Acrocera orbicula
This record describes Acrocera orbicula (species). Recorded family: Acroceridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
large, round Acrocera are often mistaken for Ladybird Beetles in the field
Identification notes
large, round Acrocera
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Empidoidea
- Family
- Acroceridae (Small-headed Flies)
- Genus
- Acrocera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
They can be seen hanging from grasses in meadowy situations
Geographic Range
holarctic: across Eurasia & NA (ON-NT to AR-CA)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acrocera orbicula (Fabricius 1787)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Acrocera orbicula. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Acrocera orbicula (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Acrocera orbicula
What is Acrocera orbicula?
Acrocera orbicula is a species in the family Acroceridae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Acrocera orbicula?
large, round Acrocera
Where is Acrocera orbicula found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | They can be seen hanging from grasses in meadowy situations |
| Range | holarctic: across Eurasia & NA (ON-NT to AR-CA) |