Phytosciara greylockensis
This record describes Phytosciara greylockensis (species). Recorded family: Sciaridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ON, MA
Seasonal Activity
Larvae are active in June; adults emerge in late June and early July.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on leaves of bluebead lily (Lilaceae: Clintonia borealis ), initially as miners and later window-feeding on the lower surface.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for the type locality, Mount Greylock, Massachusetts
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytosciara greylockensis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytosciara greylockensis
How big is Phytosciara greylockensis?
3-4 mm
Where is Phytosciara greylockensis found?
Range: ON, MA
What does Phytosciara greylockensis eat?
The diet of the Phytosciara greylockensis includes Larvae feed on leaves of bluebead lily (Lilaceae: Clintonia borealis ), initially as miners and later window-feeding on the lower surface..
When is Phytosciara greylockensis active?
Phytosciara greylockensis: seasonal activity - Larvae are active in June; adults emerge in late June and early July..