Coenosia tigrina
This record describes Coenosia tigrina (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
All flies in this genus are predators - hunting other insects on the wing. 6 - 7 mm, buff-grey with dark spots on the abdomen and several rows of spots on the thorax. Normally with red tibia and tips of the femora. Distinguished from other Coenosia by the combination of a pair of bristles very close to each other on the middle of the hind tibia and the mid and hind femora black with red tips. Very similar to a number of Helina species, separated by the missing pre-alar bristle. Occupies a very broad range of habitats especially waste places and is sometimes found in greenhouses. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Coenosia tigrina: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coenosia_tigrina.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Muscidae
- Subfamily
- Coenosiinae
- Tribe
- Coenosiini
- Genus
- are predators - hunting other insects on the wing. (Tiger Flies)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occupies a very broad range of habitats especially waste places and is sometimes found in greenhouses.
Seasonal Activity
May to September
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Predatory on small insects etc.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Coenosia tigrina. 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 Coenosia tigrina (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coenosia tigrina
What is Coenosia tigrina?
Coenosia tigrina is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Coenosia tigrina found?
Habitat: Occupies a very broad range of habitats especially waste places and is sometimes found in greenhouses.
When is Coenosia tigrina active?
Coenosia tigrina: seasonal activity - May to September.
What is the life cycle of a Coenosia tigrina?
Predatory on small insects etc.