Norellia spinipes
This record describes Norellia spinipes (species). Recorded family: Scathophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Norellia spinipes is a little orangey fly with long legs and at first sight looks more like a stilt-fly than a dung-fly. It is associated with daffodils, although not exclusively so. Most likely to be encountered in spring, on or around daffodils, but has been recorded as late as November. The larvae mine the leaves and pupate at the base of Narcissus (daffodil family) and sometimes damage the bulbs. Thought to be quite an uncommon southerly species, but recent targeted recording seems to show that this fly may be more widespread than first thought with records from as far north as Yorkshire.
Wikipedia reference for Norellia spinipes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norellia_spinipes.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Scathophagidae
- Genus
- Norellia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is associated with daffodils, although not exclusively so.
Seasonal Activity
Most likely to be encountered in spring, on or around daffodils, but has been recorded as late as November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae mine the leaves and pupate at the base of Narcissus (daffodil family) and sometimes damage the bulbs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Thought to be quite an uncommon southerly species, but recent targeted recording seems to show that this fly may be more widespread than first thought with records from as far north as Yorkshire.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Norellia spinipes. 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 Norellia spinipes (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Norellia spinipes
What is Norellia spinipes?
Norellia spinipes is a species in the family Scathophagidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Norellia spinipes found?
Habitat: It is associated with daffodils, although not exclusively so.
When is Norellia spinipes active?
Norellia spinipes: seasonal activity - Most likely to be encountered in spring, on or around daffodils, but has been recorded as late as November..
What is the life cycle of a Norellia spinipes?
The larvae mine the leaves and pupate at the base of Narcissus (daffodil family) and sometimes damage the bulbs.