Hydrophoria lancifer
This record describes Hydrophoria lancifer (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
It is a member of the Anthomyiidae family, which are closely related to the Muscidae but the 6th long vein reaches to the wing margin. It is a hairy beige-brown fly, varying in length from 4 to 11 mm. This species has a red ID rating and unless identified by a known expert you must provide a satisfactory explanation of how it was identified for the record to be accepted. This species flies from April to August. Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Hydrophoria lancifer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrophoria_lancifer.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Pegomyinae
- Genus
- Hydrophoria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Most commonly seen around wet woodland.
Seasonal Activity
This species flies from April to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It breeds on dung.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Hydrophoria lancifer. 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 Hydrophoria lancifer (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrophoria lancifer
What is Hydrophoria lancifer?
Hydrophoria lancifer is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Hydrophoria lancifer?
from 4 to 11 mm.
Where is Hydrophoria lancifer found?
Habitat: Most commonly seen around wet woodland.
When is Hydrophoria lancifer active?
Hydrophoria lancifer: seasonal activity - This species flies from April to August..
What is the life cycle of a Hydrophoria lancifer?
It breeds on dung.