Anthomyia

Meigen, 1803

Species Guides

6

Anthomyia is a of small flies in the Anthomyiidae, superficially resembling houseflies but distinguished by conspicuous black-and-white patterning on the body. The genus occurs widely in the Palearctic region, with some documented in the Afrotropical region. Several species, including A. pluvialis and A. procellaris, have been recorded from bird nests, where they develop as saprophages. The genus contains multiple cryptic or closely related species that require careful examination of male genitalia for accurate identification.

Anthomyia by (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Anthomyia oculifera by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Anthomyia oculifera by (c) Robert Roach, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Robert Roach. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthomyia: //ænˈθoʊ.miː.jə//

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Identification

within Anthomyia are distinguished from similar anthomyiid by the combination of small size, black-and-white patterned and , and specific configurations of the male terminalia. The A. pluvialis in Europe includes five recognized species (A. bazini, A. imbrida, A. pluvialis, A. procellaris, and A. quinquemaculata) that are morphologically similar and require examination of male genitalia for definitive identification. The characteristic black spotting on the thorax and abdomen is useful for field recognition of A. pluvialis specifically.

Images

Habitat

Bird nests are a documented for at least two : A. pluvialis and A. procellaris. The occupies diverse environments across its range, though specific microhabitat associations beyond bird nests remain poorly documented for most species.

Distribution

Europe (including the A. pluvialis ), the Old World (A. pluvialis specifically), and Cantabria, Spain (documented for A. procellaris). Distribution records from GBIF include Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Diet

Saprophagous. A. procellaris has been explicitly documented as saprophagous in association with lepidopteran . inhabiting bird nests presumably feed on decomposing organic matter within the nest environment.

Ecological Role

Saprophagous contribute to decomposition processes in bird nest .

Sources and further reading