Anthomyia procellaris
This record describes Anthomyia procellaris (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This small handsome fly has a thorax neatly marked with black spots on a grey background. There are other similar species and certain identification requires detailed examination, if we cannot be certain that an image is Anthomyia procellaris but it is likely to be this species, it is highlighted in a red box. Anthomyia procellaris is very similar to A. bazini A. imbrida and A. pluvialis . A. procellaris cannot be distinguished from the rare A. bazini without examining the male genitalia. A. pluvialis has the spots on the side of the thorax separated but in males of procellaris , imbrida and bazini that they are fused. It is also useful to count the anterodorsal setae on the hind tibia (males), there are 9-15 in A. imbrida , less in the others. (Note that A. imbrida and A. bazini has not (yet) been recorded in Leics and Rutland). Examination of the male genitalia is necessary to key out this species. Please explain how you identified your specimen. Well wooded areas. It is often seen sun-bathing on fences and posts and feeding on bird droppings. This species is not well understood but is thought to have an association with birds' nests. Scattered records from England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Anthomyia procellaris: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthomyia_procellaris.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthomyiinae
- Tribe
- Anthomyiini
- Genus
- Anthomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Well wooded areas. It is often seen sun-bathing on fences and posts and feeding on bird droppings.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species is not well understood but is thought to have an association with birds' nests.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scattered records from England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Anthomyia procellaris. 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 Anthomyia procellaris (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthomyia procellaris
What is Anthomyia procellaris?
Anthomyia procellaris is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Anthomyia procellaris found?
Habitat: Well wooded areas. It is often seen sun-bathing on fences and posts and feeding on bird droppings.
What is the life cycle of a Anthomyia procellaris?
This species is not well understood but is thought to have an association with birds' nests.