Rhaphium appendiculatum
This record describes Rhaphium appendiculatum (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of many Rhaphium species with enlarged 3rd antennal segment. In R. appendiculatum , the arista is very short - no longer than one eighth the length of the third segment. The genital lamella is long and ribbon-like. Rhaphium caliginosum has a longer arista, over half the length of the 3rd segment. Fenlands, humid grassland, humid coniferous woodland Common in England and Wales. More scattered distribution in Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Dolichopodidae
- Genus
- Rhaphium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Fenlands, humid grassland, humid coniferous woodland
Seasonal Activity
April to September, peaking in June.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common in England and Wales. More scattered distribution in Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Rhaphium appendiculatum. 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 Rhaphium appendiculatum (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhaphium appendiculatum
What is Rhaphium appendiculatum?
Rhaphium appendiculatum is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Rhaphium appendiculatum?
of the third segment. The genital lamella is long and ribbon-like.
Where is Rhaphium appendiculatum found?
Habitat: Fenlands, humid grassland, humid coniferous woodland
When is Rhaphium appendiculatum active?
Rhaphium appendiculatum: seasonal activity - April to September, peaking in June..