Tetanocera ferruginea
This record describes Tetanocera ferruginea (species). Recorded family: Sciomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The wings lack a darkened costal area, and the frons is dull with a darkened mid frontal stripe. For further information see link below. 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. A wetland species, but it avoids the most acidic wetlands. Adults can be recorded from May until September. The larvae develop in aquatic pulmonate snails in shallow, often stagnant water. T. ferruginea is a common wetland species in most parts of Britain. https://www.flickr.com/photos/63075200@N07/albums/72157676309633063/ No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciomyzoidea
- Family
- Sciomyzidae (Marsh Flies, Snail-killing Flies)
- Tribe
- Tetanocerini
- Genus
- Tetanocera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A wetland species, but it avoids the most acidic wetlands.
Seasonal Activity
Adults can be recorded from May until September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae develop in aquatic pulmonate snails in shallow, often stagnant water.
Additional species information
Recorded status
T. ferruginea is a common wetland species in most parts of Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tetanocera ferruginea. 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 ferruginea (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tetanocera ferruginea
What is Tetanocera ferruginea?
Tetanocera ferruginea is a species in the family Sciomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Tetanocera ferruginea found?
Habitat: A wetland species, but it avoids the most acidic wetlands.
When is Tetanocera ferruginea active?
Tetanocera ferruginea: seasonal activity - Adults can be recorded from May until September..
What is the life cycle of a Tetanocera ferruginea?
The larvae develop in aquatic pulmonate snails in shallow, often stagnant water.