Sepsis cynipsea
This record describes Sepsis cynipsea (species). Recorded family: Sepsidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
2.5 to 3 mm long. There is a dark wing spot on each wing, typical of the Sepsis genus. The hypopleuron (between the haltere and the hind coxa) is pruinose in the anterior part but glossy black on the posterior part. The sternopleuron is entirely pruinose. (Adjust the angle of light to view the pruinosity). The mid femur lacks an anterior seta near the middle (don't confuse with a ventral or anterior-ventral setae) and the mid tibia has 0-1 posterior setae. Males have a unique ornamentation on the front tibia which is a helpful key ID feature. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Although the species might be encountered at any time, the main period is between May and September with a peak in July and early August. The flies are active by day, and the sexes usually meet for mating around fresh dung where the eggs will be laid. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Sepsis cynipsea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepsis_cynipsea.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around fresh dung.
Seasonal Activity
Although the species might be encountered at any time, the main period is between May and September with a peak in July and early August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The flies are active by day, and the sexes usually meet for mating around fresh dung where the eggs will be laid.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sepsis cynipsea. 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 Sepsis cynipsea (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sepsis cynipsea
What is Sepsis cynipsea?
Sepsis cynipsea is a species in the family Sepsidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Sepsis cynipsea found?
Habitat: Around fresh dung.
When is Sepsis cynipsea active?
Sepsis cynipsea: seasonal activity - Although the species might be encountered at any time, the main period is between May and September with a peak in July and early August..
What is the life cycle of a Sepsis cynipsea?
The flies are active by day, and the sexes usually meet for mating around fresh dung where the eggs will be laid.