Muscina levida
This record describes Muscina levida (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The Muscina genus is characterised by a striped thorax, a red tip to the scutellum and the discal vein turning up so that the first posterior cell is narrowed towards the wing apex. There are four UK species. Muscina levida is 6-8.5mm, has black legs, black antennae and palps, and a posterior cell that narrows gradually so that the width at the wing tip is about 70% of the widest part of the cell. Muscina prolapsa has black legs, yellow on part of the antennae and palps, and the posterior cell is more extremely narrowed at the wing tip to around 40% of the widest part. Muscina pascuorum is similar to M. prolapsa but is larger, has black legs, red palps and all-black antennae. 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. Usually found in woodland or well vegetated sites. It is fond of sunning itself on the trunks of trees. Seems to be fairly widespread in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Muscina levida: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscina_levida.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found in woodland or well vegetated sites. It is fond of sunning itself on the trunks of trees.
Seasonal Activity
March to October
Additional species information
Recorded status
Seems to be fairly widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Muscina levida. 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 Muscina levida (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Muscina levida
What is Muscina levida?
Muscina levida is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Muscina levida found?
Habitat: Usually found in woodland or well vegetated sites. It is fond of sunning itself on the trunks of trees.
When is Muscina levida active?
Muscina levida: seasonal activity - March to October.