References
MORPHOLOGY OF NERIIDAE
Neriid flies have long and thin legs, elongated head and porrect antennae. The main characteristics that separate Neriidae from other families of the superfamily Nerioidea are the antennal arista inserted at the apex of the first flagellomere and the shape of the lunula, which is usually modified in an antennal base.
HEAD
Usually longer than its height, with occipital area well-developed, although the occipital area can be variable in size and shape amongst different genera. Frons concave between the eyes. Antennal base can be polished and shiny or pruinose and opaque. Antennal seta always present and vibrissa variable. Antennae prorrect, moderate to rather elongate in in length. Pedicel slightly flattened laterally, with an elongated projection at inner side. First flagellomere as long as or longer than pedicel. Arista aways apical or dorso-apical, bare or pubescent.
THORAX
Relatively elongate and partially pruinose. Two pairs of dorsocentral setae in almost all neotropical species. Scutellum can be bare or pruinescent, and usually have a yellow median stripe. Wing elongate and narrow, always shorter than body. Legs elongate and slender. Fore coxa always elongate.
ABDOMEN
Elongate, with six complete anterior segments. Tergites covered with black setulae. In males, tergite 6 are very narrow. Sternites reduced to narrow longitudinal bars. Male genitalia elongate, flexed below abdomen. A complete characterization of the composition of the male genitalia is provided by Steyskal (1987). Female with tergite 7 and sternite 7 fused laterally, becoming a conspicuous oviscape.
