Mycophila speyeri
This record describes Mycophila speyeri (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A pest of cultivated mushrooms. It was first identified from Great Britain. It is now known from Europe, China and Japan. In the US its distribution is from Michigan, Pennsylvania, Maryland to Virginia. The larvae attack cultivated mushrooms and through shipping and world trade this species has been accidentally introduced to many ports of entry. Because the larvae cause economic damage to the mushroom industry, there is a great deal of literature surrounding this species. Comment by John Plakidas, 28 September, 2014
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Cecidomyiidae (Gall Midges and Wood Midges)
- Subfamily
- Micromyinae
- Tribe
- Micromyini
- Genus
- Mycophila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Holarctic, introduced in some parts of its range.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Paedogenesis is the normal reproductive method, with winged adults produced under crowded conditions.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Mycophila speyeri. 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 Mycophila speyeri
What is Mycophila speyeri?
Mycophila speyeri is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Mycophila speyeri found?
Range: Holarctic, introduced in some parts of its range.
What is the life cycle of a Mycophila speyeri?
Paedogenesis is the normal reproductive method, with winged adults produced under crowded conditions.