Lonchaea tarsata
This record describes Lonchaea tarsata (species). Recorded family: Lonchaeidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small, black, hairy fly with a rather plump body and milky coloured wings. There are other similar species and detailed examination is needed for a safe id. This family is usually associated with woodland, but little seems to be known about the life cycle and habits of Lonchaea tarsata at present. Current thinking is that it is unlikely that L. tarsata is associated with dead wood as most of the other members of this family are - it may just breed in decaying organic material. This species seems to be uncommon in Britain (In MacGowan's RES key, he mentions Inverness, Caernarfon, Berks, Bucks and Gloucs as the British distribution.) No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Lonchaeidae
- Genus
- Lonchaea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This family is usually associated with woodland, but little seems to be known about the life cycle and habits of Lonchaea tarsata at present. Current thinking is that it is unlikely that L. tarsata is associated with dead wood as most of the other members of this family are - it may just breed in decaying organic material.
Seasonal Activity
To follow
Diet and Behavior
Life History
To follow
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species seems to be uncommon in Britain (In MacGowan's RES key, he mentions Inverness, Caernarfon, Berks, Bucks and Gloucs as the British distribution.)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lonchaea tarsata. 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 Lonchaea tarsata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lonchaea tarsata
What is Lonchaea tarsata?
Lonchaea tarsata is a species in the family Lonchaeidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Lonchaea tarsata found?
Habitat: This family is usually associated with woodland, but little seems to be known about the life cycle and habits of Lonchaea tarsata at present. Current thinking is that it is unlikely that L. tarsata is associated with dead wood as most of the other members of this family are - it may just breed in decaying organic material.
When is Lonchaea tarsata active?
Lonchaea tarsata: seasonal activity - To follow.
What is the life cycle of a Lonchaea tarsata?
To follow