What is "brachycera"

The Brachycera are a suborder of the order Diptera. It is a major suborder consisting of around 120 families. Their most distinguishing characteristic is reduced antenna segmentation. A summary of the main physiological characteristics is:

• Antenna size (with eight or fewer flagellomeres) is reduced.
• The maxillary palp (an elongated appendage near the mouth) has two segments or fewer.
• The back portions of the larval head capsule extend into the prothorax (the anterior part of the thorax, which bears the first pair of legs).
• Two distinct parts make up of the larval mandible (lower jaw).
• The epandrium and hypandrium of the genitalia are separated in males.
• No premandible is present on the lower surface of the labrum (the roof of the mouth).
• The configuration of the CuA2 and A1 wing veins is distinct.

Brachyceran flies can also be distinguished through behavior. Many of the species are predators or scavengers.