Trichopalpus fraternus
This record describes Trichopalpus fraternus (species). Recorded family: Scathophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small greyish species. The femora are dark with yellow at the base and tip. Thorax and abdomen are densely grey-dusted. The front of the frons and sides of the face have a reddish ground colour. The palps are small and brown. It has distinct propleural and stigmatical bristles above the front coxa. Swampy margins of water bodies, ditches and slow-flowing-rivers and streams, long damp grassland. April to September, peaking in June and July.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Scathophagidae
- Genus
- Trichopalpus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Swampy margins of water bodies, ditches and slow-flowing-rivers and streams, long damp grassland.
Seasonal Activity
April to September, peaking in June and July.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Trichopalpus fraternus. 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 Trichopalpus fraternus
What is Trichopalpus fraternus?
Trichopalpus fraternus is a species in the family Scathophagidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Trichopalpus fraternus found?
Habitat: Swampy margins of water bodies, ditches and slow-flowing-rivers and streams, long damp grassland.
When is Trichopalpus fraternus active?
Trichopalpus fraternus: seasonal activity - April to September, peaking in June and July..