Rank Genus | Order Diptera Subsection Acalyptratae | |
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Similar Neurochaetidae, Cypselosomatidae, Xenasteiidae, Evocoa, Apsilocephalidae | ||
Syringogaster is a genus of small (4 to 6 mm) ant-mimicking flies with a petiolate abdomen, a long prothorax, a swollen and spiny hind femur, and reduced head size and large eyes. There are 20 described extant species and two species known from Miocene amber from the Dominican Republic. It is the only genus in the family Syringogastridae.
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Distribution
The genus Syringogaster are found in tropical areas of the Neotropical region, with exception of the Antilles. Syringogastridae inhabit tropical forests.
Biology
Very little is known about the biology of Syringogastridae, and no larvae are known.
Classification
The descriptor Ezra Townsend Cresson placed his new genus in the family Psilidae then in 1969 Angelo Pires do Prado erected a new family (Syringogastridae) to contain the genus.