Diversity, distribution and general knowledge of the Brazilian Phoridae (Diptera), the family of flies with most species known in the country

The elaboration of the Taxonomic Catalog of the Brazilian Fauna allowed the recognition of Phoridae as the family of flies with most species recorded for Brazil. The phorids are incredibly diverse morphologically, numerous in Malaise trap samples and have diverse ecological interactions with other organisms. Therefore, they are an interesting model to study different biological questions. However, the study of the family has considerable challenges ranging from the lack of specialists relative to its huge diversity to practical difficulties as the minute size of the specimens. To call attention for the opportunities of studying phorids in Brazil, we elaborated this overview of the family in the country focusing on the main aspects of its diversity, distribution and general knowledge. We evaluated how the knowledge of the Brazilian phorid fauna is distributed taxonomically (number of species per genera) and geographically (number of species per State) discussing its possible biases and the total number of species that may exist in the country. We also highlighted interesting discoveries of Phoridae biology in Brazil and provided curatorial techniques for preparing, conserving and identifying phorids. We emphasize how recent advances in the study of the family have opened new possibilities of studies. Hopefully, the potential benefits of better knowing the phorids discussed here bring more attention and researchers to this interesting group of flies.