Iris Bud Fly
Neorthacheta dissimilis
This record describes Neorthacheta dissimilis (species). Recorded family: Scathophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
3 katepisternal bristles, only 1 pair of strong scutellar bristles, and R1 with setulae dorsally. Frons black.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Scathophagidae (Dung Flies)
- Subfamily
- Scathophaginae
- Genus
- Neorthacheta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ne.NA (QC‒VA to MN‒IL)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae develop in buds of various Iris species (Doyon et al. 2022)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Neorthacheta dissimilis (Malloch 1924)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Neorthacheta dissimilis. 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 Iris Bud Fly
What is Iris Bud Fly?
Iris Bud Fly (Neorthacheta dissimilis) is a species in the family Scathophagidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Iris Bud Fly?
3 katepisternal bristles, only 1 pair of strong scutellar bristles, and R1 with setulae dorsally. Frons black.
Where is Iris Bud Fly found?
Range: ne.NA (QC‒VA to MN‒IL)
What does Iris Bud Fly eat?
The diet of the Iris Bud Fly includes Larvae develop in buds of various Iris species (Doyon et al. 2022).