sp.
Leucophora
This record describes Leucophora (genus). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Usually brown bodied, hairy satellite flies. The number of similar species makes precise identification of species very difficult. 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. Various habitats, often around gravely soils searching out the nests of the host bees. Larvae parasitise the nests of Andrena bees. Seem to be fairly frequent and widespread in England.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthomyiinae
- Tribe
- Hylemyini
- Genus
- Leucophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, often around gravely soils searching out the nests of the host bees.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and early summer are best.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae parasitise the nests of Andrena bees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Seem to be fairly frequent and widespread in England.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Leucophora. 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. (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About sp.
What is sp.?
sp. (Leucophora) is a genus in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is sp. found?
Habitat: Various habitats, often around gravely soils searching out the nests of the host bees.
When is sp. active?
sp.: seasonal activity - Spring and early summer are best..
What is the life cycle of a sp.?
Larvae parasitise the nests of Andrena bees.