All-black Snout
Nemotelus nigrinus
This record describes Nemotelus nigrinus (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a mainly black soldierfly with a long black beak like snout. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Flower meadows and flower rich grassland. Visits flowering plants such as Yarrow and Ox-eye Daisy. Fairly frequent and widespread in southern Britain
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Stratiomyidae
- Genus
- Nemotelus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Flower meadows and flower rich grassland.
Seasonal Activity
Summer
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Visits flowering plants such as Yarrow and Ox-eye Daisy.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in southern Britain
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Nemotelus nigrinus. 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 All-black Snout (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About All-black Snout
What is All-black Snout?
All-black Snout (Nemotelus nigrinus) is a species in the family Stratiomyidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is All-black Snout found?
Habitat: Flower meadows and flower rich grassland.
When is All-black Snout active?
All-black Snout: seasonal activity - Summer.
What is the life cycle of a All-black Snout?
Visits flowering plants such as Yarrow and Ox-eye Daisy.