Thaumatomyia notata
This record describes Thaumatomyia notata (species). Recorded family: Chloropidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A tiny (2.5 mm) yellow fly with dark stripes on the thorax. Found in most habitats, most particularly from low bushes, woodland edges and waste ground. Can be common in gardens and may venture indoors when numbers build up later in the summer. There are several very similar species in the family so microscopic examination is needed. See the ID guidance below for the specific features to look for. There are 5 UK Thaumatomyia species - all very similar . Chlorops are also very similar. Mainly in flower meadows but sometimes it enters homes in large numbers and for this reason has been nicknamed Yellow Swarming Fly. Widespread in England and Wales, but difficulties of species identification means that true status is uncertain.
Wikipedia reference for Thaumatomyia notata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaumatomyia_notata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Chloropidae
- Genus
- Thaumatomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mainly in flower meadows but sometimes it enters homes in large numbers and for this reason has been nicknamed Yellow Swarming Fly.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae predaceous on aphids.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England and Wales, but difficulties of species identification means that true status is uncertain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Thaumatomyia notata. 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 Thaumatomyia notata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Thaumatomyia notata
What is Thaumatomyia notata?
Thaumatomyia notata is a species in the family Chloropidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Thaumatomyia notata?
c2.1mm
Where is Thaumatomyia notata found?
Habitat: Mainly in flower meadows but sometimes it enters homes in large numbers and for this reason has been nicknamed Yellow Swarming Fly.
When is Thaumatomyia notata active?
Thaumatomyia notata: seasonal activity - Spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a Thaumatomyia notata?
Larvae predaceous on aphids.