Neomyia viridescens
This record describes Neomyia viridescens (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
These flies usually have a metallic green tegument (skin surface) when young, but they turn bronze with age as this becomes worn. There are many green flies of several different families and microscopic examination is usually needed to identify most of them. There are two Neomyia species which are very hard to distinguish from a photo. They also resemble Lucilia 'greenbottle' flies. The Neomyia species are separated by the arrangement of bristles on the scutum. 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. N. cornicina has 1 pair of presutural acrostichals and 3 pairs of postsutural dorsocentrals. (See the Identification Aid below.) Larvae can be found in dung. Adults take the pollen and nectar of various flowers. A scattering of records from England but many more from the western coastal areas of Wales.
Identification notes
Aid below.)
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Meadows and hedgerows.
Seasonal Activity
Peaks March/May and August/October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae can be found in dung. Adults take the pollen and nectar of various flowers.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A scattering of records from England but many more from the western coastal areas of Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Neomyia viridescens. 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 Neomyia viridescens
What is Neomyia viridescens?
Neomyia viridescens is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Neomyia viridescens?
Aid below.)
Where is Neomyia viridescens found?
Habitat: Meadows and hedgerows.
When is Neomyia viridescens active?
Neomyia viridescens: seasonal activity - Peaks March/May and August/October..
What is the life cycle of a Neomyia viridescens?
Larvae can be found in dung. Adults take the pollen and nectar of various flowers.