Minettia longipennis
This record describes Minettia longipennis (species). Recorded family: Lauxaniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: 3 to 4.5 mm). Black fly and orange-tinted wings that are considerably longer than the body and have a black base. The lower face has two rounded swellings. The prosternum is bare.. 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 around hedgerows and well wooded areas. Fairly frequent and widely distributed in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Minettia longipennis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minettia_longipennis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Lauxaniidae
- Genus
- Minettia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found around hedgerows and well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
May to September peaking in June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae are found amongst dead leaves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widely distributed in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Minettia longipennis. 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 Minettia longipennis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Minettia longipennis
What is Minettia longipennis?
Minettia longipennis is a species in the family Lauxaniidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Minettia longipennis?
3 to 4.5 mm). Black fly and orange-tinted wings that are considerably longer than the body and have a black base. The lower face has two rounded swellings. The prosternum is bare..
Where is Minettia longipennis found?
Habitat: Found around hedgerows and well wooded areas.
When is Minettia longipennis active?
Minettia longipennis: seasonal activity - May to September peaking in June..
What is the life cycle of a Minettia longipennis?
Larvae are found amongst dead leaves.