Anasimyia contracta
This record describes Anasimyia contracta (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wing length 5 to 7.5 mm. This species has a slightly 'wasp waisted' abdomen. Segment T2 is narrower than it is long and it has greyish 'hockey stick' shaped markings. A. transfuga has similar markings but with segment T2 parallel sided and wider then long. Usually seen on emergent vegetation at the margins of still water. April to September peaking in June and July. Larvae have been found living between the leaf sheaths of rotting plants. Widely distributed but local in Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually seen on emergent vegetation at the margins of still water.
Seasonal Activity
April to September peaking in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae have been found living between the leaf sheaths of rotting plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely distributed but local in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Anasimyia contracta. 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 Anasimyia contracta (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Anasimyia contracta
What is Anasimyia contracta?
Anasimyia contracta is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Anasimyia contracta?
5 to 7.5 mm. This species has a slightly 'wasp waisted' abdomen. Segment T2 is narrower than it is long and it has greyish 'hockey stick' shaped markings.
Where is Anasimyia contracta found?
Habitat: Usually seen on emergent vegetation at the margins of still water.
When is Anasimyia contracta active?
Anasimyia contracta: seasonal activity - April to September peaking in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Anasimyia contracta?
Larvae have been found living between the leaf sheaths of rotting plants.