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
Cyrtopogon pulcher
Cyrtopogon pulcher is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Back in 1909. It belongs to the diverse genus Cyrtopogon, which comprises predatory flies found primarily in North America. Robber flies in this genus are generally small to medium-sized with distinctive facial features and predatory habits. The species name "pulcher" (Latin for "beautiful") likely refers to some aspect of its coloration or morphology.
Cyrtopogon rainieri
Cyrtopogon rainieri is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox and Martin in 1936. The genus Cyrtopogon belongs to the diverse predatory fly family Asilidae, commonly known as robber flies, which are characterized by their aerial hunting behavior. Species in this genus are typically found in North America. Beyond its taxonomic description, specific biological details for C. rainieri remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Cyrtopogon rattus
Cyrtopogon rattus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1877. The genus Cyrtopogon belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their agile flight and ambush hunting behavior. As a member of this genus, C. rattus likely exhibits the characteristic traits of Cyrtopogon robber flies, though specific details about this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Cyrtopogon rufotarsus
Cyrtopogon rufotarsus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Back in 1909. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises predatory flies known for their agile flight and ambush hunting behavior. Little species-specific documentation exists for C. rufotarsus, though it shares the general characteristics of the genus.
Cyrtopogon semitarius
Cyrtopogon semitarius is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Melander in 1923. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species is part of the large Cyrtopogon genus, which contains numerous similar-looking species that can be challenging to distinguish without close examination. Specific ecological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Cyrtopogon stenofrons
Cyrtopogon stenofrons 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 known for their agile flight and ambush hunting behavior. The species is accepted in taxonomic databases but appears to be poorly documented in the scientific literature, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Cyrtopogon sudator
Cyrtopogon sudator is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1877. As a member of the genus Cyrtopogon, it belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by their distinctive morphology and hunting behavior. Very few specific observations of this species have been documented in public databases, with only one iNaturalist record identified.
Cyrtopogon swezeyi
Cyrtopogon swezeyi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox and Martin in 1936. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their distinctive bearded faces and ambush hunting behavior. Species within this genus are typically associated with open habitats where they perch on vegetation to capture flying insect prey.
Cyrtopogon thompsoni
Cyrtopogon thompsoni is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Cole in 1921. Members of the genus Cyrtopogon are predatory flies that typically inhabit open, sunny environments. As with other Asilidae, this species likely hunts other insects in flight. The species name honors an individual with the surname Thompson.
Cyrtopogon tibialis
Cyrtopogon tibialis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Coquillett in 1904. It belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae, a group characterized by their predatory habits and distinctive morphology. The species epithet "tibialis" refers to a characteristic of the tibia (leg segment), likely indicating a diagnostic morphological feature for identification. Robber flies in this genus are typically found in western North America and are active predators of other insects.
Cyrtopogon varans
Golden-tailed Bandit
Cyrtopogon varans is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Curran in 1923. It is known from limited observations in western North America. The species belongs to a genus of predatory flies characterized by hunting from perches. Common name 'Golden-tailed Bandit' refers to distinctive coloration features.
Cyrtopogon vulneratus
Cyrtopogon vulneratus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Melander in 1923. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises predatory flies commonly known as robber flies, characterized by their stout bodies, large eyes, and strong legs adapted for capturing prey in flight. As with other asilids, this species likely exhibits the typical robber fly predatory behavior of ambushing and capturing other insects. The specific epithet "vulneratus" (Latin for "wounded") may reference a distinguishing mark or pattern on the body, though the original description details are not provided in available sources.
Dactylolabis montana
Dactylolabis montana is a species of limoniid crane fly inhabiting madicolous environments in eastern North America. The species develops in thin water films on rock surfaces, with distinct larval and pupal stages described. It occurs from Ontario and Newfoundland south to Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
Dactylomyia lateralis
Dactylomyia lateralis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, subfamily Neurigoninae. First described by Thomas Say in 1829, this species belongs to a genus of small predatory flies characterized by their elongated legs and typically metallic coloration. The species has been recorded in North America with over 340 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Dalmannia pacifica
Dalmannia pacifica is a species of thick-headed fly (family Conopidae) described by Banks in 1916. It belongs to the subfamily Dalmanniinae. Conopid flies are known for their parasitic lifestyle, with larvae typically developing inside other insects. The species epithet "pacifica" suggests a western North American distribution, though specific range details remain limited.
Dalmanniinae
Dalmanniinae is a subfamily of thick-headed flies (family Conopidae) within the order Diptera. Members of this subfamily are distinguished from other conopids by specific morphological features of the head and wing venation. The subfamily contains genera such as Dalmannia and Zodion, which are primarily found in the Holarctic region. These flies are parasitoids, with larvae developing within the bodies of Hymenoptera hosts.
Dasineura crataegibedeguar
hawthorn button-top gall midge
Dasineura crataegibedeguar is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive galls on hawthorns (Crataegus spp.). The species is known for forming button-top or bedeguar-like galls on host plant tissues. Like other Dasineura species, it has a complex life cycle involving gall induction and larval development within plant tissue. The species was originally described by Osten Sacken in 1878 and has undergone taxonomic revision, with some authorities placing it in the genus Blaesodiplosis.
Dasineura pudibunda
Hornbeam leaf gall midge
Dasineura pudibunda is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, known commonly as the hornbeam leaf gall midge. As with other members of its genus, this species induces gall formation on host plants. The specific host plant associations and gall morphology for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Dasineura salicifoliae
Dasineura salicifoliae is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. As with other members of its genus, this species is associated with inducing gall formation on host plants. The specific epithet "salicifoliae" suggests an association with willow-like leaves (Salix-like foliage), though the precise host plant relationships and gall morphology require further documentation. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1866.
Dasineura similis
Dasineura similis is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Löw in 1888. Like other members of its genus, this species induces galls on host plants during its larval development. The species is known from northwestern Europe including Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Dasineurini
Dasineurini is a tribe of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) containing numerous species that induce galls on plants. Members are small, delicate flies whose larvae develop within plant tissues, causing characteristic growth deformities. The tribe includes economically significant pests such as those affecting wheat and other crops.
Dasyopa
Dasyopa is a genus of small flies in the family Chloropidae, established by Malloch in 1918. As members of the frit fly family, these insects are part of a diverse group containing over 160 described genera. The genus is classified within the subfamily Oscinellinae and tribe Siphonellini. Very few observations of this genus exist in public databases.
Dasyopa latifrons
Dasyopa latifrons is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, first described by Loew in 1872. It belongs to the subfamily Oscinellinae and tribe Siphonellini. The genus Dasyopa is part of a diverse group of small flies commonly known as grass flies or frit flies, many of which are associated with grasses and sedges. The specific epithet 'latifrons' refers to the broad frons (frontal region of the head), a characteristic morphological feature of this species.
Dasysyrphus limatus
Narrow-banded Brusheye
Dasysyrphus limatus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Hine in 1922. It belongs to a genus characterized by banded abdomens and is known by the common name Narrow-banded Brusheye. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal observational records available.
Dasysyrphus pauxillus
Lesser Brusheye
Dasysyrphus pauxillus is a small hoverfly species found in both North America and Europe. It belongs to the genus Dasysyrphus, a group characterized by their distinctive thoracic pile patterns. The species was first described by Williston in 1887. It is known by the common name Lesser Brusheye.
Decodes nr-horariana
Decodes nr-horariana is a crane fly species in the family Limoniidae. The 'nr-' prefix indicates this is a near-reference specimen that closely resembles D. horariana but has not been formally confirmed as that species through detailed taxonomic examination. Limoniid crane flies are generally small to medium-sized flies with reduced wing venation compared to their larger relatives in Tipulidae.
Delia
root maggot flies, seedcorn maggot flies
Delia is a genus of flies in the family Anthomyiidae, commonly known as root maggot flies. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of cruciferous crops and seedlings. The genus includes economically important species such as Delia platura (seedcorn maggot) and Delia radicum (cabbage maggot), whose larvae feed on seeds, roots, and developing plant tissues. Adults are small, drab flies that feed on nectar and are often mistaken for house flies.
Delia pluvialis
Delia pluvialis is a species of root-maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae, described by Malloch in 1918. Like other members of the genus Delia, it is likely associated with soil habitats and root-feeding larval stages, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The species epithet 'pluvialis' (Latin for 'rainy' or 'of rain') may reflect habitat associations or collection circumstances. Available records are sparse, with only three observations documented in iNaturalist.
Delphinia
picture-winged flies
Delphinia is a monospecific genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae. The sole species, Delphinia picta, is a native North American fly 7-8 millimeters in length with distinctive patterned wings. It is frequently mistaken for fruit flies (Tephritidae) due to its wing markings. The genus is notable for being one of the most common and widespread ulidiids in eastern North America.
Demeijerea brachialis
Demeijerea brachialis is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Coquillett in 1901. As a member of the tribe Chironomini, it belongs to one of the most diverse groups of aquatic insects. The genus Demeijerea is distinguished from related chironomid genera by specific morphological features of the adult male genitalia and larval structures.
Dentifibula
Dentifibula is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established by Felt in 1908. As members of this family, species in this genus are likely associated with plant galls, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The genus is rarely encountered and has received limited taxonomic or ecological study.
Dentifibula viburni
Dentifibula viburni is a gall midge species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) originally described by Felt in 1907 as Contarinia viburni. The species is associated with Viburnum host plants, as indicated by its specific epithet. It belongs to the subfamily Cecidomyiinae, a group known for inducing plant galls. Very little published information exists regarding the biology, distribution, or economic significance of this particular species beyond its taxonomic description and nomenclatural history.
Deopalpus
Deopalpus is a genus of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) established by Townsend in 1908. The genus contains approximately 28 described species distributed across the Americas, with records from North America, Central America, and South America. As members of Tachinidae, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host associations for most Deopalpus species remain poorly documented. The genus is classified in the subfamily Tachininae and tribe Tachinini.
Deopalpus hirsutus
Deopalpus hirsutus is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, described by Townsend in 1908. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. As a tachinid fly, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented. The genus Deopalpus is part of the diverse tribe Tachinini within the subfamily Tachininae.
Desmatoneura
Desmatoneura is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) established by Williston in 1895. The genus comprises approximately 18 described species classified within the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Xeramoebini. Species in this genus are part of the diverse bee fly fauna, a group known for parasitoid larval development in other insects.
Desmatoneura argentifrons
Desmatoneura argentifrons is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) in the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Xeramoebini. It was described by Williston in 1895. The species is known from the western United States, particularly the Great Basin region. Like other bee flies, adults are nectar feeders and larvae are presumed to be parasitoids.
Desmometopa
freeloader flies
Desmometopa is a genus of freeloader flies in the family Milichiidae containing more than 50 described species. These tiny flies are notable kleptoparasites, frequently observed feeding on prey captured by spiders, praying mantises, and assassin bugs. They appear within seconds of a predator securing prey, taking advantage of the kill without contributing to its capture. Predators generally ignore them due to their minute size.
Desmometopa varipalpis
freeloader fly
Desmometopa varipalpis is a species of freeloader fly in the family Milichiidae, described by Malloch in 1927. It is found in Europe and the Galápagos Islands. Like other members of its genus, it has been observed engaging in kleptoparasitism, feeding on prey captured by spiders and praying mantids.
Deuterophlebia shasta
Deuterophlebia shasta is a species of mountain midge in the family Deuterophlebiidae, first described by Wirth in 1951. This family represents one of the most primitive lineages of true flies (Diptera), with larvae that are highly specialized for life in cold, fast-flowing mountain streams. The species epithet 'shasta' refers to Mount Shasta in northern California, indicating the type locality. Deuterophlebiidae larvae are notable for their unusual body plan, featuring six pairs of ventral suckers that allow them to cling to rocks in torrential currents.
Dexia
Dexia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) established by Meigen in 1826. The genus belongs to the subfamily Dexiinae and tribe Dexiini. Most larvae are parasitoids of scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae), though some species attack other beetle families. The genus is distributed across Europe, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Dexiinae
Dexiinae is a subfamily of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising approximately 15 tribes and over 500 described species. Members are parasitoids, with larvae developing inside host insects. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution and includes notable genera such as Dexia, Rutilia, and Voria. Australasian Dexiini have been shown to parasitize scarabaeid beetle larvae (soil-dwelling) and cerambycid beetle larvae (wood-dwelling), with host associations correlating to morphological traits.
Diachlorus
biting horseflies
Diachlorus is a genus of biting horseflies in the family Tabanidae, containing 27 neotropical species with highest diversity in Brazil. The genus includes the widespread species D. ferrugatus, which ranges from the southeastern United States to Costa Rica. Members are known for their blood-feeding behavior and distinct diel activity patterns.
Diacrita costalis
Diacrita costalis is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, originally described by Gerstaecker in 1860. The species is known from 665 iNaturalist observations. As a member of the picture-winged flies, it likely exhibits the characteristic patterned wings typical of the family, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Diacrita plana
Diacrita plana is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Steyskal in 1947. The genus Diacrita includes several species distributed in southern North America. Like other ulidiids, this species likely exhibits the characteristic patterned wings that give the family its common name. Available records indicate it has been observed in limited numbers, with eight observations documented on iNaturalist.
Diadocidia
fungus gnats
Diadocidia is a genus of fungus gnats comprising approximately 30 described species. It is the sole genus in the family Diadocidiidae, a small family within the order Diptera. Species have been documented across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. The genus was established by Ruthe in 1831.
Dialysis elongata
Dialysis elongata is a species of fly in the family Xylophagidae, a small group of predatory flies sometimes known as awl-flies. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823, originally placed in the genus Stygia. It occurs in northeastern North America, with records from the United States and Canada. Xylophagidae flies are generally associated with woodland habitats and are predatory as larvae.
Diamesa nivoriunda
winter midge, snow midge
Diamesa nivoriunda is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae. Adults are active during winter months and have been observed walking on snow during warm spells. Like other members of the genus Diamesa, this species does not feed as an adult. The larvae develop in cold, running water where they feed on organic debris. The species belongs to a group commonly referred to as "winter midges" or "snow midges" due to their cold-season activity pattern.
Diaphorinae
Diaphorinae is a subfamily of long-legged flies (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) characterized by high taxonomic diversity but imprecisely defined boundaries. Some researchers include genera such as Nematoproctus and Urodolichus within Diaphorinae, while others assign these to related subfamilies Rhaphiinae or Sympycninae. The subfamily contains two recognized tribes: Diaphorini and Argyrini. Members are distinguished by elongated legs and typically metallic coloration common to the family Dolichopodidae.
Diaphorus nigricans
Diaphorus nigricans is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Meigen in 1824. The species has a broad distribution across the Holarctic realm, extending southward into the Neotropics. Records indicate presence in Europe (Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden), Brazil (Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro), and other regions. As a member of Dolichopodidae, it shares the family's characteristic elongated legs and metallic coloration typical of long-legged flies.
Dichaeta caudata
Dichaeta caudata is a shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Fallén in 1813. The species develops in decaying organic matter, with larvae feeding on decomposing plant material. Adults are commonly found in moist habitats, particularly pond margins and other humid situations. The species is recorded from the Palearctic region, with confirmed presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.