Cordilura albipes
This record describes Cordilura albipes (species). Recorded family: Scathophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wing length 3.6 - 5.2mm. A small, distinctive fly with the shiny black thoracic dorsum contrasting with the pale yellow legs, sides of thorax and abdomen. Damp grassland, marshes and fens. Also damp woodlands and trees near water. Widespread in England, Wales and Scotland. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Cordilura albipes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordilura_albipes.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Scathophagidae
- Genus
- Cordilura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Damp grassland, marshes and fens. Also damp woodlands and trees near water.
Seasonal Activity
Adults peak from May to July.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England, Wales and Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cordilura albipes. 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 Cordilura albipes (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cordilura albipes
What is Cordilura albipes?
Cordilura albipes is a species in the family Scathophagidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Cordilura albipes?
3.6 - 5.2mm. A small, distinctive fly with the shiny black thoracic dorsum contrasting with the pale yellow legs, sides of thorax and abdomen.
Where is Cordilura albipes found?
Habitat: Damp grassland, marshes and fens. Also damp woodlands and trees near water.
When is Cordilura albipes active?
Cordilura albipes: seasonal activity - Adults peak from May to July..