Calyptrate flies

In some taxonomies Calyptratae is ranked as a zoosubsection, in others a subsection, a section, or an unnamed rank that is sometimes but not always called a clade. MinnesotaSeasons.com follows iNaturalist in using the rank zoosubsection.

Most taxonomic ranks above the family level have no common name. For convenience, the scientific name is sometimes anglicized. In this case, Calyptratae becomes “calyptrate flies.” The anglicized name is not normally used in taxonomy trees.

There are about 18,000 Calyptratae species worldwide, including the common house fly and other well-known flies. The zoosubsection is divided into three superfamilies. All three subfamilies occur in Minnesota.

Calyptrate flies have a pair of membranous lobes (calypters) at the base of each wing that covers the balancing structure (haltere). This is the feature that gives the zoosubsection its common name. The lower calypter on each side is usually prominent. The antennae have three segments. The second antennal segment has a longitudinal groove (suture) on top.

The families are distinguished by the body type, the arrangement of bristles, the pattern of wing veins, and the shape of the proboscis.