Merzomyia westermanni
This record describes Merzomyia westermanni (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larger species, wing length up to 7mm. Wing with extensive reticulated markings with brown and golden-yellow colours as well as black, and a distinctive large, rounded and irregularly shaped clear area in the centre of the wing. Two pairs of frontal setae. On Senecio species. Provide good quality field photograph that clearly shows wing-pattern. Occasional. (7 records: pers. comm., R. Morris) White, I.M. (1988). Tephritid flies. RES Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects . No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tephritidae
- Genus
- Merzomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland with Ragwort
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scattered in England. Notable
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Merzomyia westermanni. 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 Merzomyia westermanni
What is Merzomyia westermanni?
Merzomyia westermanni is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Merzomyia westermanni?
up to 7mm. Wing with extensive reticulated markings with brown and golden-yellow colours as well as black, and a distinctive large, rounded and irregularly shaped clear area in the centre of the wing. Two pairs of frontal setae. On Senecio species.
Where is Merzomyia westermanni found?
Habitat: Grassland with Ragwort