Polyporivora picta
This record describes Polyporivora picta (species). Recorded family: Platypezidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species has a grey and black patterned abdomen. It is separated from Polyporivora ornata by its black scutellum (grey in P. ornata ). Members of the Platypezidae are associated with wooded areas. Adults may be found performing rapid erratic movements on broad leaves of both woody and herbaceous plants, evidently feeding on surface deposits. Adult males form aerial swarms before mating using trees or bushes as swarm markers. Larvae are fungivores.
Wikipedia reference for Polyporivora picta: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyporivora_picta.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Platypezidae
- Genus
- Polyporivora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Members of the Platypezidae are associated with wooded areas. Adults may be found performing rapid erratic movements on broad leaves of both woody and herbaceous plants, evidently feeding on surface deposits.
Seasonal Activity
To follow.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adult males form aerial swarms before mating using trees or bushes as swarm markers. Larvae are fungivores.
Additional species information
Recorded status
To follow.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Polyporivora picta. 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 Polyporivora picta (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Polyporivora picta
What is Polyporivora picta?
Polyporivora picta is a species in the family Platypezidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Polyporivora picta found?
Habitat: Members of the Platypezidae are associated with wooded areas. Adults may be found performing rapid erratic movements on broad leaves of both woody and herbaceous plants, evidently feeding on surface deposits.
When is Polyporivora picta active?
Polyporivora picta: seasonal activity - To follow..
What is the life cycle of a Polyporivora picta?
Adult males form aerial swarms before mating using trees or bushes as swarm markers. Larvae are fungivores.