Hydrotaea militaris
(Meigen, 1826)
Hydrotaea militaris is a of muscid fly in the Hydrotaea. The species was described by Meigen in 1826. Like other members of Hydrotaea, this species is associated with decomposing organic matter and livestock environments. Larvae of Hydrotaea species have been documented as of other fly larvae in manure, including horn fly larvae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hydrotaea militaris: /hɪˈdroʊtiə mɪˈlɪtərɪs/
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Habitat
Associated with livestock operations and decomposing organic matter, including manure and carrion. Typical of environments where Hydrotaea breed and develop.
Distribution
Recorded from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Distribution appears limited to northern Europe based on available occurrence data.
Diet
Larvae are predatory, feeding on other dipteran larvae including horn fly (Haematobia irritans) larvae developing in cattle . feeding habits are not specifically documented for this .
Ecological Role
Human Relevance
Has potential value in programs for livestock. The predatory larvae may help suppress economically important pest flies without chemical intervention. Not documented as a direct pest or .
Similar Taxa
- Hydrotaea aenescensShares similar and ecological role as a of horn fly larvae in cattle ; identification requires examination of specific morphological characters
- Hydrotaea diabolusAnother Hydrotaea with comparable preferences and predatory larval in livestock environments
- Muscina stabulansBlack dump fly with larvae that also prey on house fly larvae in manure; differs in and larval targets