Rhagio tringarius
This record describes Rhagio tringarius (species). Recorded family: Rhagionidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8 to 14 mm. Like other Rhagio species, R. tringarius is a yellowy-orange fly with long, slender legs. This species lacks the dark wing stigma of most other Rhagio species. The black patterning on the orange abdomen is variable, sometimes showing as diamonds or triangles but in others it can be generally lacking altogether. Six species of Rhagio have been found in the UK. The only other species lacking wing markings and a dark stigma is the rare R. annulatus but this species has black humeri and palps whereas in R. tringarius these are yellow. Hedgerows woods and other well wooded areas with rich vegetation. Rhagio triangularis is usually found resting on leaves and rarely sits on tree trunks and fence posts like some other species in this genus. Their larvae dwell in the ground.
Wikipedia reference for Rhagio tringarius: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhagio_tringarius.
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
Hedgerows woods and other well wooded areas with rich vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Rhagio triangularis is usually found resting on leaves and rarely sits on tree trunks and fence posts like some other species in this genus. Their larvae dwell in the ground.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Rhagio tringarius. 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 Rhagio tringarius (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhagio tringarius
What is Rhagio tringarius?
Rhagio tringarius is a species in the family Rhagionidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Rhagio tringarius?
8 to 14 mm. Like other
Where is Rhagio tringarius found?
Habitat: Hedgerows woods and other well wooded areas with rich vegetation.
When is Rhagio tringarius active?
Rhagio tringarius: seasonal activity - May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Rhagio tringarius?
Rhagio triangularis is usually found resting on leaves and rarely sits on tree trunks and fence posts like some other species in this genus. Their larvae dwell in the ground.