Brachycera is a suborder of Diptera. It is a major suborder consisting of around 120 families. The most distinguishing characteristic of the suborder is reduced antenna sizes. A summary of main physiological characteristics follows:
- Reduced antenna size (with 8 or fewer flagellomeres).
- A maxillary palp (an elongated appendage near the mouth) having only 2 segments or less.
- 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).
- There are two distinct parts which comprise of the larval mandible (lower jaw).
- The epandrium and hypandrium of the genitalia are separated in males.
- No premandible on the lower surface of the labrum (the roof of the mouth).
- A distinct configuration of the CuA2 and A1 wing veins.
Brachyceran flies can also be distinguished through behavior. Many of the species are predators or scavengers.
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