Lonchaea ultima
This record describes Lonchaea ultima (species). Recorded family: Lonchaeidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Lonchaea species are generally of rather uniform appearance, being moderately small flies, with dumpy bodies that are black in colour. Identifiecation to species level requires detailed examination and is often very difficult. Detailed examination of specimen is essential. Please retain the specimen until identification has been confirmed. Thought to prefer well wooded areas with a likely requirement for dead wood and old or diseased trees. The life history is not yet understood. It is thought tha the larvae possibly develop beneath the bark of rotten wood. Although widespread in Britain it is classed as Nationally Scarce. 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
Thought to prefer well wooded areas with a likely requirement for dead wood and old or diseased trees.
Seasonal Activity
Adults recorded in April and May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The life history is not yet understood. It is thought tha the larvae possibly develop beneath the bark of rotten wood.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Although widespread in Britain it is classed as Nationally Scarce.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lonchaea ultima. 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 Lonchaea ultima
What is Lonchaea ultima?
Lonchaea ultima is a species in the family Lonchaeidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Lonchaea ultima found?
Habitat: Thought to prefer well wooded areas with a likely requirement for dead wood and old or diseased trees.
When is Lonchaea ultima active?
Lonchaea ultima: seasonal activity - Adults recorded in April and May..
What is the life cycle of a Lonchaea ultima?
The life history is not yet understood. It is thought tha the larvae possibly develop beneath the bark of rotten wood.