Scarce Orange Legionnaire
Beris clavipes
This record describes Beris clavipes (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The scarcer of the two Beris species with a black thorax and orange abdomen. Easily separable from the other (B. vallata) by the entirely (or almost entirely) orange hind tibiae. The female also has much darker wings than vallata, and these can obscure the orange abdomen when folded. There are 6 Beris species in the UK - see ID Aids below. This genus of soldierflies are all of modest size with an elliptical abdomen. The abdomen is either blackish or mainly orange but without a striking pattern. They also have 6 spines projecting backwards from the scutellum. Note that flies in the related Chorisops genus have 4 spines. Note: as with many species there can be variation amongst specimens. Usually found in the vicinity of wetlands or flowing water, especially where shrubs and trees are present. Adults peak in May and June (peaking a few weeks before vallata). Widespread but local and infrequently recorded in England and Wales.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Stratiomyidae
- Genus
- Beris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found in the vicinity of wetlands or flowing water, especially where shrubs and trees are present.
Seasonal Activity
Adults peak in May and June (peaking a few weeks before vallata).
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae have been found in wet moss.
Additional species information
Recorded status
B. chalybata
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Beris clavipes. 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 Scarce Orange Legionnaire (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scarce Orange Legionnaire
What is Scarce Orange Legionnaire?
Scarce Orange Legionnaire (Beris clavipes) is a species in the family Stratiomyidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Scarce Orange Legionnaire found?
Habitat: Usually found in the vicinity of wetlands or flowing water, especially where shrubs and trees are present.
When is Scarce Orange Legionnaire active?
Scarce Orange Legionnaire: seasonal activity - Adults peak in May and June (peaking a few weeks before vallata)..
What is the life cycle of a Scarce Orange Legionnaire?
The larvae have been found in wet moss.