Yellow Spear-winged Fly
Lonchoptera lutea
This record describes Lonchoptera lutea (species). Recorded family: Lonchopteridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults vary a great deal in colour, from yellow to dark brown. Scutellum brown to yellow. The antennal segments are all dark. The pointed wings have no central cross vein. Unlike most of these genera, Lonchoptera lutea shows a marked preference for unshaded habitats.
Wikipedia reference for Lonchoptera lutea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonchoptera_lutea.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Lonchopteridae
- Genus
- Lonchoptera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Unlike most of these genera, Lonchoptera lutea shows a marked preference for unshaded habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Spring to autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae live in leaf litter.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lonchoptera lutea. 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 Spear-winged Fly (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow Spear-winged Fly
What is Yellow Spear-winged Fly?
Yellow Spear-winged Fly (Lonchoptera lutea) is a species in the family Lonchopteridae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Yellow Spear-winged Fly?
scutellum dark brown (not black)
Where is Yellow Spear-winged Fly found?
Habitat: Unlike most of these genera, Lonchoptera lutea shows a marked preference for unshaded habitats.
When is Yellow Spear-winged Fly active?
Yellow Spear-winged Fly: seasonal activity - Spring to autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Yellow Spear-winged Fly?
Larvae live in leaf litter.