Pigeon Fly
Pseudolynchia canariensis
This record describes Pseudolynchia canariensis (species). Recorded family: Hippoboscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Pseudolynchia canariensis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudolynchia_canariensis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Hippoboscoidea
- Family
- Hippoboscidae (Louse Flies)
- Subfamily
- Ornithomyinae
- Genus
- Pseudolynchia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to the Old World, now found worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate areas with mild winters; adventive in NA, occurs throughout se US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: pigeons and doves (Columbiformes); in its native range, also birds of several other orders; can bite humans
Life History
The female produces one larva at a time and retains the developing larva in her body until it is ready to pupate. The larva feeds on the secretions of a "milk gland" in the uterus of its mother. After three larval instars, the larva has reached its maximum size, the mother gives birth to the white pre-pupa which immediately begins to darken and form the puparium or pupal shell. The pupa of the pigeon louse fly looks like a dark brown, egg-shaped seed. The pupa is found in host nest or on ledges where the birds roost. Adult emerges from the puparium and flies in search of a host.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudolynchia canariensis (Macquart 1839)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pseudolynchia canariensis. 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 Pigeon Fly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pigeon Fly
How big is Pigeon Fly?
body 5-6 mm, wings 6-7 mm
Where is Pigeon Fly found?
Range: native to the Old World, now found worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate areas with mild winters; adventive in NA, occurs throughout se US
What does Pigeon Fly eat?
The diet of the Pigeon Fly includes hosts: pigeons and doves (Columbiformes); in its native range, also birds of several other orders; can bite humans.
What is the life cycle of a Pigeon Fly?
The female produces one larva at a time and retains the developing larva in her body until it is ready to pupate. The larva feeds on the secretions of a milk gland in the uterus of its mother. After three larval instars, the larva has reached its maximum size, the mother gives birth to the white pre-pupa which immediately begins to darken and form the puparium or pupal shell. The pupa of the pigeon louse fly looks like a dark brown, egg-shaped seed. The pupa is found in host nest or on ledges where the birds roost. Adult emerges from the puparium and flies in search of a host.