Elachiptera brevipennis
This record describes Elachiptera brevipennis (species). Recorded family: Chloropidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A very small fly with a body length of just 1.5 to 2mm. The wings are shortened, barely reaching the end of the abdomen, or shorter still, only reaching the end of tergite 2. Tergites 1+2 are long, forming half the length of the abdomen. The body is partly reddish-yellow with the abdomen shining black. The antennae are brown with thickened, pubescent black aristae. Lush, damp places such as fens and wetlands with Carex, Scirpus and Typha. The adults usually crawl on plants close to ground level. Adults can be seen from May to September. Scattered records across England and Wales with a strong southerly bias. The Spearwort Fields record of 30.9.2017 is the first for VC55. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Chloropidae
- Genus
- Elachiptera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lush, damp places such as fens and wetlands with Carex, Scirpus and Typha. The adults usually crawl on plants close to ground level.
Seasonal Activity
Adults can be seen from May to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scattered records across England and Wales with a strong southerly bias.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Elachiptera brevipennis. 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 Elachiptera brevipennis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elachiptera brevipennis
What is Elachiptera brevipennis?
Elachiptera brevipennis is a species in the family Chloropidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Elachiptera brevipennis?
of just 1.5 to 2mm. The wings are shortened, barely reaching the end of the abdomen, or shorter still, only reaching the end of tergite 2. Tergites 1+2 are long, forming half the length of the abdomen. The body is partly reddish-yellow with the abdomen shining black. The antennae are brown with thickened, pubescent black aristae.
Where is Elachiptera brevipennis found?
Habitat: Lush, damp places such as fens and wetlands with Carex, Scirpus and Typha. The adults usually crawl on plants close to ground level.
When is Elachiptera brevipennis active?
Elachiptera brevipennis: seasonal activity - Adults can be seen from May to September..