Scellus notatus
This record describes Scellus notatus (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body length 5 to 6 mm. The wings are dark tinted with a discrete dark spot towards the tip. It has long bristles on the undersides of the front femora and front tibia. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. The adults prey on other insects and the larvae feed on small invertebrates in damp leaf litter. Widespread in the southern half of Britain, less well recorded further north.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Dolichopodidae
- Genus
- Scellus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grasslands and woodland.
Seasonal Activity
May to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The adults prey on other insects and the larvae feed on small invertebrates in damp leaf litter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in the southern half of Britain, less well recorded further north.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Scellus notatus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scellus notatus
What is Scellus notatus?
Scellus notatus is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Scellus notatus?
5 to 6 mm. The wings are dark tinted with a discrete dark spot towards the tip. It has long bristles on the undersides of the front femora and front tibia.
Where is Scellus notatus found?
Habitat: Grasslands and woodland.
When is Scellus notatus active?
Scellus notatus: seasonal activity - May to September..
What is the life cycle of a Scellus notatus?
The adults prey on other insects and the larvae feed on small invertebrates in damp leaf litter.