Helina lasiophthalma
This record describes Helina lasiophthalma (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
5.25 to 7.5 mm. Grey head, thorax and abdomen with paired brown spots on the abdominal tergites. Red legs with black tarsi, though the front femur may be darkened. The cross-veins are darkened and it has 2+1 sternopleural bristles. Several other Helina species have abdominal spots and it is usually necessary to key out the specimen to reach the species identity. Hedgerows and woodland edge where adults may be found taking nectar and pollen. Late April to early November – but peaking in May and June. Fairly frequent and widely distributed in England and Wales. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and woodland edge where adults may be found taking nectar and pollen.
Seasonal Activity
Late April to early November – but peaking in May and June.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widely distributed in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Helina lasiophthalma. 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 Helina lasiophthalma (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Helina lasiophthalma
What is Helina lasiophthalma?
Helina lasiophthalma is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Helina lasiophthalma found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and woodland edge where adults may be found taking nectar and pollen.
When is Helina lasiophthalma active?
Helina lasiophthalma: seasonal activity - Late April to early November – but peaking in May and June..