Ilione albiseta
This record describes Ilione albiseta (species). Recorded family: Sciomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
An orangey brown species with striped eyes and thorax. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Usually found in damp habitats where snails may be present. These are known as snail-killing flies because their larvae parasitise snails and the like. Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Sciomyzidae
- Genus
- Ilione
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found in damp habitats where snails may be present.
Seasonal Activity
Summer and autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
These are known as snail-killing flies because their larvae parasitise snails and the like.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ilione albiseta. 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 Ilione albiseta (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ilione albiseta
What is Ilione albiseta?
Ilione albiseta is a species in the family Sciomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Ilione albiseta found?
Habitat: Usually found in damp habitats where snails may be present.
When is Ilione albiseta active?
Ilione albiseta: seasonal activity - Summer and autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Ilione albiseta?
These are known as snail-killing flies because their larvae parasitise snails and the like.