Heleomyza serrata
This record describes Heleomyza serrata (species). Recorded family: Heleomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The combination of the katepisternum with only 1 or 2 strong bristles, the mesopleuron bare except for a patch of hairs near the propleuron, and unmarked wings is diagnostic for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sphaeroceroidea
- Family
- Heleomyzidae
- Subfamily
- Heleomyzinae
- Tribe
- Heleomyzini
- Genus
- Heleomyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Holarctic, with a Northern distribution in North America.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and early Summer
Diet and Behavior
Diet: This species has been reared from bird nests, fungi, and rabbit carcasses. Adults are attracted to decaying organic matter like dung and carrion.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Heleomyza serrata. 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 Heleomyza serrata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bennett Grappone
Frequently Asked Questions About Heleomyza serrata
What is Heleomyza serrata?
Heleomyza serrata is a species in the family Heleomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Heleomyza serrata?
The combination of the katepisternum with only 1 or 2 strong bristles, the mesopleuron bare except for a patch of hairs near the propleuron, and unmarked wings is diagnostic for this species.
Where is Heleomyza serrata found?
Range: Holarctic, with a Northern distribution in North America.
What does Heleomyza serrata eat?
The diet of the Heleomyza serrata includes This species has been reared from bird nests, fungi, and rabbit carcasses. Adults are attracted to decaying organic matter like dung and carrion..
When is Heleomyza serrata active?
Heleomyza serrata: seasonal activity - Spring and early Summer.