Drosophila immigrans
This record describes Drosophila immigrans (species). Recorded family: Drosophilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size about 5 mm. This is an orange-brown and red-eyed fly with black broken bands along the base of each abdominal tergite. The front femur has a row of small black spines on the anterior side - a feature which is unique to this species. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. This species has been associated with various fungi and also with fruit. It is often found in garden compost heaps. May be encountered in most months of the year probably peaking from August to October. Seems to be widespread in England though infrequently recorded. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Drosophila immigrans: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drosophila_immigrans.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Ephydroidea
- Family
- Drosophilidae (Vinegar Flies)
- Subfamily
- Drosophilinae
- Genus
- Drosophila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species has been associated with various fungi and also with fruit. It is often found in garden compost heaps.
Seasonal Activity
May be encountered in most months of the year probably peaking from August to October.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Seems to be widespread in England though infrequently recorded.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Drosophila immigrans. 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 Drosophila immigrans (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Drosophila immigrans
What is Drosophila immigrans?
Drosophila immigrans is a species in the family Drosophilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Drosophila immigrans?
about 5 mm. This is an orange-brown and red-eyed fly with black broken bands along the base of each abdominal tergite. The front femur has a row of small black spines on the anterior side - a feature which is unique to this species.
Where is Drosophila immigrans found?
Habitat: This species has been associated with various fungi and also with fruit. It is often found in garden compost heaps.
When is Drosophila immigrans active?
Drosophila immigrans: seasonal activity - May be encountered in most months of the year probably peaking from August to October..