Palloptera ustulata agg.
This record describes Palloptera ustulata agg. (species). Recorded family: Pallopteridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Palloptera ustulata cannot be distinguished from Palloptera anderssoni without very detailed examination by an expert, and for this reason we have treated it as an aggregate. It is a small fly of about 4.5 mm. It has an orange abdomen and slight shades at the wing tips. 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. Adults have been seen nectaring on the flowers of Tansy. Widespread and thought to be 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
Hedgerows and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Late May to end of October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults have been seen nectaring on the flowers of Tansy.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and thought to be fairly frequent in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Palloptera ustulata agg.. 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 ustulata agg. (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palloptera ustulata agg.
What is Palloptera ustulata agg.?
Palloptera ustulata agg. is a species in the family Pallopteridae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Palloptera ustulata agg. found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and gardens.
When is Palloptera ustulata agg. active?
Palloptera ustulata agg.: seasonal activity - Late May to end of October..
What is the life cycle of a Palloptera ustulata agg.?
Adults have been seen nectaring on the flowers of Tansy.