Psila merdaria
This record describes Psila merdaria (species). Recorded family: Psilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length up to 8 mm or more. Members of this family are often called 'Rust Flies' or 'Carrot Flies'. Many of them are bright orange. Psila fimetaria is very similar and careful examination is necessary to arrive at a safe id. There are two species which are very similar - P. fimetaria and P. merdaria. P. fimetaria has the third antennal joint darkened on the outer side at the base of the arista, and the hairs beneath the second antennal joint longer; whereas P. merdaria has the third antennal joint larger but without darkening at the base of the arista on the outer side, and hairs beneath the second antennal joint shorter. Various habitats but often in areas of lush vegetation and amongst the crops that they target when ready to lay eggs. Larvae live in the roots, bulbs and non-woody stems of plants and can be a pest.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats but often in areas of lush vegetation and amongst the crops that they target when ready to lay eggs.
Seasonal Activity
May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae live in the roots, bulbs and non-woody stems of plants and can be a pest.
Additional species information
Recorded status
To follow
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Psila merdaria. 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 Psila merdaria (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Psila merdaria
What is Psila merdaria?
Psila merdaria is a species in the family Psilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Psila merdaria?
up to 8 mm or more. Members of this family are often called 'Rust Flies' or 'Carrot Flies'. Many of them are bright orange. Psila fimetaria is very similar and careful examination is necessary to arrive at a safe id.
Where is Psila merdaria found?
Habitat: Various habitats but often in areas of lush vegetation and amongst the crops that they target when ready to lay eggs.
When is Psila merdaria active?
Psila merdaria: seasonal activity - May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Psila merdaria?
Larvae live in the roots, bulbs and non-woody stems of plants and can be a pest.