Hydromyza confluens
This record describes Hydromyza confluens (species). Recorded family: Scathophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The eggs are deposited singly at irregular intervals on the surface of the floating leaf petioles of the yellow water lily Nymphaea americana . (Welch, 1917) Larvae form brown swellings, which Welch did not consider true galls because they were not formed by abnormal plant growth. Unlike related Hydromyza , confluens appears to be limited to one species of plant.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Scathophagidae (Dung Flies)
- Subfamily
- Scathophaginae
- Genus
- Hydromyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Boreal North America east of Rocky Mountains ("S. N.W.T. to Maine, s. to s. Man. and N.Y." )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae develop in water lilies. Adults feed on flowers and also scavenge dead midges.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Hydromyza confluens. 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 Hydromyza confluens (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydromyza confluens
What is Hydromyza confluens?
Hydromyza confluens is a species in the family Scathophagidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Hydromyza confluens found?
Range: Boreal North America east of Rocky Mountains (S. N.W.T. to Maine, s. to s. Man. and N.Y. )
What does Hydromyza confluens eat?
The diet of the Hydromyza confluens includes Larvae develop in water lilies. Adults feed on flowers and also scavenge dead midges..