Protoclythia modesta
This record describes Protoclythia modesta (species). Recorded family: Platypezidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | Grey-dusted head and thorax, legs yellowish. Abdomen with broad bands of grey dusting, narrowest in the middle. Underside of abdomen yellowish. |
| Male | Dull black with yellowish sides to tergites 1-4. Legs partly yellowish. |
| Female | Platypeza species, but P. modesta has yellowish legs. Also possibly with Kesselimyia and Lindneromyia , but differing by long first hind tarsomere and grey dusting. |
| Male | Agathomyia cinerea , but that has no fork in vein M. 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 November, peaking late September to mid October. Larvae feed in Honey Fungus ( Armillaria sp. ). Scattered records across southern and central England and Wales. |
Wikipedia reference for Protoclythia modesta: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protoclythia_modesta.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Platypezidae
- Genus
- Protoclythia
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 November, peaking late September to mid October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed in Honey Fungus (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scattered records across southern and central England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Protoclythia modesta. 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 Protoclythia modesta (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Protoclythia modesta
What is Protoclythia modesta?
Protoclythia modesta is a species in the family Platypezidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Protoclythia modesta?
3.5-4.5mm
Where is Protoclythia modesta found?
Habitat: Woodlands and parks.
When is Protoclythia modesta active?
Protoclythia modesta: seasonal activity - Early September to late November, peaking late September to mid October..
What is the life cycle of a Protoclythia modesta?
Larvae feed in Honey Fungus (