Palloptera scutellata
This record describes Palloptera scutellata (species). Recorded family: Pallopteridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species has a greyish head and thorax, a red-brown abdomen and orangey legs. There are several dark shades on the wings. The females have an elongate, piercing-type ovipositor. 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. Various habitats, but particularly associated with rushes of the Juncus family. Can be seen throughout most of the year. It is suggested that the adults emerge in late autumn and hibernate as adults, which would explain the unusual flight period. Larvae have been found in the stems of rushes, grasses and umbellifers. This species is under recorded with most records coming from southern Britain. Its numbers and distribution may be increasing.
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
Various habitats, but particularly associated with rushes of the
Seasonal Activity
Can be seen throughout most of the year. It is suggested that the adults emerge in late autumn and hibernate as adults, which would explain the unusual flight period.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae have been found in the stems of rushes, grasses and umbellifers.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is under recorded with most records coming from southern Britain. Its numbers and distribution may be increasing.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Palloptera scutellata. 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 scutellata (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palloptera scutellata
What is Palloptera scutellata?
Palloptera scutellata is a species in the family Pallopteridae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Palloptera scutellata found?
Habitat: Various habitats, but particularly associated with rushes of the
When is Palloptera scutellata active?
Palloptera scutellata: seasonal activity - Can be seen throughout most of the year. It is suggested that the adults emerge in late autumn and hibernate as adults, which would explain the unusual flight period..
What is the life cycle of a Palloptera scutellata?
Larvae have been found in the stems of rushes, grasses and umbellifers.