Delia platura
This record describes Delia platura (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This small greyish fly is the most commonly recorded of the Anthomyiidae and generally abundant everywhere. It is around 8mm with a dark median line at the front of the scutum (top of the thorax). As with many flies it is under-recorded as it can only be identified by examining a specimen under a microscope. This species has a red ID rating and unless identified by a known expert you must provide a satisfactory explanation of how it was identified for the record to be accepted. Around various crops including beans, peas, oilseed rape and various brassicas. The larvae can cause damage by attacking roots and sprouting seedlings, but also live in rotting vegetation. Widespread and common in England at least. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Delia platura: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delia_platura.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthomyiinae
- Tribe
- Hylemyini
- Genus
- Delia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around various crops including beans, peas, oilseed rape and various brassicas.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly a spring species.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae can cause damage by attacking roots and sprouting seedlings, but also live in rotting vegetation.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in England at least.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Delia platura. 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 Delia platura
What is Delia platura?
Delia platura is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Delia platura found?
Habitat: Around various crops including beans, peas, oilseed rape and various brassicas.
When is Delia platura active?
Delia platura: seasonal activity - Mainly a spring species..
What is the life cycle of a Delia platura?
The larvae can cause damage by attacking roots and sprouting seedlings, but also live in rotting vegetation.