Myolepta dubia
This record describes Myolepta dubia (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A medium-sized, black and orange hoverfly with yellow wing-bases. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. It is usually found in older woods and other places with old trees, though not always in the high quality locations that one might expect for a scarce saproxylic insect. May to August, peaking in June and July. The larvae develop in water-filled rot holes of various broadleaved trees and adults can sometimes be seen investigating such features. Adults visit the flowers of umbellifers, Dogwood and brambles. Recorded widely but sparingly in southern Britain north to East Anglia and the Midlands, though possibly expanding northwards. Graded Nationally Scarce by Ball & Morris (2014, JNCC Species Status No. 9)
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is usually found in older woods and other places with old trees, though not always in the high quality locations that one might expect for a scarce saproxylic insect.
Seasonal Activity
May to August, peaking in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae develop in water-filled rot holes of various broadleaved trees and adults can sometimes be seen investigating such features. Adults visit the flowers of umbellifers, Dogwood and brambles.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Recorded widely but sparingly in southern Britain north to East Anglia and the Midlands, though possibly expanding northwards. Graded Nationally Scarce by Ball & Morris (2014, JNCC Species Status No. 9)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Myolepta dubia. 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 Myolepta dubia (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Myolepta dubia
What is Myolepta dubia?
Myolepta dubia is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Myolepta dubia found?
Habitat: It is usually found in older woods and other places with old trees, though not always in the high quality locations that one might expect for a scarce saproxylic insect.
When is Myolepta dubia active?
Myolepta dubia: seasonal activity - May to August, peaking in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Myolepta dubia?
The larvae develop in water-filled rot holes of various broadleaved trees and adults can sometimes be seen investigating such features. Adults visit the flowers of umbellifers, Dogwood and brambles.