Grey S-veined Snail-killer.
Elgiva cucularia
This record describes Elgiva cucularia (species). Recorded family: Sciomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of two British Elgiva species, which are medium-sized, slimly-built sciomyzids with a strongly curved posterior cross vein and wings bearing several spots and smudges (notably a spot on each cross vein plus the end of vein R2+3). Elgiva cucularia is easily distinguished from Elgiva solicita by its grey thorax and the presence of a strong bristle on the mesopleuron. It also averages smaller than Elgiva solicita . It likes swampy wetlands of various sorts, including lake and pool margins, ditches, dune slacks and will even use slightly brackish coastal marsh. Adults can be recorded from April to September and occasionally during winter. The larvae attack aquatic pulmonate snails. E. cucularia is widespread and locally common in southern Britain becoming scarcer in northern England and Scotland. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Elgiva cucularia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elgiva_cucularia.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Sciomyzidae
- Genus
- Elgiva
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It likes swampy wetlands of various sorts, including lake and pool margins, ditches, dune slacks and will even use slightly brackish coastal marsh.
Seasonal Activity
Adults can be recorded from April to September and occasionally during winter.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae attack aquatic pulmonate snails.
Additional species information
Recorded status
E. cucularia is widespread and locally common in southern Britain becoming scarcer in northern England and Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Elgiva cucularia. 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 Grey S-veined Snail-killer. (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grey S-veined Snail-killer.
What is Grey S-veined Snail-killer.?
Grey S-veined Snail-killer. (Elgiva cucularia) is a species in the family Sciomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Grey S-veined Snail-killer. found?
Habitat: It likes swampy wetlands of various sorts, including lake and pool margins, ditches, dune slacks and will even use slightly brackish coastal marsh.
When is Grey S-veined Snail-killer. active?
Grey S-veined Snail-killer.: seasonal activity - Adults can be recorded from April to September and occasionally during winter..
What is the life cycle of a Grey S-veined Snail-killer.?
The larvae attack aquatic pulmonate snails.