Dichetophora obliterata
This record describes Dichetophora obliterata (species). Recorded family: Sciomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
An attractive fly with a rust coloured abdomen and grey thorax. The thighs are quite distinctive, being orangey-red just above the knee joint but pale in the upper parts nearer to the body. Dichetophora finlandica is similar but it does not have the pale yellow banded area on the upper thigh. To be certain of identification images showing the postalar setae are needed. There are two in Dichetophora obliterata but only one in D. finlandica . Often around damp grassland or marshy areas. This is known as a snail-killing fly. The larvae are predatory on snails. Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales. 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
Often around damp grassland or marshy areas.
Seasonal Activity
Summer and autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This is known as a snail-killing fly. The larvae are predatory on snails.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dichetophora obliterata. 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 Dichetophora obliterata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dichetophora obliterata
What is Dichetophora obliterata?
Dichetophora obliterata is a species in the family Sciomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Dichetophora obliterata found?
Habitat: Often around damp grassland or marshy areas.
When is Dichetophora obliterata active?
Dichetophora obliterata: seasonal activity - Summer and autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Dichetophora obliterata?
This is known as a snail-killing fly. The larvae are predatory on snails.