Dryomyza anilis
This record describes Dryomyza anilis (species). Recorded family: Dryomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of just three UK species in the Dryomyzidae family. Length about 12mm. A striking orange fly with large red eyes, infuscated crossveins on the wings and dark orange 'tramlines' on the thorax. It can be distinguished from the other two species in the family by having setulae along the full length of vein R1 on the dorsal wing. It also has a 'hooded' frons that obscures the antennal bases. Dryope decrepita and Dryope flaveola lack setulae along the full length of vein R1 and also lack the strongly infuscated crossveins. Adults are found in moist, shady habits among low-growing vegetation, fungi, and excrement. Larvae of this genus have been reared from decaying organic matter including carrion, dung, and fungi. Males defend the small carcasses on which females oviposit as well as the females themselves during copulation and oviposition. Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
Wikipedia reference for Dryomyza anilis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dryomyza_anilis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciomyzoidea
- Family
- Dryomyzidae
- Genus
- Dryomyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults are found in moist, shady habits among low-growing vegetation, fungi, and excrement.
Seasonal Activity
May to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae of this genus have been reared from decaying organic matter including carrion, dung, and fungi. Males defend the small carcasses on which females oviposit as well as the females themselves during copulation and oviposition.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dryomyza anilis. 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 Dryomyza anilis (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dryomyza anilis
What is Dryomyza anilis?
Dryomyza anilis is a species in the family Dryomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Dryomyza anilis?
of vein R1 and also lack the strongly infuscated crossveins.
Where is Dryomyza anilis found?
Habitat: Adults are found in moist, shady habits among low-growing vegetation, fungi, and excrement.
When is Dryomyza anilis active?
Dryomyza anilis: seasonal activity - May to September..
What is the life cycle of a Dryomyza anilis?
Larvae of this genus have been reared from decaying organic matter including carrion, dung, and fungi. Males defend the small carcasses on which females oviposit as well as the females themselves during copulation and oviposition.