Liverfluke Snail Predator Fly
Sepedomerus macropus
This record describes Sepedomerus macropus (species). Recorded family: Sciomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
porrect (forward-pointing) antennae are standard features in the genera Sepedon, Parasepedon, Sepedonea, Sepedomerus . The extremely long, orange hind femora and tibia with the prominent black band is diagnostic for this unique species. (data provided by William L. Murphy ) intentionally introduced & established in Hawai'i and Guam to control snails that act as intermediate hosts of Fasciola gigantica , a liver fluke affecting cattle ( Barker et al. 2004 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciomyzoidea
- Family
- Sciomyzidae (Marsh Flies, Snail-killing Flies)
- Tribe
- Tetanocerini
- Genus
- Sepedomerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Stagnant (?) wetlands with emergent vegetation; most often observed perched on stems of emergent plants, with its head down, facing the water
Geographic Range
mainly Neotropical, north to south TX (data provided by William L. Murphy ). Also in the greater Antilles, with one Florida record.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed primarily on freshwater snails
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sepedomerus macropus (Walker 1849)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sepedomerus macropus. 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 Liverfluke Snail Predator Fly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Joshua Stuart Rose
Frequently Asked Questions About Liverfluke Snail Predator Fly
What is Liverfluke Snail Predator Fly?
Liverfluke Snail Predator Fly (Sepedomerus macropus) is a species in the family Sciomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Liverfluke Snail Predator Fly?
porrect (forward-pointing) antennae are standard features in the genera Sepedon, Parasepedon, Sepedonea, Sepedomerus . The extremely long, orange hind femora and tibia with the prominent black band is diagnostic for this unique species. (data provided by William L. Murphy )
Where is Liverfluke Snail Predator Fly found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Stagnant (?) wetlands with emergent vegetation; most often observed perched on stems of emergent plants, with its head down, facing the water |
| Range | mainly Neotropical, north to south TX (data provided by William L. Murphy ). Also in the greater Antilles, with one Florida record. |
What does Liverfluke Snail Predator Fly eat?
The diet of the Liverfluke Snail Predator Fly includes Larvae feed primarily on freshwater snails.