Dichetophora finlandica
This record describes Dichetophora finlandica (species). Recorded family: Sciomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7 or 8 mm. An attractive fly with a rust coloured abdomen and grey thorax. The legs of this species are also rust coloured with no lighter band on the femora. Dichetophora obliterata is similar, but that species has a pale yellow band at the upper part of the femora, whilst in D. finlandica the femora are rust-coloured throughout their length. To be certain of identification images showing the postalar setae are needed. There are two in Dichetophora obliterata but only one in D. finlandica . It has a stronghold in the fens of East Anglia, but it has also been recorded from other varied habitats including West London and the top of Croft Hill, so we will have to assume that its presence is not determined solely by habitat. It is infrequent or under recorded in Britain with scattered records from England and Wales and with a stronghold in East Anglia. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Sciomyzidae
- Genus
- Dichetophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It has a stronghold in the fens of East Anglia, but it has also been recorded from other varied habitats including West London and the top of Croft Hill, so we will have to assume that its presence is not determined solely by habitat.
Seasonal Activity
Summer and autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is infrequent or under recorded in Britain with scattered records from England and Wales and with a stronghold in East Anglia.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dichetophora finlandica. 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 Dichetophora finlandica
What is Dichetophora finlandica?
Dichetophora finlandica is a species in the family Sciomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Dichetophora finlandica?
7 or 8 mm. An attractive fly with a rust coloured abdomen and grey thorax. The legs of this species are also rust coloured with no lighter band on the femora.
Where is Dichetophora finlandica found?
Habitat: It has a stronghold in the fens of East Anglia, but it has also been recorded from other varied habitats including West London and the top of Croft Hill, so we will have to assume that its presence is not determined solely by habitat.
When is Dichetophora finlandica active?
Dichetophora finlandica: seasonal activity - Summer and autumn..