Scoliocentra villosa
This record describes Scoliocentra villosa (species). Recorded family: Heleomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: Male 7 to 9 mm, Female 6.5 to 8 mm. Scoliocentra villosa is a fly with orange abdomen and legs. Various habitats including meadows, deciduous woodland and also found in caves. Can be seen at most times of year but mainly between March and July. Widespread but not well recorded in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Heleomyzidae
- Genus
- Scoliocentra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats including meadows, deciduous woodland and also found in caves.
Seasonal Activity
Can be seen at most times of year but mainly between March and July.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but not well recorded in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Scoliocentra villosa. 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 Scoliocentra villosa
What is Scoliocentra villosa?
Scoliocentra villosa is a species in the family Heleomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Scoliocentra villosa?
Male 7 to 9 mm, Female 6.5 to 8 mm. Scoliocentra villosa is a fly with orange abdomen and legs.
Where is Scoliocentra villosa found?
Habitat: Various habitats including meadows, deciduous woodland and also found in caves.
When is Scoliocentra villosa active?
Scoliocentra villosa: seasonal activity - Can be seen at most times of year but mainly between March and July..