Dolichopus griseipennis
This record describes Dolichopus griseipennis (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
D. griseipennis can be identified by viewing the following combination of features: the lower post-ocular hairs (on the outer rim of the eye) are pale, though dark near the top of the eye; there is a fringe of setae on the inside of the hind femur and vein M on the wing has a double sharp bend giving it a 'Mark of Zorro' look. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required showing the key features, or if keyed describe how it was identified and the key used. Generally common and widespread in England and Wales but probably under-recorded.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Dolichopodidae
- Genus
- Dolichopus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
May to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Generally common and widespread in England and Wales but probably under-recorded.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dolichopus griseipennis. 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.