Small- to large-sized flies (body length: 3–15 mm), with slender to moderately thick body, often tapering gradually towards posterior end (Figs 1–37); colouration mainly black, through grey and brown to earth tones, sometimes red and orange, rarely with silver pubescence; body often clothed to varying degrees in long setae, as well as pubescence from silver to white, gold or earth colours; pubescence may be absent with bare regions displaying ground colouration, especially on head (often polished) and abdomen, creating species-specific patterns.