Liancalus virens
This record describes Liancalus virens (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7 or 8 mm. This colourful species is the largest of the dolichopodid or long legged flies in north western Europe. It lives amongst the mosses, liverworts and algae growing under bridges and beside waterfalls and fast running water. Scattered records from across most of Britain often with a western or coastal bias.
Wikipedia reference for Liancalus virens: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liancalus_virens.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Dolichopodidae
- Genus
- Liancalus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It lives amongst the mosses, liverworts and algae growing under bridges and beside waterfalls and fast running water.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scattered records from across most of Britain often with a western or coastal bias.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Liancalus virens. 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 Liancalus virens (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Liancalus virens
What is Liancalus virens?
Liancalus virens is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Liancalus virens?
7 or 8 mm. This colourful species is the largest of the dolichopodid or long legged flies in north western Europe.
Where is Liancalus virens found?
Habitat: It lives amongst the mosses, liverworts and algae growing under bridges and beside waterfalls and fast running water.
When is Liancalus virens active?
Liancalus virens: seasonal activity - All year round..