Geomyza combinata agg.
This record describes Geomyza combinata agg. (species). Recorded family: Opomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Only two species in the combinata group are currently found in Britain – they are Geomyza balachowskyi and G. hackmani . Separation of these two species on male genitalia is extremely difficult, and females cannot be separated. For this reason we have decided to accept records for the G. combinata aggregate, rather than asking for identification to species level. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required even for aggregate records, and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records, although it would appear to be fairly widespread in England and Wales. No additional images available for this species.
Identification notes
to species level.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Opomyzidae
- Genus
- Geomyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Recorded status
True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records, although it would appear to be fairly widespread in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Geomyza combinata agg.. 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.
