Tephrochlamys tarsalis
This record describes Tephrochlamys tarsalis (species). Recorded family: Heleomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This small/medium fly is a winter specialist, appearing in December and January. It has a grey thorax and an orange abdomen. See the ID checklist below for a detailed list of the key ID features. Tephrochlamys flavipes is the species most similar but can be distinguished by its pale gena - see photo guide Known to breed in old bird and mammal nests (reared from Rook, Kingfisher and Wood Mouse nests). Scattered records only in England and Wales. Heleomyzid Recording Scheme - with an excellent illustrated key. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sphaeroceroidea
- Family
- Heleomyzidae
- Subfamily
- Heteromyzinae
- Genus
- Tephrochlamys
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
Adults: December - January
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Known to breed in old bird and mammal nests (reared from Rook, Kingfisher and Wood Mouse nests).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scattered records only in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tephrochlamys tarsalis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tephrochlamys tarsalis
What is Tephrochlamys tarsalis?
Tephrochlamys tarsalis is a species in the family Heleomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
When is Tephrochlamys tarsalis active?
Tephrochlamys tarsalis: seasonal activity - Adults: December - January.
What is the life cycle of a Tephrochlamys tarsalis?
Known to breed in old bird and mammal nests (reared from Rook, Kingfisher and Wood Mouse nests).