Desmometopa Loew, 1866
Desmometopa varipalpis photo Photo: D. varipalpis Malloch, male (Photo: P. Brake)

With more than 50 valid species Desmometopa is one of the larger genera of Milichiidae. It belongs into the subfamily Madizinae and is currently divided into three subgenera, Desmometopa, Platophrymia, and Litometopa.
Species of the first two subgenera can be identified by an "M" on the frons. Desmometopa sordida photo
Females are kleptoparasitic and are especially attracted to predatory insects or spiders feeding on honeybees. Larvae develop for example in rotting vegetables and because of this some species (D. sordida, D. varipalpis) have been distributed worldwide through commerce.
Exemplary species:
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Content by Irina Brake, last updated: April 22, 2004

Background photo: Madiza glabra Fallén on flowers of Solidago canadensis