sp.
Hylemya
This record describes Hylemya (genus). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
As with other flies in the Anthomyiidae family, this genus are thin bodied. They are generally grey and most species have a white stripe running horizontally across the side of the thorax. Several Hylemya species look very similar and can't be identified to species without detailed examination. 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. The maggots of most flies in this family feed on vegetative matter, often attacking roots. Members of this genus are widespread in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthomyiinae
- Tribe
- Hylemyini
- Genus
- Hylemya
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland
Seasonal Activity
Spring / summer
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The maggots of most flies in this family feed on vegetative matter, often attacking roots.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Members of this genus are widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Hylemya. 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 sp. (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About sp.
What is sp.?
sp. (Hylemya) is a genus in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is sp. found?
Habitat: Grassland
When is sp. active?
sp.: seasonal activity - Spring / summer.
What is the life cycle of a sp.?
The maggots of most flies in this family feed on vegetative matter, often attacking roots.