Otites guttatus
This record describes Otites guttatus (species). Recorded family: Ulidiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A fly with brown mottled wings, a pale brown abdomen and greyer thorax. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. The fly is apparently associated with Oak woodland. It seems to be infrequent, though widespread in England with very few records from elsewhere in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The fly is apparently associated with Oak woodland.
Seasonal Activity
Peak is April to June.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It seems to be infrequent, though widespread in England with very few records from elsewhere in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Otites guttatus. 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 Otites guttatus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Otites guttatus
What is Otites guttatus?
Otites guttatus is a species in the family Ulidiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Otites guttatus found?
Habitat: The fly is apparently associated with Oak woodland.
When is Otites guttatus active?
Otites guttatus: seasonal activity - Peak is April to June..