Bellardia vulgaris
This record describes Bellardia vulgaris (species). Recorded family: Calliphoridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
5-11mm. A typical blowfly with a stocky stature. The abdomen is green and metallic, the thorax is grey. Bellardia as a genus have parafacialia with long hairs, the bend of vein M1 is obtuse and the abdomen is brown, black or green but rarely blue. Microscopic examination of the genitalia is required for a definate identification of the species. Your specimen should have all of these features: It is a parasite of earthworms, though the host species is unknown. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Calliphoridae (Blow Flies)
- Subfamily
- Calliphorinae
- Genus
- Bellardia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland, wetland, wasteground.
Seasonal Activity
April - September
Additional species information
Recorded status
Reasonably common and widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Bellardia vulgaris. 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 Bellardia vulgaris (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bellardia vulgaris
What is Bellardia vulgaris?
Bellardia vulgaris is a species in the family Calliphoridae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Bellardia vulgaris found?
Habitat: Grassland, wetland, wasteground.
When is Bellardia vulgaris active?
Bellardia vulgaris: seasonal activity - April - September.