Which of the following is a family that includes flies but is not associated with water bodies?

The family Empididae, also known as dance flies, includes a variety of fly species that are predominantly terrestrial and not typically found in aquatic environments. Members of this family are characterized by their unique mating displays and predatory behavior, often preying on other insects. They are frequently found in a range of habitats, including meadows, forests, and grasslands, rather than close to water bodies.

In contrast, the other families listed—Simuliidae, Baetidae, and Dixidae—are all closely associated with aquatic environments. Simuliidae, or black flies, are commonly found in rivers and streams; Baetidae, known as mayflies, are primarily aquatic larvae; and Dixidae, or phantom midges, mostly inhabit freshwater environments in their larval stages. Recognizing the habitat associations of these families highlights why Empididae distinctly stands apart, as it encompasses taxa that thrive away from water.