Brontaea humilis
This record describes Brontaea humilis (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males wholly dark, while females have a pattern of grey dusting.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults attracted to horse dung (where larvae breed), as well as to honeydew and lights.
Geographic Range
Palaearctic, introduced into North America. In our area, known from Michigan, Quebec, Ontario, North Carolina, and British Columbia.
Seasonal Activity
Overwinters as adults, very often entering buildings, often in great numbers.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae breed in horse dung.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Brontaea humilis. 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 Brontaea humilis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Brontaea humilis
What is Brontaea humilis?
Brontaea humilis is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Brontaea humilis?
3 to 4.5 mm
How do you identify Brontaea humilis?
Males wholly dark, while females have a pattern of grey dusting.
Where is Brontaea humilis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults attracted to horse dung (where larvae breed), as well as to honeydew and lights. |
| Range | Palaearctic, introduced into North America. In our area, known from Michigan, Quebec, Ontario, North Carolina, and British Columbia. |
What does Brontaea humilis eat?
The diet of the Brontaea humilis includes Larvae breed in horse dung..
When is Brontaea humilis active?
Brontaea humilis: seasonal activity - Overwinters as adults, very often entering buildings, often in great numbers..