This program requires a Java-enabled browser.
Characteristics of Dipterans
Examples Flies
Wings 0-2
Mouth Parts Sucking
Usual Number of Tarsal Segments 5
Metamorphosis Complete Metamorphosis
Usual Size Any size
Where usually found On vegetation

Flies are two-winged insects that often have short antennae that are hard to find. They are easily recognized by their large compound eyes and by their annoying buzzing sound they make.

Flies are one of the largest orders in the insect kingdom, and they are abundant almost everywhere. They serve many different roles in the environment, from acting as food to cutting back on parasites. Some of them also carry plant diseases and attack plants, spreading the disease.

Flies are found in many different places. They usually do not stray far from the habitat they hatched and grew up in, and as many are bloodsucking they must also stay close to their pray.

Order Diptera is composed of three very large suborders, Nematocera, Brachycera, and Cyclorrhapha. These suborders differ based on the veins on the wings and the structure of the antennae.