Suillia bicolor
This record describes Suillia bicolor (species). Recorded family: Heleomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Approximately 5 mm in length. This has an orange-brown thorax and darker brown abdomen. It has clear wings that have costal spines along the leading edge (these spines are characterisitic of the family). 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. Late summer and autumn is a good time to see this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Heleomyzidae
- Genus
- Suillia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with woodland fungi.
Seasonal Activity
Late summer and autumn is a good time to see this species.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Suillia bicolor. 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 Suillia bicolor (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Suillia bicolor
What is Suillia bicolor?
Suillia bicolor is a species in the family Heleomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Suillia bicolor found?
Habitat: Associated with woodland fungi.
When is Suillia bicolor active?
Suillia bicolor: seasonal activity - Late summer and autumn is a good time to see this species..