Palloptera saltuum
This record describes Palloptera saltuum (species). Recorded family: Pallopteridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3 to 5 mm. A small but very distinctive fly. It is orange in colour, with a dark shade along the outer edge of the wing. 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. Meadows and other areas where umbellifers such as Hogweed are present. The adults take nectar for flowers such as Hogweed, whilst the larvae bore the stems. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Pallopteridae
- Genus
- Palloptera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Meadows and other areas where umbellifers such as Hogweed are present.
Seasonal Activity
Summer and autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The adults take nectar for flowers such as Hogweed, whilst the larvae bore the stems.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Palloptera saltuum. 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 Palloptera saltuum (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palloptera saltuum
What is Palloptera saltuum?
Palloptera saltuum is a species in the family Pallopteridae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Palloptera saltuum?
3 to 5 mm. A small but very distinctive fly. It is orange in colour, with a dark shade along the outer edge of the wing.
Where is Palloptera saltuum found?
Habitat: Meadows and other areas where umbellifers such as Hogweed are present.
When is Palloptera saltuum active?
Palloptera saltuum: seasonal activity - Summer and autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Palloptera saltuum?
The adults take nectar for flowers such as Hogweed, whilst the larvae bore the stems.