Chetostoma curvinerve
This record describes Chetostoma curvinerve (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
7mm long with a bright-tawny orange body and a dark wing pattern which includes a dark wing-tip and a diagonal line reaching almost entirely across the forewing. In addition, the males have very distinctive dark curved spines guarding the mouthparts. Good quality photographs are required to support records for this fly which is scarce in our area. Please also give an indication of size if possible. It is often seen on the leaves of evergreens such as Holly, Ivy and Rhododendron, possibly because they warm up well in early spring. Most records are between February and May, with a gap in midsummer and then a scattering in late summer and early autumn. Most records are from the south of England, although the species may be moving slowly northwards. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tephritidae
- Genus
- Chetostoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is often seen on the leaves of evergreens such as Holly, Ivy and Rhododendron, possibly because they warm up well in early spring.
Seasonal Activity
Most records are between February and May, with a gap in midsummer and then a scattering in late summer and early autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Most records are from the south of England, although the species may be moving slowly northwards.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chetostoma curvinerve. 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 Chetostoma curvinerve (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chetostoma curvinerve
What is Chetostoma curvinerve?
Chetostoma curvinerve is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Chetostoma curvinerve found?
Habitat: It is often seen on the leaves of evergreens such as Holly, Ivy and Rhododendron, possibly because they warm up well in early spring.
When is Chetostoma curvinerve active?
Chetostoma curvinerve: seasonal activity - Most records are between February and May, with a gap in midsummer and then a scattering in late summer and early autumn..