Four-barred Major
Oxycera rara
This record describes Oxycera rara (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body length 7mm. This is a beautiful little yellow and black soldier fly, and although small it is one of the largest of the eleven species in the genus. This species differs in being entirely black on the second tergite. 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. Wetland, wet meadows and marshes, around pools and streams and various other damper areas, often on the leaves of trees. Widespread as far north as Yorkshire, this is one of the commonest of the Oxycera , but despite this it is a local species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Stratiomyidae
- Genus
- Oxycera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Wetland, wet meadows and marshes, around pools and streams and various other damper areas, often on the leaves of trees.
Seasonal Activity
June to August
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae have been found in damp moss.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread as far north as Yorkshire, this is one of the commonest of the
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Oxycera rara. 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 Four-barred Major (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Four-barred Major
What is Four-barred Major?
Four-barred Major (Oxycera rara) is a species in the family Stratiomyidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Four-barred Major?
7mm. This is a beautiful little yellow and black soldier fly, and although small it is one of the largest of the eleven species in the genus. This species differs in being entirely black on the second tergite.
Where is Four-barred Major found?
Habitat: Wetland, wet meadows and marshes, around pools and streams and various other damper areas, often on the leaves of trees.
When is Four-barred Major active?
Four-barred Major: seasonal activity - June to August.
What is the life cycle of a Four-barred Major?
Larvae have been found in damp moss.