Common Orange Legionnaire
Beris vallata
This record describes Beris vallata (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5-6 mm. The Beris genus is typified by having six spines along the base of the scutellum. B. vallata has a mainly orange abdomen. The male's wings are dark but the female's are fairly clear. This species can be distinguished from the similar B. clavipes by its hind leg tibia being part black and part orange (it is all orange on B. clavipes ). There are 6 British species in the Beris genus and these can usually be distinguished by the combination of abdomen and leg colours. See ID Aids below. This genus of soldierflies are all of modest size with an elliptical abdomen. The abdomen is either blackish or mainly orange but without a striking pattern. They also have 6 spines projecting backwards from the scutellum. Note that flies in the related Chorisops genus have 4 spines. Note: as with many species there can be variation amongst specimens. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Found on vegetation in moist habitats such as marshes and wet woodland
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Stratiomyidae
- Genus
- Beris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on vegetation in moist habitats such as marshes and wet woodland
Seasonal Activity
May - September
Additional species information
Recorded status
B. chalybata
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Beris vallata. 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 Common Orange Legionnaire (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Orange Legionnaire
What is Common Orange Legionnaire?
Common Orange Legionnaire (Beris vallata) is a species in the family Stratiomyidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Common Orange Legionnaire?
5-6 mm. The
Where is Common Orange Legionnaire found?
Habitat: Found on vegetation in moist habitats such as marshes and wet woodland
When is Common Orange Legionnaire active?
Common Orange Legionnaire: seasonal activity - May - September.