Eumea linearicornis
This record describes Eumea linearicornis (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 8 mm. This is a fly with a well marked black and buff/grey abdomen. It also has the usual hairy body of the Tachinidae family. May be seen on flowers, trees and shrubs. Larvae are parasites of various micromoth larvae. Fairly frequent in southern England, The Midlands and Wales.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tachinidae
- Genus
- Eumea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
May be seen on flowers, trees and shrubs.
Seasonal Activity
April to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae are parasites of various micromoth larvae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent in southern England, The Midlands and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eumea linearicornis. 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 Eumea linearicornis (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eumea linearicornis
What is Eumea linearicornis?
Eumea linearicornis is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Eumea linearicornis?
about 8 mm. This is a fly with a well marked black and buff/grey abdomen. It also has the usual hairy body of the Tachinidae family.
Where is Eumea linearicornis found?
Habitat: May be seen on flowers, trees and shrubs.
When is Eumea linearicornis active?
Eumea linearicornis: seasonal activity - April to September..
What is the life cycle of a Eumea linearicornis?
Larvae are parasites of various micromoth larvae.