Thereva nobilitata
This record describes Thereva nobilitata (species). Recorded family: Therevidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This fly has a long hairy body with slender legs. The adults are conspicuous with their golden hairs and banded abdomen. The female abdomen in quite pointed. 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. Hedgerows and well wooded areas where it can be found resting on vegetation, and is often netted from the foliage of bushes and trees. The larvae, look rather like worms and live amongst dead leaves. They eat everything from rotting plants to other insects and worms. Widespread in Britain and fairly frequent, but not really common.
Wikipedia reference for Thereva nobilitata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thereva_nobilitata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Therevidae
- Genus
- Thereva
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and well wooded areas where it can be found resting on vegetation, and is often netted from the foliage of bushes and trees.
Seasonal Activity
Peak in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae, look rather like worms and live amongst dead leaves. They eat everything from rotting plants to other insects and worms.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain and fairly frequent, but not really common.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Thereva nobilitata. 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 Thereva nobilitata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Thereva nobilitata
What is Thereva nobilitata?
Thereva nobilitata is a species in the family Therevidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Thereva nobilitata found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and well wooded areas where it can be found resting on vegetation, and is often netted from the foliage of bushes and trees.
When is Thereva nobilitata active?
Thereva nobilitata: seasonal activity - Peak in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Thereva nobilitata?
The larvae, look rather like worms and live amongst dead leaves. They eat everything from rotting plants to other insects and worms.