Suillia variegata
This record describes Suillia variegata (species). Recorded family: by the regularly spaced spines on the fore edge of the wings.. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
You can easily tell apart flies of the Heleomyzidae family by the regularly spaced spines on the fore edge of the wings. Suillia variegata has a hairy thorax, and wings with a small pale area on the tip after a darker patch. It is found in various habitats, but adults are often found in the vicinity of fungi and decay suitable for the larvae. All year round with peaks in April/May and July/August. Larvae feed on mushrooms and on decaying matter. It is fairly frequent and can be found throughout Britain but seems to be more frequent in the south.
Wikipedia reference for Suillia variegata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suillia_variegata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sphaeroceroidea
- Subfamily
- Suilliinae
- Genus
- Suillia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is found in various habitats, but adults are often found in the vicinity of fungi and decay suitable for the larvae.
Seasonal Activity
All year round with peaks in April/May and July/August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed on mushrooms and on decaying matter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly frequent and can be found throughout Britain but seems to be more frequent in the south.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Suillia variegata. 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 variegata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Suillia variegata
What is Suillia variegata?
Suillia variegata is a species in the family by the regularly spaced spines on the fore edge of the wings., within the order Diptera.
Where is Suillia variegata found?
Habitat: It is found in various habitats, but adults are often found in the vicinity of fungi and decay suitable for the larvae.
When is Suillia variegata active?
Suillia variegata: seasonal activity - All year round with peaks in April/May and July/August..
What is the life cycle of a Suillia variegata?
Larvae feed on mushrooms and on decaying matter.