Sicus ferrugineus
This record describes Sicus ferrugineus (species). Recorded family: Conopidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8 to 13 mm. The body is reddish-brown to yellow-brown. The conspicuous head is large and bright yellow with large reddish eyes. When in resting position the abdomen is usually folded forward. Feeds on nectar or pollen of various flowering plants. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Sicus ferrugineus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicus_ferrugineus.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and flower meadows.
Seasonal Activity
May through to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on nectar or pollen of various flowering plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sicus ferrugineus. 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 Sicus ferrugineus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sicus ferrugineus
What is Sicus ferrugineus?
Sicus ferrugineus is a species in the family Conopidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Sicus ferrugineus?
8 to 13 mm. The body is reddish-brown to yellow-brown. The conspicuous head is large and bright yellow with large reddish eyes. When in resting position the abdomen is usually folded forward.
Where is Sicus ferrugineus found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and flower meadows.
When is Sicus ferrugineus active?
Sicus ferrugineus: seasonal activity - May through to September..
What is the life cycle of a Sicus ferrugineus?
Feeds on nectar or pollen of various flowering plants.