Graphomya maculata
This record describes Graphomya maculata (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The males have an orangey-brown patterned abdomen but females have a grey/black pattern. Both have distinctive stripes on the thorax. Meadows, hedgerows and roadside verges nectaring on various flowers, especially umbellifers. The larvae are predatory, feeding in muddy pools and damp leaf litter. Common and widespread in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Graphomya maculata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphomya_maculata.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Meadows, hedgerows and roadside verges nectaring on various flowers, especially umbellifers.
Seasonal Activity
May to September/October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are predatory, feeding in muddy pools and damp leaf litter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Graphomya maculata. 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 Graphomya maculata (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Graphomya maculata
What is Graphomya maculata?
Graphomya maculata is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Graphomya maculata found?
Habitat: Meadows, hedgerows and roadside verges nectaring on various flowers, especially umbellifers.
When is Graphomya maculata active?
Graphomya maculata: seasonal activity - May to September/October..
What is the life cycle of a Graphomya maculata?
The larvae are predatory, feeding in muddy pools and damp leaf litter.