Helina reversio
This record describes Helina reversio (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5 to 7 mm. Usually beige or greyish in appearance, but very variable. It has dark femora but with reddish apices, reddish tibia and paired spots on the abdomen. Various habitats including hedgerows, flower meadows and woodland. Adults feed on nectar and pollen. Larvae are found in dung, rotting wood etc. Widespread and fairly frequent with most records coming from southern Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats including hedgerows, flower meadows and woodland.
Seasonal Activity
April to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults feed on nectar and pollen. Larvae are found in dung, rotting wood etc.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent with most records coming from southern Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Helina reversio. 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 reversio (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Helina reversio
What is Helina reversio?
Helina reversio is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Helina reversio?
5 to 7 mm. Usually beige or greyish in appearance, but very variable. It has dark femora but with reddish apices, reddish tibia and paired spots on the abdomen.
Where is Helina reversio found?
Habitat: Various habitats including hedgerows, flower meadows and woodland.
When is Helina reversio active?
Helina reversio: seasonal activity - April to October..
What is the life cycle of a Helina reversio?
Adults feed on nectar and pollen. Larvae are found in dung, rotting wood etc.