Tetanocera elata
This record describes Tetanocera elata (species). Recorded family: Sciomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Tetanocera elata has dark shading to the outer edge of the wings and a dark patch on the head behind the ocelli. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Varied habitats including dry and damp grasslands, rides and clearings of woods, coastal dunes, heathland and the edges of wetlands, valley mire etc. though there is no particular association with wetlands. Adults can be found from May until September. A widespread and frequent species throughout much of Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Sciomyzidae
- Genus
- Tetanocera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Varied habitats including dry and damp grasslands, rides and clearings of woods, coastal dunes, heathland and the edges of wetlands, valley mire etc. though there is no particular association with wetlands.
Seasonal Activity
Adults can be found from May until September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species predates on slugs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A widespread and frequent species throughout much of Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tetanocera elata. 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 Tetanocera elata (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tetanocera elata
What is Tetanocera elata?
Tetanocera elata is a species in the family Sciomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Tetanocera elata found?
Habitat: Varied habitats including dry and damp grasslands, rides and clearings of woods, coastal dunes, heathland and the edges of wetlands, valley mire etc. though there is no particular association with wetlands.
When is Tetanocera elata active?
Tetanocera elata: seasonal activity - Adults can be found from May until September..
What is the life cycle of a Tetanocera elata?
This species predates on slugs.