Botanophila fugax
This record describes Botanophila fugax (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This anthomyiidae fly has a grey striped thorax and black legs. It has characteristically long hairs arising from the thorax. This species has a red ID rating and unless identified by a known expert you must provide a satisfactory explanation of how it was identified for the record to be accepted. Various habitats, but usually in well vegetated or flower rich places, and especially around Elder and Tansy. Larva bore into the stems of plants such as Elder. The adults visit flowers, especially Tansy. Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthomyiinae
- Tribe
- Fucelliini
- Genus
- Botanophila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, but usually in well vegetated or flower rich places, and especially around Elder and Tansy.
Seasonal Activity
Spring to Autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larva bore into the stems of plants such as Elder. The adults visit flowers, especially Tansy.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Botanophila fugax. 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 Botanophila fugax (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Botanophila fugax
What is Botanophila fugax?
Botanophila fugax is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Botanophila fugax found?
Habitat: Various habitats, but usually in well vegetated or flower rich places, and especially around Elder and Tansy.
When is Botanophila fugax active?
Botanophila fugax: seasonal activity - Spring to Autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Botanophila fugax?
Larva bore into the stems of plants such as Elder. The adults visit flowers, especially Tansy.