Neottiophilum praeustum
This record describes Neottiophilum praeustum (species). Recorded family: Piophilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
9mm. This is a shining orange fly with a spinose costa. The wings are marked with dark 'shades' particularly at the wing tip. There are several other orange flies with black wings markings: Palloptera quinquemaculata - darker wing markings with the black at the tip extending a third of the way along the leading wing edge. Meiosimyza decempunctata - wing tip black broken into separate spots. Minetta inusta - lacks the spot over the short cross-vein. Suillia variegata - the wing tip black mark does not reach the tip. Various habitats in search of suitable birds' nests for their larva. This attractively patterned fly is sometimes called the Nest Skipper Fly. The larvae are parasites of birds, sucking the blood of nestlings. It has been found in nests of House Sparrows ( Passer domesticus ) as well as other species including various finches.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Piophilidae
- Genus
- Neottiophilum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats in search of suitable birds' nests for their larva.
Seasonal Activity
May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This attractively patterned fly is sometimes called the Nest Skipper Fly. The larvae are parasites of birds, sucking the blood of nestlings. It has been found in nests of House Sparrows (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Very few British records have been entered, mostly from southern England.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Neottiophilum praeustum. 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 Neottiophilum praeustum (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Neottiophilum praeustum
What is Neottiophilum praeustum?
Neottiophilum praeustum is a species in the family Piophilidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Neottiophilum praeustum found?
Habitat: Various habitats in search of suitable birds' nests for their larva.
When is Neottiophilum praeustum active?
Neottiophilum praeustum: seasonal activity - May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Neottiophilum praeustum?
This attractively patterned fly is sometimes called the Nest Skipper Fly. The larvae are parasites of birds, sucking the blood of nestlings. It has been found in nests of House Sparrows (