Yellow-legged Centurion
Sargus flavipes
This record describes Sargus flavipes (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body length: 7-9 mm. Most specimens have yellow legs, though some are darker. It is smaller than S. bipunctatus , the only other similar species with yellow legs. Males have a green abdomen and thorax, whilst females have a black abdomen often with some purple reflections. Sargus bipunctatus also has yellow legs but is much larger (12-13mm) compared to the smaller S. flavipes (7-9mm). 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. It likes to sunbathe on foliage in sheltered locations, such as at the edge of meadows and woodland. Mid-May to mid-October (peaking in August) Larvae have been found in cow dung but also in pasture soil. Widespread in Britain but sometimes scarce. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Stratiomyidae
- Genus
- Sargus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It likes to sunbathe on foliage in sheltered locations, such as at the edge of meadows and woodland.
Seasonal Activity
Mid-May to mid-October (peaking in August)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae have been found in cow dung but also in pasture soil.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain but sometimes scarce.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sargus flavipes. 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 Yellow-legged Centurion (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow-legged Centurion
What is Yellow-legged Centurion?
Yellow-legged Centurion (Sargus flavipes) is a species in the family Stratiomyidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Yellow-legged Centurion?
7-9 mm. Most specimens have yellow legs, though some are darker. It is smaller than
Where is Yellow-legged Centurion found?
Habitat: It likes to sunbathe on foliage in sheltered locations, such as at the edge of meadows and woodland.
When is Yellow-legged Centurion active?
Yellow-legged Centurion: seasonal activity - Mid-May to mid-October (peaking in August).
What is the life cycle of a Yellow-legged Centurion?
Larvae have been found in cow dung but also in pasture soil.