Myolepta nigra
This record describes Myolepta nigra (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Thorax | Shiny black, base has some yellowish-white pile. Underside with yellowish hairs. |
| Abdomen | Shiny black, bare. Underside has yellowish pile Types: Holotype as Myiolepta nigra female by Loew, 1872. Type Locality: Pennsylvania. In the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Holotype as Xylota tuberans male by Williston, 1887. Type Locality: Texas. In the United States National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian, Washington, D. C. |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Forests
Seasonal Activity
Late May to July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on debris in moist to wet tree holes.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Myolepta nigra (Loew 1872)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Myolepta nigra. 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 nigra (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by v belov , lee_penner
Frequently Asked Questions About Myolepta nigra
What is Myolepta nigra?
Myolepta nigra is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Myolepta nigra?
7 to 9 mm long
How do you identify Myolepta nigra?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Thorax | Shiny black, base has some yellowish-white pile. Underside with yellowish hairs. |
| Abdomen | Shiny black, bare. Underside has yellowish pile |
Where is Myolepta nigra found?
Habitat: Forests
What does Myolepta nigra eat?
The diet of the Myolepta nigra includes Larvae feed on debris in moist to wet tree holes..
When is Myolepta nigra active?
Myolepta nigra: seasonal activity - Late May to July.