Chlorops pumilionis
This record describes Chlorops pumilionis (species). Recorded family: Chloropidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A very tiny (2 - 4 mm) yellow fly with three dark stripes on the thorax, and a dark triangular patch on the head. There are many other very similar flies in the family so microscopic examination is necessary to identify the species. See ID guidance below for detailed features to look for on C. pumilionis . Chlorops pumilionis has the following features: Around grasses and cereal crops, or nectaring on various plants. Adults from overwintering larvae hatch from mid May onwards, followed by a second generation that may persist until October. Cylindrical cream-colored larvae reach up to 7 mm. The species overwinters in the larval stage in wild grasses and cereal crops. Widespread and fairly frequent in England. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Chloropidae
- Genus
- Chlorops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around grasses and cereal crops, or nectaring on various plants.
Seasonal Activity
Adults from overwintering larvae hatch from mid May onwards, followed by a second generation that may persist until October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Cylindrical cream-colored larvae reach up to 7 mm. The species overwinters in the larval stage in wild grasses and cereal crops.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in England.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chlorops pumilionis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chlorops pumilionis
What is Chlorops pumilionis?
Chlorops pumilionis is a species in the family Chloropidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Chlorops pumilionis found?
Habitat: Around grasses and cereal crops, or nectaring on various plants.
When is Chlorops pumilionis active?
Chlorops pumilionis: seasonal activity - Adults from overwintering larvae hatch from mid May onwards, followed by a second generation that may persist until October..
What is the life cycle of a Chlorops pumilionis?
Cylindrical cream-colored larvae reach up to 7 mm. The species overwinters in the larval stage in wild grasses and cereal crops.