Chrysopilus cristatus
This record describes Chrysopilus cristatus (species). Recorded family: Rhagionidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a snipe fly with a dark 'shade' on the outside of each wing. The female is plumper than the male and has a creamy hairy abdomen. The slimmer males have a hairy brown abdomen, but in both sexes the abdomen hairs can be worn off with age. The tail end of the abdomen is quite pointed and tends to curve underneath the body. Found in damp shady places, often near woodland or ponds. It is carnivorous, catching other small creatures that pass its perching spot. The larvae live in leaf mould and are also carnivorous. Fairly common and widespread in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Chrysopilus cristatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysopilus_cristatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Rhagionidae
- Genus
- Chrysopilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in damp shady places, often near woodland or ponds.
Seasonal Activity
Peak from May to July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is carnivorous, catching other small creatures that pass its perching spot. The larvae live in leaf mould and are also carnivorous.
Additional species information
Recorded status
NatureSpot
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chrysopilus cristatus. 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 Chrysopilus cristatus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysopilus cristatus
What is Chrysopilus cristatus?
Chrysopilus cristatus is a species in the family Rhagionidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Chrysopilus cristatus found?
Habitat: Found in damp shady places, often near woodland or ponds.
When is Chrysopilus cristatus active?
Chrysopilus cristatus: seasonal activity - Peak from May to July..
What is the life cycle of a Chrysopilus cristatus?
It is carnivorous, catching other small creatures that pass its perching spot. The larvae live in leaf mould and are also carnivorous.