Ornithomya avicularia
This record describes Ornithomya avicularia (species). Recorded family: Hippoboscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Ornithomya avicularia is a dark hairy parasitic fly of about 6 mm. It may appear brown or dark greeny brown in colour. The body colour varies depending on whether the fly has just taken a meal of blood. Sometimes these flies can be very short winged or almost wingless. Feeds on birds, especially Owls, Pigeons and Thrushes. Sometimes these flies will fasten on to a host and then shed their wings. Status in Britain not known, but does not appear to be uncommon.
Wikipedia reference for Ornithomya avicularia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ornithomya_avicularia.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Hippoboscidae
- Genus
- Ornithomya
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Feeds on birds, especially Owls, Pigeons and Thrushes.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Sometimes these flies will fasten on to a host and then shed their wings.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Status in Britain not known, but does not appear to be uncommon.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ornithomya avicularia. 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 Ornithomya avicularia (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ornithomya avicularia
What is Ornithomya avicularia?
Ornithomya avicularia is a species in the family Hippoboscidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Ornithomya avicularia found?
Habitat: Feeds on birds, especially Owls, Pigeons and Thrushes.
When is Ornithomya avicularia active?
Ornithomya avicularia: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Ornithomya avicularia?
Sometimes these flies will fasten on to a host and then shed their wings.