Dull Four-spined Legionnaire
Chorisops tibialis
This record describes Chorisops tibialis (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size 3 to 4 mm. A small, slender fly with a metallic green thorax, and black and tan banded legs. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Moist or shaded locations, often in wetland areas. Larvae found in wood debris and rot holes of trees. Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales, but only recently (2009) recorded in Scotland for the first time.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Stratiomyidae
- Genus
- Chorisops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Moist or shaded locations, often in wetland areas.
Seasonal Activity
June to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae found in wood debris and rot holes of trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales, but only recently (2009) recorded in Scotland for the first time.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chorisops tibialis. 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 Dull Four-spined Legionnaire (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dull Four-spined Legionnaire
What is Dull Four-spined Legionnaire?
Dull Four-spined Legionnaire (Chorisops tibialis) is a species in the family Stratiomyidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Dull Four-spined Legionnaire?
3 to 4 mm. A small, slender fly with a metallic green thorax, and black and tan banded legs.
Where is Dull Four-spined Legionnaire found?
Habitat: Moist or shaded locations, often in wetland areas.
When is Dull Four-spined Legionnaire active?
Dull Four-spined Legionnaire: seasonal activity - June to September..
What is the life cycle of a Dull Four-spined Legionnaire?
Larvae found in wood debris and rot holes of trees.