Beetle Flies (Family: Celyphidae)
Also known as beetle-backed flies Celyphids are a unique family of ~90 species of Lauxanioid flies which are known mostly from Oreitnal and Afrotropic regions. Beetle flies are unique in that their scutellum (the posteriero portion of their thorax) is enlarged, forming a shell over their abdomen and wings. This gives them a similar appearance to beetles, thus their common name. Despite their uniqueness the biology of Celyphids is poorly known. However, their larvae are known to be saprophagous (feeding on decaying organic matter) and adults typically occur along streams, rivers, and wet grassy areas.
Classification
Animalia-Arthropoda-Insecta-Diptera-Schizophora-Acalyptratae-Lauxanioidea-Celyphidae
Images: D momaya and Charles Lam