Empis livida
This record describes Empis livida (species). Recorded family: Empididae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 9 mm. The brown thorax has three dark stripes. The legs are red/orange. Usually found around hedgerows where they nectar on various species as well as taking other insects. The larvae are also carnivorous and live in damp soil and leaf litter. Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
Wikipedia reference for Empis livida: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empis_livida.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found around hedgerows where they nectar on various species as well as taking other insects.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly in between April to July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are also carnivorous and live in damp soil and leaf litter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Empis livida. 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 Empis livida (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Empis livida
What is Empis livida?
Empis livida is a species in the family Empididae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Empis livida?
about 9 mm. The brown thorax has three dark stripes. The legs are red/orange.
Where is Empis livida found?
Habitat: Usually found around hedgerows where they nectar on various species as well as taking other insects.
When is Empis livida active?
Empis livida: seasonal activity - Adults fly in between April to July..
What is the life cycle of a Empis livida?
The larvae are also carnivorous and live in damp soil and leaf litter.