Phaonia subventa
This record describes Phaonia subventa (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6 to 8 mm. This is one of several similar species with an orange body, stripy thorax, which is grey above and orange below. The bulge on the outer wing is characteristic of the Phaonia genus. Phaonia rufiventris is another very common orange fly. This species has just one pair of acrostichal bristles and 3 posterior bristles on the mid-tibia. Well vegetated areas, often in well wooded spots. They reproduce several times a year. Females lay their eggs in rotting leaves, rotting wood or in carrion, on which their larvae feed. The larvae overwinter there. Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Phaonia subventa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phaonia_subventa.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Well vegetated areas, often in well wooded spots.
Seasonal Activity
March to November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
They reproduce several times a year. Females lay their eggs in rotting leaves, rotting wood or in carrion, on which their larvae feed. The larvae overwinter there.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phaonia subventa. 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 subventa (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phaonia subventa
What is Phaonia subventa?
Phaonia subventa is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Phaonia subventa?
6 to 8 mm. This is one of several similar species with an orange body, stripy thorax, which is grey above and orange below. The bulge on the outer wing is characteristic of the Phaonia genus.
Where is Phaonia subventa found?
Habitat: Well vegetated areas, often in well wooded spots.
When is Phaonia subventa active?
Phaonia subventa: seasonal activity - March to November..
What is the life cycle of a Phaonia subventa?
They reproduce several times a year. Females lay their eggs in rotting leaves, rotting wood or in carrion, on which their larvae feed. The larvae overwinter there.