Pegomya hyoscyami
This record describes Pegomya hyoscyami (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A grey bodied fly about 6 millimetres long. Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Larva: 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. Where the larval foodplants occur (see ‘Life History’). Lays eggs on the undersides of leaves of Beet, Spinach, Orache, Fat-hen etc. The larvae then mine the leaves before pupating. Widespread in Britain, but not well recorded.
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
Where the larval foodplants occur (see ‘Life History’).
Seasonal Activity
It emerges in April or May
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Lays eggs on the undersides of leaves of Beet, Spinach, Orache, Fat-hen etc. The larvae then mine the leaves before pupating.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain, but not well recorded.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pegomya hyoscyami. 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 hyoscyami (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pegomya hyoscyami
What is Pegomya hyoscyami?
Pegomya hyoscyami is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Pegomya hyoscyami?
and identifying characters you have observed.
Where is Pegomya hyoscyami found?
Habitat: Where the larval foodplants occur (see ‘Life History’).
When is Pegomya hyoscyami active?
Pegomya hyoscyami: seasonal activity - It emerges in April or May.
What is the life cycle of a Pegomya hyoscyami?
Lays eggs on the undersides of leaves of Beet, Spinach, Orache, Fat-hen etc. The larvae then mine the leaves before pupating.