DipteraDolichopodidae

Dolichopus popularis

This record describes Dolichopus popularis (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.

Identification and Appearance

Dolichopus popularis - Dolichopus popularis

This species is typical of the genus where males have very large genitalia tucked under the abdomen and it typically rests with its front end raised - like a begging dog. Most species in the genus also have a brassy gold sheen. D. popularis has a wholly yellow hind tibia and the hind metatarsus is also mainly yellow. Males also have dark bristles at the tip of the mid tibia. Other Dolichopus species. It is generally necessary to key a specimen to reach a firm species identification. Include a photo and if not identified by a recognised expert then explain how you identified it and the key features observed. Damp habitats, wet grassland, woodland edge, scrub and hedgerows. Quite common and widespread throughout Britain. No additional images available for this species.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Genus
Dolichopus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Damp habitats, wet grassland, woodland edge, scrub and hedgerows.

Seasonal Activity

May to August peaking in June and July.

Additional species information

Recorded status

Quite common and widespread throughout Britain.

About Flies: the wider group

Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dolichopus popularis. 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dolichopus popularis

What is Dolichopus popularis?

Dolichopus popularis is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.

Where is Dolichopus popularis found?

Habitat: Damp habitats, wet grassland, woodland edge, scrub and hedgerows.

When is Dolichopus popularis active?

Dolichopus popularis: seasonal activity - May to August peaking in June and July..