Do mosquitoes have any redeeming qualities? What stops us from completely eradicating them from off the face of the earth? What good are mosquitoes?
Diptera
- David Bradt shares his experiences as an entomologist in the US Army.
- Spencer Doepel of Ecoflys talks about the black soldier fly, its life cycle, and how to rear it.
Guides
Cupressatia
Cupressatia is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) established in 2013 by Raymond Gagné. The genus is associated with cypress (Cupressaceae) hosts. Records indicate presence in northern Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden). As a recently described genus, detailed biological information remains limited.
Curtonotum prolixum
Curtonotum prolixum is a species of fly in the family Curtonotidae, described by Lindsay in 2019 from Central America and Mexico. It belongs to the Curtonotum murinum species complex, a group of five newly described species from the region. The species was formally described with photographic images as part of a taxonomic revision.
Cuterebra americana
woodrat bot fly
Cuterebra americana, the woodrat bot fly, is a New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. It is a parasitic species whose larvae develop subcutaneously in mammalian hosts. The species has been documented successfully developing in atypical hosts, including the black rat (Rattus rattus) in Florida. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and lack functional mouthparts, living only to reproduce.
Cuterebra arizonae
New World skin bot fly
Cuterebra arizonae is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. It was described by Sabrosky in 1986. Like other members of the genus Cuterebra, it is a parasitic fly whose larvae develop subcutaneously in mammalian hosts. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and lack functional mouthparts.
Cuterebra atrox
Cuterebra atrox is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. Like other members of the genus Cuterebra, it is a parasitic fly whose larvae develop subcutaneously in mammalian hosts. The species was described by Clark in 1848. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and do not feed, lacking functional mouthparts.
Cuterebra austeni
Cuterebra austeni is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. The adult flies are large, bumble bee-sized insects with distinctive black and white coloration. Like other Cuterebra species, adults lack functional mouthparts and live only briefly, fueled entirely by larval fat reserves. The species has been documented exhibiting hilltopping behavior in Arizona, where males gather at elevated sites to locate females.
Cuterebra buccata
rabbit bot fly
Cuterebra buccata is a New World bot fly in the family Oestridae, commonly known as the rabbit bot fly. Adults are large, bumble bee-sized flies that lack functional mouthparts and do not feed. The species is host-specific to lagomorphs, particularly cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Larvae develop subcutaneously in warbles, feeding on host fluids rather than tissue. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and have short lifespans focused on reproduction.
bot-flymyiasisparasitelagomorphrabbitOestridaeCuterebrinaebumble-bee-mimicrywarblesubcutaneous-parasitehost-specificnon-feeding-adultpupariumCuterebraSylvilaguscottontail-rabbitNew-WorldNorth-AmericaVirginiaMissouriVermontspring-emergencelate-summer-prevalencerarely-encounteredshort-lived-adultevolutionary-coevolutionbenign-parasitismsoil-pupationlarval-migrationsubcutaneous-developmentDipteraInsectaentomologymedical-entomologyveterinary-entomologywildlife-diseaseparasitologyhost-parasite-interactioncuterebridrabbit-parasitelagomorph-parasitebotwarble-flygadflyOestrus-buccataFabricius-1775Cuterebra-buccata-(Fabricius,-1775)Cuterebra cochisei
Cuterebra cochisei is a species of New World skin bot fly described by Sabrosky in 1986. As a member of the genus Cuterebra, it is an obligate parasite of mammals with larvae that develop subcutaneously in host tissue. The species is one of 34 recognized North American Cuterebra species. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species.
Cuterebra lepusculi
cottontail rabbit botfly
Cuterebra lepusculi is a New World skin bot fly (family Oestridae) that parasitizes cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.). Adults are short-lived, lack functional mouthparts, and do not feed. Females deposit eggs near rabbit burrow entrances; larvae hatch upon detecting host body heat, enter through natural orifices or wounds, and develop in subcutaneous warbles for approximately one month before exiting to pupate in soil.
Cuterebra tenebriformis
Cyamops
Cyamops is a genus of small flies in the family Periscelididae, subfamily Stenomicrinae. First described by Melander in 1913, this genus is part of the diverse order Diptera. The genus contains multiple species, though detailed biological information remains limited. Observations of this genus are rare, with only 12 records documented on iNaturalist.
Cyamops halteratus
Cyamops halteratus is a small fly species in the family Periscelididae, described by Sabrosky in 1958. The specific epithet 'halteratus' refers to the halteres, the modified hindwings characteristic of Diptera. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
Cyamops nebulosus
Cyamops nebulosus is a species of fly in the family Periscelididae, described by Melander in 1913. The family Periscelididae comprises small to medium-sized flies commonly known as periscelidid flies. Very little is known about the biology or ecology of this particular species. The genus Cyamops is classified within the subfamily Stenomicrinae.
Cyanus
Cyanus is a genus of blow flies in the family Calliphoridae, established by Hall in 1948. The genus contains at least one recognized species, C. elongatus (Hough, 1898). As a member of the Calliphoridae, it belongs to the diverse group of calyptrate flies commonly known as blow flies or bluebottles.
Cyclotelus pictipennis
Cyclotelus pictipennis is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described as Thereva pictipennis by Wiedemann in 1821. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with some sources recognizing it under the synonym Cerocatus pictipennis. As a member of the Therevidae family, it shares the characteristic elongated, slender body form and stiletto-like proboscis typical of stiletto flies. The specific epithet 'pictipennis' refers to patterned or painted wings, suggesting distinctive wing markings.
Cylindromyia fumipennis
smoky-winged beetle bandit
Cylindromyia fumipennis is a tachinid fly species in the family Tachinidae. The available sources provide primarily taxonomic information rather than detailed biological data. The species name 'fumipennis' (smoky-winged) suggests distinctive wing coloration. The species is recorded from North America.
Cylindromyia interrupta
Cylindromyia interrupta is a small tachinid fly, 6–8 mm in length with a wingspan of 12 mm. It is a parasitoid whose larvae develop inside living hosts, specifically moths and true bugs (Hemiptera). Adults are active from May to August and feed primarily on nectar and pollen of Apiaceae, especially Leucanthemum vulgare. The species is distinguished by its slender body with black thorax, reddish abdomen bearing two silver rings, a wide longitudinal black marking, and black apical tergites.
Cylindromyiini
Cylindromyiini is a tribe of tachinid flies comprising approximately 17 genera and 200 species. These flies are parasitoids, with larvae developing inside host insects. The tribe was established by Townsend in 1912 and is classified within the subfamily Phasiinae. The genus Penthosia was formerly included but has been reassigned to the tribe Hermyini.
Cylindrotomidae
long-bodied craneflies
Cylindrotomidae, commonly known as long-bodied craneflies, are a small family of crane flies (Diptera: Tipuloidea) comprising approximately 65–71 extant species in 9 genera and more than 16–20 extinct species. The family represents a classic 'ghost lineage' with no fossil record during the Mesozoic despite diversification of their sister family Tipulidae in the Cretaceous. Crown group diversification began in the Paleogene, with the oldest fossils dating to approximately 56 million years ago. The family is divided into two subfamilies: Cylindrotominae, which are primarily Holarctic in distribution, and Stibadocerinae, which exhibit a Gondwanan distribution with genera restricted to Australia, Chile, and East Asia.
Cyphomyia erecta
Cyphomyia erecta is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by McFadden and James in 1969. The species is known from the United States and Mexico. Soldier flies in this family are often characterized by their wasp-like or bee-like appearance and larvae that typically develop in decaying organic matter. The specific epithet 'erecta' may refer to an upright posture or structural feature, though the original description would be needed to confirm this.
Cyrtophleba
Cyrtophleba is a genus of tachinid flies in the family Tachinidae, subfamily Dexiinae, tribe Voriini. The genus was established by Camillo Rondani in 1856. Tachinid flies in this group are generally parasitoids, though specific host associations for Cyrtophleba species remain poorly documented. The genus has been recorded from northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Cyrtopogon
robber fly
Cyrtopogon is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, comprising at least 120 described species. These predatory flies are opportunistic hunters of small insects, with documented prey spanning 25 families across 7 orders. Males of at least some species perform elaborate courtship displays involving visual signals and specialized structures. The genus exhibits thermoregulatory behaviors including lateral and dorsal basking, and appears dependent on direct sunlight for sustained flight.
Cyrtopogon albifrons
Cyrtopogon albifrons is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox & Martin in 1936. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises predatory flies commonly found in North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their slender body form and distinctive facial features. Specific ecological and behavioral details for C. albifrons remain poorly documented in published literature.
Cyrtopogon albovarians
Cyrtopogon albovarians is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Charles Howard Curran in 1924. As a member of the diverse genus Cyrtopogon, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior and distinctive courtship displays. The species name 'albovarians' refers to white coloration on the ovaries or ventral surface. Specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Cyrtopogon aldrichi
Cyrtopogon aldrichi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox & Martin in 1936. As a member of the genus Cyrtopogon, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies characterized by their aerial hunting behavior. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases, though published information on its specific biology and distribution remains limited.
Cyrtopogon alleni
Showy Bandit
Cyrtopogon alleni is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Back in 1909. It is one of numerous species within the diverse genus Cyrtopogon, which comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies found primarily in North America. The species has been documented through citizen science observations and appears to be an active aerial predator.
Cyrtopogon anomalus
Cyrtopogon anomalus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cole in 1919. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises predatory flies that typically hunt other insects in flight or from perches. This species belongs to a diverse group of asilids found across North America. Available information about this specific species is limited, with only 17 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Cyrtopogon auratus
Cyrtopogon auratus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cole in 1919. As a member of this predatory fly family, it likely shares the characteristic hunting behavior of ambushing prey in flight. The species name 'auratus' suggests golden or golden-colored appearance. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species in available sources.
Cyrtopogon banksi
Cyrtopogon banksi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox & Martin in 1936. As a member of the genus Cyrtopogon, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies characterized by their distinctive morphology and hunting behavior. The species is part of the large and ecologically important family Asilidae, which contains over 7,000 described species worldwide. Specific details about the biology and distribution of C. banksi remain poorly documented in the accessible literature.
Cyrtopogon beameri
Cyrtopogon beameri is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox & Martin in 1936. The genus Cyrtopogon belongs to the subfamily Asilinae, a group of predatory flies known for their agile flight and prey capture behavior. As a member of this genus, C. beameri likely exhibits the characteristic features of Cyrtopogon species, including a slender body form and specific wing venation patterns. The species is known from very few observations, with only two records documented in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Cyrtopogon bimacula
Cyrtopogon bimacula is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, a group of predatory flies known for their aerial hunting prowess. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1851 under the basionym Euarmostus bimacula. Like other members of the genus Cyrtopogon, this species is part of a diverse assemblage of predatory dipterans that occupy various habitats across North America.
Cyrtopogon caesius
Cyrtopogon caesius is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Melander in 1923. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises predatory flies that hunt other insects in flight. As with other Asilidae, they are characterized by strong legs for capturing prey and a prominent proboscis for subduing victims. The specific epithet "caesius" refers to a blue-gray coloration.
Cyrtopogon callipedilus
Cyrtopogon callipedilus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Loew in 1874. As a member of the genus Cyrtopogon, it belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by their distinctive hunting behavior and morphology. The species has been documented in the western United States, with observations recorded in Colorado. Like other robber flies, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Cyrtopogon chagnoni
Cyrtopogon chagnoni is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Curran in 1939. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises predatory flies that typically hunt from perches. Limited observation records exist for this species, with only one documented observation on iNaturalist. As with other Cyrtopogon species, it is expected to exhibit characteristic robber fly predatory behavior, though species-specific details remain poorly documented.
Cyrtopogon dasylloides
Cyrtopogon dasylloides is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1883. It belongs to the genus Cyrtopogon, a group of medium-sized robber flies found primarily in North America. The species is documented in Colorado, where it has been observed in foothill and montane habitats. Like other asilids, it is a predatory insect that captures prey in flight.
Cyrtopogon evidens
Cyrtopogon evidens is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It belongs to a genus of predatory flies known for their agile flight and ambush hunting behavior. Like other Asilidae, this species is likely an active predator of other insects, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Cyrtopogon falto
Golden-faced Bandit
Cyrtopogon falto is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Golden-faced Bandit. The species was first described by Walker in 1849 under the basionym Dasypogon falto. As a member of the Asilidae family, it is a predatory fly that hunts other insects. The genus Cyrtopogon contains multiple species of medium-sized robber flies found primarily in North America.
Cyrtopogon fumipennis
Cyrtopogon fumipennis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox & Martin in 1936. As a member of the genus Cyrtopogon, it belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by their distinctive hunting behavior and physical adaptations for capturing prey in flight. The specific epithet "fumipennis" (smoky-winged) likely refers to wing coloration. Robber flies in this genus are generally associated with open, sunny habitats where they perch and ambush flying insects.
Cyrtopogon glarealis
Cyrtopogon glarealis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Melander in 1923. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors and agile flight. As with other asilids, this species likely hunts other insects in flight. Records indicate it has been documented in western North America, including Colorado.
Cyrtopogon idahoensis
Cyrtopogon idahoensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox & Martin in 1936. As a member of the genus Cyrtopogon, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their agile flight and ambush hunting behavior. The specific epithet 'idahoensis' suggests a connection to Idaho, though detailed distribution records remain limited. Like other robber flies, it likely preys on smaller insects.
Cyrtopogon infuscatus
Cyrtopogon infuscatus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Cole in 1919. The genus Cyrtopogon is a large and diverse group within the Asilidae, with species distributed across North America. Like other robber flies, members of this genus are predatory and typically hunt from perches. The specific epithet 'infuscatus' refers to a darkened or dusky coloration.
Cyrtopogon inversus
White-brushed Bandit
Cyrtopogon inversus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the White-brushed Bandit. It belongs to a genus of predatory flies characterized by their hunting behavior and distinctive morphology. The species was described by Curran in 1923. Available records indicate it has been documented across multiple observations, though detailed natural history information remains limited.
Cyrtopogon leptotarsus
Cyrtopogon leptotarsus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) first described by Curran in 1923. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises small to medium-sized robber flies commonly found in North America. Like other members of the family, this species is likely predatory, though specific behavioral and ecological details remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded from limited observations, with only four documented occurrences on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Cyrtopogon longimanus
Cyrtopogon longimanus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Loew in 1874. The genus Cyrtopogon belongs to the diverse asilid fauna of North America. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects that hunt other arthropods. The specific epithet 'longimanus' refers to long forelegs, a trait that may relate to prey capture or perching behavior.
Cyrtopogon lutatius
Brush-faced Bandit
Cyrtopogon lutatius is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) originally described by Walker in 1849 under the basionym Dasypogon lutatius. The species is known by the common name "Brush-faced Bandit." Like other members of the Asilidae, this predatory fly is characterized by its robust build and predatory habits, though species-specific ecological details remain limited in published literature. Records indicate presence in the northeastern United States.
Cyrtopogon marginalis
Shiny-edged Bandit
Cyrtopogon marginalis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae), commonly known as the Shiny-edged Bandit. Robber flies are predatory insects that capture other arthropods in flight. This species belongs to the genus Cyrtopogon, a group of robber flies found primarily in North America. The specific epithet 'marginalis' likely refers to distinctive marginal markings on the wings or body edges, a common naming pattern in this genus.
Cyrtopogon montanus
Cyrtopogon montanus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Loew in 1874. The species name "montanus" (Latin for "mountainous") suggests an association with elevated habitats. Two subspecies are recognized: C. m. montanus and C. m. wilcoxi. Robber flies in the genus Cyrtopogon are generally ground-dwelling predators that perch on low vegetation or bare ground to hunt.
Cyrtopogon nitidus
Cyrtopogon nitidus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cole in 1924. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises predatory flies commonly known as robber flies or assassin flies, characterized by their stout bodies, large eyes, and predatory habits. As a member of this genus, C. nitidus likely shares the typical Cyrtopogon morphology and ecological role as an aerial predator of other insects, though specific details about this particular species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Cyrtopogon perspicax
Cyrtopogon perspicax is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cole in 1919. Like other members of the genus Cyrtopogon, it is a predatory fly that captures other insects in flight. The species is known from limited observations, with only two records documented in iNaturalist as of the source date. Its specific epithet "perspicax" suggests keen perception or discernment, possibly alluding to visual acuity in hunting.
Cyrtopogon platycaudus
Cyrtopogon platycaudus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Curran in 1924. As a member of the genus Cyrtopogon, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their aerial hunting behavior. The species is documented in western North America. Like other robber flies, it likely preys on other insects, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in available sources.