Window Fly
Scenopinus fenestralis
This record describes Scenopinus fenestralis (species). Recorded family: Scenopinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to the other cosmopolitain species in this group, S. glabifrons Meigen. S. fenestralis has a rugose frons, while S. glabifrons has a smooth, shining frons.
Wikipedia reference for Scenopinus fenestralis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scenopinus_fenestralis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Scenopinidae (Window Flies)
- Genus
- Scenopinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Worldwide.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The original name was "Musca fenestralis", which translates literally to "window fly." Larvae feed on small arthropods and are often found indoors. Adults fly to light and are found on the inside of windows.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Scenopinus fenestralis. 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 Window Fly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Fly
What is Window Fly?
Window Fly (Scenopinus fenestralis) is a species in the family Scenopinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Window Fly?
Similar to the other cosmopolitain species in this group, S. glabifrons Meigen. S. fenestralis has a rugose frons, while S. glabifrons has a smooth, shining frons.
Where is Window Fly found?
Range: Worldwide.