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Family Apioceridae 



Apiocera species. 



Large, elongate flies, with three-segmented antennge and rather 

 thinly pilose. 



Antenna? with or without a short, terminal style. Front not exca- 

 vated, wider in the female; ocelli present; face short; proboscis longer 

 than the length of the head, not adapted for piercing, the labellse not 

 horny. Empodia wanting. Third vein usually furcate; basal cells 

 long; five posterior cells, the fourth closed. Male forceps enlarged. 



These flies are apparently restricted to arid or semi-arid regions 

 and are not at all common in collections. Like the Nemestrids they are 

 great hoverers and make a loud noise Avhile in flight. The immature 

 stages are unknown. 



