Neomyia cornicina
This record describes Neomyia cornicina (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
There are several lookalike Greenbottle species that occur in different fly families and to the inexpert eye can look confusingly similar. This species has metallic green jowls. The body coloration tends to bronze with age. The two Neomyia species are separated by the arrangement of bristles on the scutum. N. cornicina has 1 pair of presutural acrostichals and 3 pairs of postsutural dorsocentrals. N. viridescens is without presutural acrostichals and usually has 4 pairs of postsutural dorsocentrals though it can occasionally have only 3 on one or even both sides. (See Identification Aids below.) A good image is required showing the bristles on the top of the thorax. Can often be seen nectaring on various flowers, but also on dung and carrion. Peak times are March to May and August to October but can be seen outside of these periods. It occurs mainly in the southern half of Britain where it is fairly frequent.
Identification notes
Aids below.)
Wikipedia reference for Neomyia cornicina: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neomyia_cornicina.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Can often be seen nectaring on various flowers, but also on dung and carrion.
Seasonal Activity
Peak times are March to May and August to October but can be seen outside of these periods.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This Neomyia species breeds in dung.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It occurs mainly in the southern half of Britain where it is fairly frequent.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Neomyia cornicina. 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 Neomyia cornicina (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Neomyia cornicina
What is Neomyia cornicina?
Neomyia cornicina is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Neomyia cornicina?
Aids below.)
Where is Neomyia cornicina found?
Habitat: Can often be seen nectaring on various flowers, but also on dung and carrion.
When is Neomyia cornicina active?
Neomyia cornicina: seasonal activity - Peak times are March to May and August to October but can be seen outside of these periods..
What is the life cycle of a Neomyia cornicina?
This Neomyia species breeds in dung.