Coproica ferruginata
This record describes Coproica ferruginata (species). Recorded family: Sphaeroceridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Second costal section (R1 to R2+3) longer than third (R2+3 to R4+5); mid tibia with 3 anterodorsal and posterodorsal bristles; thorax rusty red with a darker central stripe. (Along with C. vagans ) They are probably the most abundant species of higher flies in all parts of the World, where animal husbandry is significant. Billions and billions of specimens develop in dung heaps, in stables and also on pastures. (Papp, 2008)
Wikipedia reference for Coproica ferruginata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coproica_ferruginata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sphaeroceroidea
- Family
- Sphaeroceridae (Lesser Dung Flies)
- Subfamily
- Limosininae
- Genus
- Coproica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae in manure.
Geographic Range
Cosmopolitan and very abundant in association with livestock. Probably native to Africa. (Papp, 2008)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "Rusty" after the color. Most related species are black.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Coproica ferruginata. 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 Coproica ferruginata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Coproica ferruginata
What is Coproica ferruginata?
Coproica ferruginata is a species in the family Sphaeroceridae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Coproica ferruginata?
Second costal section (R1 to R2+3) longer than third (R2+3 to R4+5); mid tibia with 3 anterodorsal and posterodorsal bristles; thorax rusty red with a darker central stripe.
Where is Coproica ferruginata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae in manure. |
| Range | Cosmopolitan and very abundant in association with livestock. Probably native to Africa. (Papp, 2008) |