Simplified Key to parasitic Diptera (Adult Stages)

(Does not include Hippoboscid flies)

1	Antennae not aristate	2
1	Antennae aristate	[Muscomorpha] 6
2	Antennae with more than 8 segments	[Nematocera] 3
2	Antennae with 8 or fewer segments	[Tabanomorpha] 5
3	Mouthparts no longer than head; Wings broad without scales	3
3	Mouthparts much longer than head	Culicidae
4	Antennae shorter than the thorax and never plumose (feather-like); legs strong; Thickset body covered with soft down	Simuliidaae
4	Antennae longer than the thorax; Antennae prominent and plumose in male but short and pilose (hair like) in female; Body not covered with down; Wings frequently spotted	Ceratopogonidae
5	1st segment of antennal flagellum lacks horn-like projection; Hind tibia with apical spurs; Wings often with stripe	Chryops
5	1st segment of antennal flagellum with horn-like projection; Hind tibia without spurs; Wings clear	Tabanus
6	Mouthparts vestigal (poorly developed)	Oestridae
6	Mouthparts well developed	7
7	Mouthparts slender, erect, rigid (hard)	8
7	Mouthparts pendant, fleshy (often looking like a kitchen sponge)	9
8	Palps nearlt as long as proboscis; Fly body 3-4mm long	Haematobia
8	Palps much shorter than proboscis; Fly body 7-8mm long	Stomoxys
9	Thorax with clear longitudinal stripes dorsally	10
9	Thorax without longitudinal stripes dorsally	11
10	Abdomen dorsally chequered black & silver; Terminal abdominal segment usually red; Fly is grey; <10mm long; 3 dark stripes on thorax	Sarcophaga
10	Abdomen dorsally less chequered grey & flesh; Terminal segment not red; 5-8mm long; 4 dark stripes on thorax	Musca
11	Base of stem vein without bristles	12
11	Base of stem vein with bristles; Metallic green or bluish colour	Chrysomya
12	Body metallic green or coppery green; <8mm long	Lucilla
12	Body blue-black, yellow to brown or black; 8-10mm long	Calliphora

This key does not include hippoboscid flies. Keds are dorsally flattened, their coxae attach on the lateral margin of the thorax and the antennae are inconpicuous; the sheep ked is wingless. To identify less common species, you will need to use reference books such as CSIRO's "Insects of Australia" (call #QL487.15). Other features such as wing venation are used in these keys.