Hydrellia formosa
This record describes Hydrellia formosa (species). Recorded family: Ephydridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The only species that can be easily identified from photos.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Ephydroidea
- Family
- Ephydridae (Shore Flies)
- Subfamily
- Hydrelliinae
- Genus
- Hydrellia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Very abundant on mats of water plants and in moist lawns.
Geographic Range
East of the Great Plains
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Probably mine in gramineous plants
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Hydrellia formosa. 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 Hydrellia formosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by zdanko
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrellia formosa
What is Hydrellia formosa?
Hydrellia formosa is a species in the family Ephydridae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Hydrellia formosa?
The only species that can be easily identified from photos.
Where is Hydrellia formosa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Very abundant on mats of water plants and in moist lawns. |
| Range | East of the Great Plains |
What is the life cycle of a Hydrellia formosa?
Probably mine in gramineous plants