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Originally Posted by Laurence Clemons Flower flies is a literal translation of Anthomyiidae. It is somewhat of a misnomer as anthomyiids are not the most obvious flower visitors. The larvae of many species are leaf-miners but several of the more common species develop in rotting vegetation including dung. However as the family was named after the type genus Anthomyia, which presumably was thought to be associated with flower by the taxonomist Meigen, we are stuck with it. If the Americans call Syrphidae flower flies all the more reason for using the scientific term. In that way any ambiguities are avoided. |
Thanks, Laurence, for that little explanation – and yes, I can see the case for using scientific terms rather than common names ...
