Phaonia angelicae
This record describes Phaonia angelicae (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7.5 to 10 mm. The male fly is beige-brown in thorax and abdomen, the female's abdomen is somewhat darker than the male's. Meadows, gardens etc where they visit various flowers for nectar. The larvae are found in decaying leaf litter. Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Phaonia angelicae: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phaonia_angelicae.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Meadows, gardens etc where they visit various flowers for nectar.
Seasonal Activity
May/June to September/October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are found in decaying leaf litter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phaonia angelicae. 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 Phaonia angelicae (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phaonia angelicae
What is Phaonia angelicae?
Phaonia angelicae is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Phaonia angelicae?
7.5 to 10 mm. The male fly is beige-brown in thorax and abdomen, the female's abdomen is somewhat darker than the male's.
Where is Phaonia angelicae found?
Habitat: Meadows, gardens etc where they visit various flowers for nectar.
When is Phaonia angelicae active?
Phaonia angelicae: seasonal activity - May/June to September/October..
What is the life cycle of a Phaonia angelicae?
The larvae are found in decaying leaf litter.