Pegomya bicolor
This record describes Pegomya bicolor (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6 to 8 mm. Both male and female have an orange abdomen and a grey or blackish thorax. The legs are mainly orange. Detailed examination is required to identify to species level. Hedgerows and flower meadows where adults take nectar and pollen. The larvae are leaf miners often favouring Dock species, but also using Russian Vine. Widespread in England and Wales, though possibly under recorded due to the difficulties of identification.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Pegomyinae
- Genus
- Pegomya
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and flower meadows where adults take nectar and pollen.
Seasonal Activity
March to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are leaf miners often favouring Dock species, but also using Russian Vine.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England and Wales, though possibly under recorded due to the difficulties of identification.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pegomya bicolor. 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 Pegomya bicolor (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pegomya bicolor
What is Pegomya bicolor?
Pegomya bicolor is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Pegomya bicolor?
6 to 8 mm. Both male and female have an orange abdomen and a grey or blackish thorax. The legs are mainly orange. Detailed examination is required to identify to species level.
Where is Pegomya bicolor found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and flower meadows where adults take nectar and pollen.
When is Pegomya bicolor active?
Pegomya bicolor: seasonal activity - March to October..
What is the life cycle of a Pegomya bicolor?
The larvae are leaf miners often favouring Dock species, but also using Russian Vine.