Cleigastra apicalis
This record describes Cleigastra apicalis (species). Recorded family: Scathophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Damp areas near the larval foodplant common reed (Phragmites australis) This fly lays its eggs on common reed (Phragmites australis) affected by flies of the genera Lipara and Platycephala or the moth Arenostola phragmitidis (Fen Wainscot). The larvae feed on dead plant and animal tissue and the excreta of other insects that live inside the stems of the common reed. Exceptionally they will scrape living plant tissue. The pupa is the overwintering stage. The adults prey on other soft-bodied insects. Appears to be fairly common across England and Wales with fewer records from Scotland Probably fairly common but under-recorded No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Scathophagidae
- Genus
- Cleigastra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Damp areas near the larval foodplant common reed (Phragmites australis)
Seasonal Activity
Adults in spring and summer
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This fly lays its eggs on common reed (Phragmites australis) affected by flies of the genera Lipara and Platycephala or the moth Arenostola phragmitidis (Fen Wainscot). The larvae feed on dead plant and animal tissue and the excreta of other insects that live inside the stems of the common reed. Exceptionally they will scrape living plant tissue. The pupa is the overwintering stage. The adults prey on other soft-bodied insects.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Appears to be fairly common across England and Wales with fewer records from Scotland
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cleigastra apicalis. 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 Cleigastra apicalis
What is Cleigastra apicalis?
Cleigastra apicalis is a species in the family Scathophagidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Cleigastra apicalis found?
Habitat: Damp areas near the larval foodplant common reed (Phragmites australis)
When is Cleigastra apicalis active?
Cleigastra apicalis: seasonal activity - Adults in spring and summer.
What is the life cycle of a Cleigastra apicalis?
This fly lays its eggs on common reed (Phragmites australis) affected by flies of the genera Lipara and Platycephala or the moth Arenostola phragmitidis (Fen Wainscot). The larvae feed on dead plant and animal tissue and the excreta of other insects that live inside the stems of the common reed. Exceptionally they will scrape living plant tissue. The pupa is the overwintering stage. The adults prey on other soft-bodied insects.