Helcomyza mirabilis
This record describes Helcomyza mirabilis (species). Recorded family: Helcomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other nearctic Dryomyzidae (s. lat.) by combination of spotted wing and antennae separated by more than the diameter of one antenna. Also grayish compared to orange color of most species.
Wikipedia reference for Helcomyza mirabilis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helcomyza_mirabilis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciomyzoidea
- Family
- Helcomyzidae
- Genus
- Helcomyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Ocean beaches
Geographic Range
Pacific coast in Washington and Oregon
Diet and Behavior
Diet: European relatives have been observed feeding on dead crabs and jellyfish.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mirabilis means remarkable, a word used by Melander in his description of the species.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Helcomyza mirabilis. 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 Helcomyza mirabilis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Helcomyza mirabilis
What is Helcomyza mirabilis?
Helcomyza mirabilis is a species in the family Helcomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Helcomyza mirabilis?
Distinguished from other nearctic Dryomyzidae (s. lat.) by combination of spotted wing and antennae separated by more than the diameter of one antenna. Also grayish compared to orange color of most species.
Where is Helcomyza mirabilis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Ocean beaches |
| Range | Pacific coast in Washington and Oregon |
What does Helcomyza mirabilis eat?
The diet of the Helcomyza mirabilis includes European relatives have been observed feeding on dead crabs and jellyfish..