Platystoma seminationis
This record describes Platystoma seminationis (species). Recorded family: Platystomatidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5 to 7 mm. It has a dark mottled body and reddish-brown eyes. The translucent wings are greyish brown and marked with white. This fly belongs to the family called Platystomatidae which means 'big mouths'. 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. The adults can be found crawling slowly over flowers and leaves in tall herbaceous vegetation, particularly in shaded places. They feed on nectar and pollen. They also visit compost heaps to lay their eggs. They exhibit an interesting mating behaviour which involves the male and female 'kissing' by pushing their large proboscis together. The larvae develop in and feed on decaying vegetable material. Quite common in southern Britain, less so in the north.
Wikipedia reference for Platystoma seminationis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platystoma_seminationis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Platystomatidae (Signal Flies)
- Genus
- Platystoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The adults can be found crawling slowly over flowers and leaves in tall herbaceous vegetation, particularly in shaded places. They feed on nectar and pollen. They also visit compost heaps to lay their eggs.
Seasonal Activity
May to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
They exhibit an interesting mating behaviour which involves the male and female 'kissing' by pushing their large proboscis together. The larvae develop in and feed on decaying vegetable material.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common in southern Britain, less so in the north.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Platystoma seminationis. 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 Platystoma seminationis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Platystoma seminationis
What is Platystoma seminationis?
Platystoma seminationis is a species in the family Platystomatidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Platystoma seminationis?
5 to 7 mm. It has a dark mottled body and reddish-brown eyes. The translucent wings are greyish brown and marked with white. This fly belongs to the family called
Where is Platystoma seminationis found?
Habitat: The adults can be found crawling slowly over flowers and leaves in tall herbaceous vegetation, particularly in shaded places. They feed on nectar and pollen. They also visit compost heaps to lay their eggs.
When is Platystoma seminationis active?
Platystoma seminationis: seasonal activity - May to October..
What is the life cycle of a Platystoma seminationis?
They exhibit an interesting mating behaviour which involves the male and female 'kissing' by pushing their large proboscis together. The larvae develop in and feed on decaying vegetable material.