Asteia concinna
This record describes Asteia concinna (species). Recorded family: Asteiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
2-3mm. Mainly yellow but the top of the thorax and the disc of the scutellum shining black. The abdomen is pale yellow without any distinct black markings. Legs are pale and unmarked. Halteres are pale yellow and the face is also pale yellow without a white cross band but with a pair of black spots. Good images are needed, showing both a dorsal and a side view. Not commonly recorded but widespread in England and Wales. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Additional species information
Recorded status
Not commonly recorded but widespread in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Asteia concinna. 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.
