Noon Fly
Mesembrina meridiana
This record describes Mesembrina meridiana (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This large fly is easily identified by the jet black colour adorned with orange-gold on the base of its wings, on its feet and on its face. Well wooded and well vegetated areas, where it likes to sun-bathe on plant leaves, fences, trees and even on the ground.
Wikipedia reference for Mesembrina meridiana: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesembrina_meridiana.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Well wooded and well vegetated areas, where it likes to sun-bathe on plant leaves, fences, trees and even on the ground.
Seasonal Activity
Late summer and autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It breeds in dung.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Mesembrina meridiana. 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 Noon Fly (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Noon Fly
What is Noon Fly?
Noon Fly (Mesembrina meridiana) is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Noon Fly found?
Habitat: Well wooded and well vegetated areas, where it likes to sun-bathe on plant leaves, fences, trees and even on the ground.
When is Noon Fly active?
Noon Fly: seasonal activity - Late summer and autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Noon Fly?
It breeds in dung.