Cynomya mortuorum
This record describes Cynomya mortuorum (species). Recorded family: Calliphoridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body length of 8 to 15 mm. It is a deep blue-green shining metallic fly with a yellowish face and jowls which help to identify it. Lives on woodland edges, meadows, and other places with flowers. It lays its eggs on carrion, which provides food for the larvae. The adults feed on pollen. Scattered but widespread records from across Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Cynomya mortuorum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynomya_mortuorum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Calliphoridae
- Genus
- Cynomya
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lives on woodland edges, meadows, and other places with flowers.
Seasonal Activity
From May to September
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It lays its eggs on carrion, which provides food for the larvae. The adults feed on pollen.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scattered but widespread records from across Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cynomya mortuorum. 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 Cynomya mortuorum
What is Cynomya mortuorum?
Cynomya mortuorum is a species in the family Calliphoridae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Cynomya mortuorum?
of 8 to 15 mm. It is a deep blue-green shining metallic fly with a yellowish face and jowls which help to identify it.
Where is Cynomya mortuorum found?
Habitat: Lives on woodland edges, meadows, and other places with flowers.
When is Cynomya mortuorum active?
Cynomya mortuorum: seasonal activity - From May to September.
What is the life cycle of a Cynomya mortuorum?
It lays its eggs on carrion, which provides food for the larvae. The adults feed on pollen.