Melinda viridicyanea
This record describes Melinda viridicyanea (species). Recorded family: Calliphoridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
5-9mm. Abdomen metallic blue, thorax black. Long bristles makes it resemble a tachinid. The front of the thorax has three dark stripes. Palps are black. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Found in various habitats including woodland, disused quarries, meadows. It is a snail parasite. Known hosts includes Discus rotundatus , Cernuella virgata and Helicella itala . Adults feed on nectar.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Calliphoridae
- Genus
- Melinda
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in various habitats including woodland, disused quarries, meadows.
Seasonal Activity
Late spring to late summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is a snail parasite. Known hosts includes
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in the UK.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Melinda viridicyanea. 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 Melinda viridicyanea (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Melinda viridicyanea
What is Melinda viridicyanea?
Melinda viridicyanea is a species in the family Calliphoridae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Melinda viridicyanea found?
Habitat: Found in various habitats including woodland, disused quarries, meadows.
When is Melinda viridicyanea active?
Melinda viridicyanea: seasonal activity - Late spring to late summer..
What is the life cycle of a Melinda viridicyanea?
It is a snail parasite. Known hosts includes