Palloptera umbellatarum
This record describes Palloptera umbellatarum (species). Recorded family: Pallopteridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 3 mm. This fly has a heavily spotted wing pattern, a grey thorax and abdomen and orangey legs. Palloptera/Toxoneura modesta. Great care is needed to separate these two species. Various habitats including meadows and hedgerows.
Wikipedia reference for Palloptera umbellatarum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palloptera_umbellatarum.
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 including meadows and hedgerows.
Seasonal Activity
April to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Palloptera umbellatarum. 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 umbellatarum (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palloptera umbellatarum
What is Palloptera umbellatarum?
Palloptera umbellatarum is a species in the family Pallopteridae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Palloptera umbellatarum?
about 3 mm. This fly has a heavily spotted wing pattern, a grey thorax and abdomen and orangey legs.
Where is Palloptera umbellatarum found?
Habitat: Various habitats including meadows and hedgerows.
When is Palloptera umbellatarum active?
Palloptera umbellatarum: seasonal activity - April to September..