Pelidnoptera fuscipennis
This record describes Pelidnoptera fuscipennis (species). Recorded family: Sciomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This fly has a red/brown thorax with darker tram lines along its length, reddish eyes and very dark wings. Woodland and well wooded areas, often in damp areas. Local but widespread in England and Wales, less well recorded in Scotland. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Sciomyzidae
- Genus
- Pelidnoptera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland and well wooded areas, often in damp areas.
Seasonal Activity
May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This is a snail killing fly.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Local but widespread in England and Wales, less well recorded in Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pelidnoptera fuscipennis. 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 Pelidnoptera fuscipennis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelidnoptera fuscipennis
What is Pelidnoptera fuscipennis?
Pelidnoptera fuscipennis is a species in the family Sciomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Pelidnoptera fuscipennis found?
Habitat: Woodland and well wooded areas, often in damp areas.
When is Pelidnoptera fuscipennis active?
Pelidnoptera fuscipennis: seasonal activity - May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Pelidnoptera fuscipennis?
This is a snail killing fly.