Poecilobothrus nobilitatus
This record describes Poecilobothrus nobilitatus (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is an attractive fly with a metallic green thorax. The male has conspicuous white wing tips and is easy to identify, the female lacks these white wing tips and looks very similar to many others in the genus. The acrostichal bristles on the thorax are short and in two rows. The first antennal segment has hairs on the dorsal surface. It lives in damp places with lush vegetation and is often seen resting on mud or on the water surface. Common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
Wikipedia reference for Poecilobothrus nobilitatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poecilobothrus_nobilitatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Dolichopodidae
- Genus
- Poecilobothrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It lives in damp places with lush vegetation and is often seen resting on mud or on the water surface.
Seasonal Activity
May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A mating dance precedes copulation.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Poecilobothrus nobilitatus. 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 Poecilobothrus nobilitatus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Poecilobothrus nobilitatus
What is Poecilobothrus nobilitatus?
Poecilobothrus nobilitatus is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Poecilobothrus nobilitatus?
1.5x the diameter of the arista base
Where is Poecilobothrus nobilitatus found?
Habitat: It lives in damp places with lush vegetation and is often seen resting on mud or on the water surface.
When is Poecilobothrus nobilitatus active?
Poecilobothrus nobilitatus: seasonal activity - May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Poecilobothrus nobilitatus?
A mating dance precedes copulation.