Dolichopus trivialis
This record describes Dolichopus trivialis (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
4-5 mm. Metallic green abdomen and thorax, yellow legs with dark tarsi. Pale hair fringe under hind femora. Single apical bristle on the front tarsus (basal segment). Grassland, gardens and post industrial sites. Feeds on midges and other small insects. Fairly widespread in Britain. The majority of records seem to come from Wales and the west of England.
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
Habitat
Grassland, gardens and post industrial sites.
Seasonal Activity
May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on midges and other small insects.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly widespread in Britain. The majority of records seem to come from Wales and the west of England.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dolichopus trivialis. 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 Dolichopus trivialis (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dolichopus trivialis
What is Dolichopus trivialis?
Dolichopus trivialis is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Dolichopus trivialis found?
Habitat: Grassland, gardens and post industrial sites.
When is Dolichopus trivialis active?
Dolichopus trivialis: seasonal activity - May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Dolichopus trivialis?
Feeds on midges and other small insects.