Platypeza consobrina
This record describes Platypeza consobrina (species). Recorded family: Platypezidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | Grey-dusted head and thorax, abdomen black with bands of grey dusting narrowest in the middle. |
| Male | Dull black, tibiae yellow at base, tergite 6 grey-dusted. |
| Female | Other Platypeza species. P. consobrina has extensive dusting on tergite 1 leaving only a small black central spot. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Early September to late October, peaking late September to mid October. Larvae feed in Honey Fungus ( Armillaria sp. ). Scattered records from eastern England and Wales. No additional images available for this species. |
Wikipedia reference for Platypeza consobrina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platypeza_consobrina.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Platypezidae
- Genus
- Platypeza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodlands and parks.
Seasonal Activity
Early September to late October, peaking late September to mid October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed in Honey Fungus (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scattered records from eastern England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Platypeza consobrina. 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 Platypeza consobrina (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Platypeza consobrina
What is Platypeza consobrina?
Platypeza consobrina is a species in the family Platypezidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Platypeza consobrina?
3.5-5mm.
Where is Platypeza consobrina found?
Habitat: Woodlands and parks.
When is Platypeza consobrina active?
Platypeza consobrina: seasonal activity - Early September to late October, peaking late September to mid October..
What is the life cycle of a Platypeza consobrina?
Larvae feed in Honey Fungus (