Limnellia quadrata
This record describes Limnellia quadrata (species). Recorded family: Ephydridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A very tiny (2 or 3 mm) fly with distinctively patterned wings. This is a member of the Ephydridae or 'shore flies' which are found around seashores and the shores of inland lakes and ponds. Widespread and probably fairly frequent in Britain, but little recorded and probably unnoticed due to its very small size. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Limnellia quadrata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limnellia_quadrata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Ephydridae
- Genus
- Limnellia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This is a member of the Ephydridae or 'shore flies' which are found around seashores and the shores of inland lakes and ponds.
Seasonal Activity
Thought to be all year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and probably fairly frequent in Britain, but little recorded and probably unnoticed due to its very small size.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Limnellia quadrata. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Limnellia quadrata
What is Limnellia quadrata?
Limnellia quadrata is a species in the family Ephydridae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Limnellia quadrata found?
Habitat: This is a member of the Ephydridae or 'shore flies' which are found around seashores and the shores of inland lakes and ponds.
When is Limnellia quadrata active?
Limnellia quadrata: seasonal activity - Thought to be all year round..