Borophaga incrassata
This record describes Borophaga incrassata (species). Recorded family: Phoridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size 7-8mm. This hump-backed fly has a blackish head, legs and thorax with a somewhat greyer abdomen. The wings are shaded brown. Vein 3 is unforked, the hind tibia has a pallisade of hairs and it has a broad, elevated ocellar triangle platform. This species is a parasite Bibio marci and may also parasitise honey bees, laying eggs on the larvae. Status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Peak time is summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species is a parasite Bibio marci and may also parasitise honey bees, laying eggs on the larvae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Borophaga incrassata. 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 Borophaga incrassata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Borophaga incrassata
What is Borophaga incrassata?
Borophaga incrassata is a species in the family Phoridae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Borophaga incrassata?
7-8mm. This hump-backed fly has a blackish head, legs and thorax with a somewhat greyer abdomen. The wings are shaded brown.
Where is Borophaga incrassata found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Borophaga incrassata active?
Borophaga incrassata: seasonal activity - Peak time is summer..
What is the life cycle of a Borophaga incrassata?
This species is a parasite Bibio marci and may also parasitise honey bees, laying eggs on the larvae.