Siphonella oscinina
This record describes Siphonella oscinina (species). Recorded family: Chloropidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Carnoidea
- Family
- Chloropidae (Frit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Oscinellinae
- Tribe
- Incertellini
- Genus
- Siphonella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Has been collected on stinkhorn, Phallus impudicis, in Finland.
Geographic Range
Holarctic Stone catalog gives range as "Alaska to Labr. and Nfld., s. to Calif., N. Mex., Mo., Ala., and N.C"
Seasonal Activity
July - Sept. in northern Europe
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Unclear. Has previously been reported as reared from spider eggs and also from Greenisca glyceriae (Coccidae).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Siphonella oscinina. 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 Siphonella oscinina (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Siphonella oscinina
Where is Siphonella oscinina found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Has been collected on stinkhorn, Phallus impudicis, in Finland. |
| Range | Holarctic Stone catalog gives range as Alaska to Labr. and Nfld., s. to Calif., N. Mex., Mo., Ala., and N.C |
What does Siphonella oscinina eat?
The diet of the Siphonella oscinina includes Unclear. Has previously been reported as reared from spider eggs and also from Greenisca glyceriae (Coccidae)..
When is Siphonella oscinina active?
Siphonella oscinina: seasonal activity - July - Sept. in northern Europe.