescribed species fromBaltic amber (Sinclair 2021). This genus is related to Boreodromia and
Saigusamyia. Specimens have been collected on flowers at the edgesof alpine meadows (Melander 1946). Melander (1946) provided an
identification key to species (as Apalocnemis). Adults (wing length: 3.5–
4.5 mm; Fig. B) are distinguished by postpedicel short ovate, wing withbroad anal region and costa well developed around margin,
mouthparts with setose palpus, male holoptic, and male terminalia
upright, arched dorsally over abdomen (Fig. A). Species of the genus
have been collected in Arizona, California and Oregon.
A

FIGURES: (A) Abdomen of male Undescribed genus A sp. (B) Undescribed genus A sp., male habitus.

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Undescribed genus B
This genus, assigned to the Trichopezinae (Brachystomatidae), includes one undescribed
Nearctic species and appears to be related to Gloma and Oreogeton (Sinclair et al. 2019a).
Specimens have often been collected along creeks. Adults of the genus (wing length: 3.3–
3.5 mm; Figs D, E) are distinguished by the long tapered postpedicel and short, stout
stylus (Figs A, B), wing with broad anal region (Figs D, E) and costa well developed aroundmargin, male holoptic (Fig. A), and male terminalia (Fig. C) with three-lobed surstylus andpresence of a hypandrial bridge plate. The genus has been collected in northern California
and Oregon.

A

B

♂

C

D

♀

E
FIGURES: (A) Head and thorax of male Undescribed genus B sp., dorsal view. (B) Head of female Undescribed genus B sp., lateral view. (C) Male terminalia of Undescribed genus B sp. (D)Undescribed genus B sp., male habitus. (E) Undescribed genus B sp., female habitus.

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Acknowledgements
This project would not have been possible without
the vast Empidoidea holdings of the CNC. Past curators
at the CNC, especially Jim Chillcott, Bill Mason, Guy
Shewell, Dick Vockeroth and Monty Wood helped thecollection grow to one of the largest in the world. In more
recent years, the authors’ efforts to build the Empidoidea
collection were assisted by Art Borkent (Salmon Arm,BC), Jeff Skevington (Ottawa, ON), Owen Lonsdale,
Lubomir Masner and Jim O’Hara (CNC). We thankMichelle Locke and Gil Miranda (CNC) for comments
on earlier drafts and for testing the key. Neal Evenhuis(Honolulu, Hawaii) provided nomenclatural advice. Alice
Abela (Santa Maria, California), John Alcock (Tempe,
Arizona), Christina Butler (Canton, Georgia), Allen
Coovert (Laurellville, Ohio), Steve Marshall (Guelph,
Ontario), Tom Murray (Groton, Massachusetts), Johnvan der Linden (Decorah, Iowa), Gerrit Öhm (Göttingen,Germany), Dave Patton (Lafayette, Louisiana), Carlos
Pradera (Barcelona, Spain), Masahiko Satô (Rishiri,
Japan), Nikita Vikhrev (Moscow, Russia) and Nikolai
Vladimirov (Moscow, Russia) kindly provided imagesof live, in situ flies; Justin Runyon (U.S. Forest Service,
Bozeman, Montana, USA) provided images of a reducedwing Tachyempis. Justin Runyon, Steve Paiero (Universityof Guelph), Karen Mclachlan Hamilton (Canadian Food
Inspection Agency), Graham Thurston (CFIA), Brittany
Wingert and Shawn Abraham (University of Alberta) andOwen Lonsdale kindly commented on the manuscript.
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