Tachypeza nubila
This record describes Tachypeza nubila (species). Recorded family: Hybotidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 2.5 to 3.5 mm. A small dark brown looking fly. The front legs appear to have swollen thighs and are slightly more yellowy brown. The wings have a dark shading. Usually you will find them on tree trunks (both standing and felled trees) and they can hide under loose bark or stones as well when feeling threatened. When threatened they usually try to run away (very quickly for a fly!), flying away is usually the last resort. Widespread but under recorded in Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually you will find them on tree trunks (both standing and felled trees) and they can hide under loose bark or stones as well when feeling threatened.
Seasonal Activity
May to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
When threatened they usually try to run away (very quickly for a fly!), flying away is usually the last resort.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but under recorded in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tachypeza nubila. 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 Tachypeza nubila (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tachypeza nubila
What is Tachypeza nubila?
Tachypeza nubila is a species in the family Hybotidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Tachypeza nubila?
2.5 to 3.5 mm. A small dark brown looking fly. The front legs appear to have swollen thighs and are slightly more yellowy brown. The wings have a dark shading.
Where is Tachypeza nubila found?
Habitat: Usually you will find them on tree trunks (both standing and felled trees) and they can hide under loose bark or stones as well when feeling threatened.
When is Tachypeza nubila active?
Tachypeza nubila: seasonal activity - May to October..
What is the life cycle of a Tachypeza nubila?
When threatened they usually try to run away (very quickly for a fly!), flying away is usually the last resort.