Common Snipe Fly
Rhagio mystaceus
This record describes Rhagio mystaceus (species). Recorded family: Rhagionidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
♂ ♀ This species is commonly attacked by the fungus Furia ithacensis :
Identification notes
♂ ♀
Wikipedia reference for Rhagio mystaceus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhagio_mystaceus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Rhagionidae (Snipe Flies)
- Genus
- Rhagio
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often perched on tree trunks; females are more commonly seed on leaf litter or foliage
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Rhagio mystaceus. 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 Common Snipe Fly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by v belov , metrioptera , Marci Hess , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Snipe Fly
What is Common Snipe Fly?
Common Snipe Fly (Rhagio mystaceus) is a species in the family Rhagionidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Common Snipe Fly?
♂ ♀
Where is Common Snipe Fly found?
Habitat: Often perched on tree trunks; females are more commonly seed on leaf litter or foliage