Hilara curtisi
This record describes Hilara curtisi (species). Recorded family: Empididae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually in damp habitats or near to water.
Seasonal Activity
Summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The swollen front tarsi of the males produce silk which the fly uses to wrap prey as a courtship gift for the female.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly widespread in England but exact status is difficult to determine due to problems of identification.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Hilara curtisi. 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 Hilara curtisi (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hilara curtisi
How big is Hilara curtisi?
about 7 mm. One of several similar Hilara species. Hilara curtisi has long bristles on the front metatarsus. Detailed examination is necessary in order to identify to species level.
Where is Hilara curtisi found?
Habitat: Usually in damp habitats or near to water.
When is Hilara curtisi active?
Hilara curtisi: seasonal activity - Summer..
What is the life cycle of a Hilara curtisi?
The swollen front tarsi of the males produce silk which the fly uses to wrap prey as a courtship gift for the female.