Physiphora alceae
This record describes Physiphora alceae (species). Recorded family: Ulidiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of two clear-winged Ulidiids in Britain (the other is Ulidia erythrophthalma ). Physiphora alceae usually has a metallic-green thorax, concave face profile and pale fore tarsi. The eyes can appear green and purple-banded in live specimens. Ulidia erythrophthalma . The antennae of U. erythrophthalma are recessed into large pits. May be identifiable from good close up images but best to examine the specimen closely. Well vegetated field margins and dung heaps. Adults can be recorded from May until September. The larvae develop in decaying plant material such as silage, clover fodder and rotting bulbs. It also seems to breed in dung, perhaps especially manure heaps in fields (around which it can be noticeably numerous). Widespread in southern England north to the Sheffield area.
Wikipedia reference for Physiphora alceae: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physiphora_alceae.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Well vegetated field margins and dung heaps.
Seasonal Activity
Adults can be recorded from May until September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae develop in decaying plant material such as silage, clover fodder and rotting bulbs. It also seems to breed in dung, perhaps especially manure heaps in fields (around which it can be noticeably numerous).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in southern England north to the Sheffield area.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Physiphora alceae. 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 Physiphora alceae (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Physiphora alceae
What is Physiphora alceae?
Physiphora alceae is a species in the family Ulidiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Physiphora alceae found?
Habitat: Well vegetated field margins and dung heaps.
When is Physiphora alceae active?
Physiphora alceae: seasonal activity - Adults can be recorded from May until September..
What is the life cycle of a Physiphora alceae?
The larvae develop in decaying plant material such as silage, clover fodder and rotting bulbs. It also seems to breed in dung, perhaps especially manure heaps in fields (around which it can be noticeably numerous).