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
Efferia tolandi
Efferia tolandi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. The genus Efferia comprises medium to large-sized predatory flies found primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their robust build, large compound eyes, and predatory habits. Efferia species are often encountered at light traps and are active predators of other insects.
Efferia tricella
Silver Hammertail
Efferia tricella is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Silver Hammertail. Robber flies in the genus Efferia are predatory insects known for their robust build, large eyes, and aggressive hunting behavior. The species was described by Bromley in 1951. Like other Asilidae, it is presumed to be an aerial predator that captures other insects in flight.
Efferia triton
Triton Hammertail
Efferia triton is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Triton Hammertail. Like other robber flies, it is an aerial predator that captures prey in flight. The species belongs to the large and diverse genus Efferia, which contains numerous species across North America. Specific ecological details for E. triton remain limited in published sources.
Efferia tuberculata
Thorny Hammertail
Efferia tuberculata is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Thorny Hammertail. The species was described by Coquillett in 1904. Robber flies in the genus Efferia are predatory insects known for their robust build and distinctive genital structures in males. Like other Asilidae, they are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Efferia tucsoni
Reddish Thorny Hammertail
Efferia tucsoni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. The common name 'Reddish Thorny Hammertail' refers to distinctive morphological features typical of the genus. Robber flies in the genus Efferia are predatory dipterans known for their aggressive hunting behavior and distinctive genital capsule morphology in males. The species is part of a large North American genus that has undergone taxonomic revision, with some former Efferia species now placed in related genera such as Triorla.
Efferia varipes
Colorado Hammertail
Efferia varipes is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Colorado Hammertail. The species belongs to the large and diverse genus Efferia, which contains numerous species across North and South America. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects that capture other insects in flight. The specific epithet 'varipes' refers to variable legs, suggesting some morphological variation in this character.
Efferia vertebrata
Mountain Hammertail
Efferia vertebrata is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) first described by Bromley in 1940. Known by the common name "Mountain Hammertail," this predatory dipteran belongs to the large and diverse genus Efferia, which contains numerous species distributed primarily in the Americas. Robber flies in this genus are characterized by their robust build, strong flying ability, and predatory habits. The specific epithet "vertebrata" likely refers to some aspect of the species' structural morphology, though the precise meaning is not documented in readily available sources.
Efferia wilcoxi
Wilcox Hammertail
Efferia wilcoxi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1940. The species belongs to the genus Efferia, a large and diverse group of predatory flies commonly known as "hammertails" due to the swollen genital capsule in males. As a member of the subfamily Dasypogoninae, this species exhibits the characteristic predatory behavior and morphology typical of robber flies, including large compound eyes, a concave face with a mystax of bristles, and raptorial legs adapted for capturing prey in flight. The specific epithet "wilcoxi" honors an individual, likely an entomologist or collector associated with the type specimen.
Efferia willistoni
Williston Hammertail
Efferia willistoni is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Williston Hammertail. It is one of approximately 200 species in the genus Efferia, a diverse group of predatory flies distributed primarily in the Americas. The species was described by Hine in 1919. As with other asilids, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects.
Efferia yuma
Efferia yuma is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1966. Robber flies in the genus Efferia are among the largest and most charismatic members of the family, often recognized by their impressive size, striking green eyes in males, and predatory habits. The species name "yuma" likely refers to the Yuma region of southwestern Arizona or adjacent California, suggesting an association with arid southwestern habitats. Members of this genus are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Efferia zonata
Banded Hammertail
Efferia zonata is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Hine in 1919. The species belongs to the Efferia group, a lineage of large, predatory flies formerly treated as a subgenus of Efferia but now widely regarded as comprising valid related genera including Triorla. As a member of this group, E. zonata likely shares characteristics with other large, powerful predatory flies that actively hunt other insects. The specific epithet 'zonata' suggests banded coloration patterning.
Egle ciliata
root-maggot fly
Egle ciliata is a species of root-maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae. The genus Egle belongs to this family of true flies, whose larvae are commonly associated with plant roots and organic matter in soil. Anthomyiidae is a large family within the order Diptera, though specific ecological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Eidalimus
Eidalimus is a genus of soldier flies (family Stratiomyidae) in the subfamily Pachygastrinae. The genus was established by Kertész in 1914 and contains eight described species distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Species of this genus are small to medium-sized flies with relatively few detailed studies on their biology.
Eidalimus henshawi
Eidalimus henshawi is a species of soldier fly (family Stratiomyidae) in the subfamily Pachygastrinae. It was described by Malloch in 1917. The genus Eidalimus is part of a diverse group of Diptera characterized by larvae that develop in various decomposing organic substrates. As a member of Pachygastrinae, it belongs to a subfamily whose members often have reduced wing venation and compact body forms.
Elachiptera angusta
frit fly
Elachiptera angusta is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, originally described by Sabrosky in 1948. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Ceratobarys angusta. It belongs to the subfamily Oscinellinae and tribe Elachipterini. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only three records in iNaturalist.
Elachiptera flaviceps
Elachiptera flaviceps is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, originally described by Sabrosky in 1948. It is currently treated as a synonym of Ceratobarys flaviceps. The species belongs to the subfamily Oscinellinae and tribe Elachipterini. Very few observations exist in public databases, with only 7 records documented on iNaturalist.
Elachiptera nigriceps
frit fly
Elachiptera nigriceps is a small fly species in the family Chloropidae, commonly known as frit flies. The species was originally described by Loew in 1863 under the name Crassiseta nigriceps and has since been placed in both Elachiptera and Ceratobarys by different taxonomic authorities. It belongs to a family of flies often associated with grasses and cereal crops.
Elephantomyia westwoodi
Elephantomyia westwoodi is a species of limoniid crane fly in the family Limoniidae. The species is known to have three recognized subspecies: E. w. adirondacensis, E. w. antillarum, and the nominate E. w. westwoodi. It belongs to the genus Elephantomyia, a group of small, delicate crane flies. Limited information is available regarding its specific biology and ecology.
Elgiva
snail-killing flies, marsh flies
Elgiva is a genus of snail-killing flies in the family Sciomyzidae, comprising approximately eight described species. These predatory flies are specialized in hunting aquatic or semi-aquatic snails, with larvae developing as parasitoids or predators of molluscan hosts. The genus has been studied for its biological control potential against pest snail populations.
Elgiva solicita
Elgiva solicita is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, distributed across the Palearctic region from Western Europe to Eastern Asia. Adults are medium-sized flies, 6.5–8 mm in length, with distinctive reddish coloration and characteristic markings on the head and abdomen. The species is known from a broad geographic range including most of Europe, North Africa, and extending into Russia and the Eastern Palearctic.
Elliponeura debilis
Elliponeura debilis is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, first described by Loew in 1869. The genus Elliponeura belongs to the tribe Diplotoxini within the subfamily Chloropinae. Chloropid flies are generally small, often yellowish or greenish, and many species are associated with grasses and cereal crops.
Elliptera
Elliptera is a genus of crane flies in the family Limoniidae, established by Schiner in 1863. The genus comprises ten described species distributed across the Holarctic region, including North America, Europe, and East Asia. Immature stages have been described for only a few species, with larvae inhabiting aquatic, hygropetric environments on wet rocks in mountainous areas.
Eloceria nigra
Eloceria nigra is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae. The species was described by Coquillett in 1902 and is classified within the tribe Loewiini, subfamily Tachininae. Tachinid flies are parasitoids, with larvae typically developing inside other insects. The specific biology and host associations of E. nigra remain poorly documented in available literature.
Empidinae
dance flies
Empidinae, commonly called dance flies, are a subfamily of predatory empidoid flies. Males of many species form mating swarms near visual markers, often presenting captured prey to females as nuptial gifts during courtship. The subfamily exhibits diverse mating systems, including lek polygyny and sex-role reversal where females swarm and males choose mates. Many species are effective pollinators of flowering plants, particularly in alpine and subalpine ecosystems where they can achieve pollination effectiveness comparable to honeybees.
Empidoidea
Dance Flies, Long-legged Flies, and Allies
Empidoidea is a large monophyletic superfamily of true flies (Diptera) comprising approximately 10,000 described species across all continents except Antarctica. As the sister taxon to Muscomorpha (Cyclorrhapha), these two groups are sometimes united in the unranked taxon Eremoneura. The superfamily includes several well-known families: Empididae (dagger flies and balloon flies), Dolichopodidae (long-legged flies), and Hybotidae (dance flies). The group has existed since the Jurassic period and has been subject to extensive phylogenetic revision, particularly following molecular studies in 2018 that reshaped relationships among constituent families.
Empis leptogastra
dance fly
Empis leptogastra is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, first described by Loew in 1863. It belongs to the genus Empis, one of the largest genera within the family. The species has been documented through a limited number of observations, with 19 records in iNaturalist. Dance flies in this genus are known for distinctive courtship behaviors involving swarming and prey presentation by males to females.
Empis spectabilis
dance fly
Empis spectabilis is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, described by Loew in 1862. The species is part of the large genus Empis, which contains over 50 species in the subgenus Enolempis alone. Dance flies are predatory flies known for their distinctive mating swarms and elaborate courtship behaviors. Males of some Empis species are notable for possessing modified hind legs with enlarged structures used in courtship displays.
Endochironomus subtendens
Endochironomus subtendens is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, originally described as Tanytarsus subtendens by Townes in 1945. The species was later transferred to the genus Endochironomus. Like other members of this genus, it is an aquatic insect with larval stages developing in freshwater habitats. The genus Endochironomus is known for larvae that construct portable cases using silk and environmental materials.
Eosalpingogaster nepenthe
Eosalpingogaster nepenthe is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Hull in 1943. It belongs to the tribe Syrphini within the subfamily Syrphinae. The specific epithet 'nepenthe' references the mythical drug of forgetfulness from Greek literature, a naming convention shared with the pitcher plant genus Nepenthes. As a member of the hoverfly family, it likely participates in pollination services, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Epalpus albomaculatus
Epalpus albomaculatus is a species of tachinid fly (family Tachinidae) native to North America. The species was described by Jaennicke in 1867. Like other members of its family, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented. The genus Epalpus comprises several North American species characterized by distinctive markings and bristle patterns.
Epalpus rufipes
Epalpus rufipes is a species of tachinid fly described by Brooks in 1949. It belongs to the family Tachinidae, a diverse group of parasitoid flies whose larvae develop inside other insects. The species is known to occur in North America. Specific details regarding its biology, host associations, and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Ephydra gracilis
Brine Fly
Ephydra gracilis is a species of brine fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Packard in 1871. The species is placed in the subgenus Halephydra within the genus Ephydra. Brine flies in this genus are typically associated with saline or alkaline aquatic habitats. The species has been recorded from Hawaii.
Ephydrinae
shore flies
Ephydrinae is a subfamily of shore flies within the family Ephydridae, first described by Zetterstedt in 1837. The subfamily contains four recognized tribes: Ephydrini, Scatellini, Parydrini, and Dagini. Members are commonly found in association with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The group includes genera such as Ephydra, Scatella, and Parydra.
Epichlorops
grass flies
Epichlorops is a genus of small flies in the family Chloropidae, commonly known as grass flies. The genus was established by Becker in 1910 and contains at least five described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with records from Europe, North America, and China. Species in this genus are associated with grassland habitats. The genus is taxonomically placed within the tribe Chloropini, subfamily Chloropinae.
Epichlorops elongatus
Epichlorops elongatus is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, described by Wheeler in 1994. The genus Epichlorops belongs to the subfamily Chloropinae and tribe Chloropini. Very little is known about the biology or ecology of this species. Records indicate it has been observed at least twice, but detailed information about its habits, host associations, and distribution remains sparse.
Epigrimyiini
Epigrimyiini is a small tribe of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) within the subfamily Dexiinae. The tribe contains two genera: Epigrimyia and Beskia. Members are parasitoid flies, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The tribe has a limited number of observations, suggesting either rarity or undercollection.
Epiphragma arizonense
Epiphragma arizonense is a crane fly species described by Alexander in 1946. The species is known from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Epiphragma, it is distinguished by distinctive wing patterning and male genitalia morphology. The male was redescribed and illustrated in a 2012 taxonomic review of North American Epiphragma species.
Eribolus
frit flies
Eribolus is a genus of frit flies in the family Chloropidae, established by Becker in 1910. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across North America and Europe. These small flies belong to the tribe Oscinisomatini within the subfamily Oscinellinae. Available information on their biology and ecology remains limited.
Eribolus longulus
Eribolus longulus is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, first described by Loew in 1863. Like other members of this family, it is a small dipteran with reduced wing venation. The genus Eribolus contains species that are generally poorly studied, with limited published information on their biology and ecology.
Erioptera
Erioptera is a genus of crane flies in the family Limoniidae, established by Meigen in 1803. The genus contains multiple subgenera and species distributed across temperate regions including North America, Europe, and Asia. At least one species, Erioptera squalida, has been documented as a root-piercing insect with specialized spiracular structures for accessing plant root gas spaces.
Erioptera parva
Erioptera parva is a species of limoniid crane fly in the family Limoniidae. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1859. It belongs to the genus Erioptera, which comprises small to medium-sized crane flies. The species has two recognized subspecies: Erioptera parva parva and Erioptera parva brasiliensis.
Erioptera venusta
Erioptera venusta is a species of limoniid crane fly in the family Limoniidae. It is currently treated as a synonym of Ilisia venusta. The species occurs in the Nearctic region, with records from Canada and the United States.
Erioptera vespertina
Erioptera vespertina is a species of crane fly in the family Limoniidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1860. It belongs to a large genus of small, delicate flies commonly known as limoniid crane flies. The species is documented from the Nearctic region with records spanning eastern and central North America. Like other members of Limoniidae, it is presumed to have aquatic or semi-aquatic larval stages, though specific life history details for this species remain poorly documented.
Eristalis gomojunovae
Arctic Drone Fly
A species of hoverfly in the genus Eristalis, commonly known as the Arctic Drone Fly. Described by Violovich in 1977, this species belongs to the drone fly group within the family Syrphidae. Like other Eristalis species, it is presumed to exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees or wasps. The specific epithet honors an individual, following the naming convention for this species. Very limited information exists on its biology and ecology compared to better-studied congeners such as Eristalis tenax.
Eristalis interrupta
Eristalis interrupta is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the genus Eristalis. Like other members of this genus, it belongs to a group commonly known as drone flies due to their resemblance to honey bees. The genus Eristalis contains species that are important pollinators and whose larvae are aquatic decomposers found in organic-rich water. Specific details about E. interrupta are limited in the provided sources, though it shares the general characteristics of Eristalis species including Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps.
Eristalis obscura
Dusky Drone Fly
Eristalis obscura, commonly known as the dusky drone fly, is a species of syrphid fly first described by Loew in 1866. It is widespread across northern North America and extends eastward through Europe to Siberia. The species exhibits the characteristic rat-tailed maggot larval form, with aquatic larvae that function as filter-feeders. Like other members of the genus Eristalis, adults are likely bee mimics, though specific documentation of this behavior for E. obscura is limited.
Eristalis transversa
Transverse-banded Drone Fly, Transverse Flower Fly
Eristalis transversa is a hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1830. Adults are bee mimics, displaying Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera. The species is common in eastern North America and is frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. Like other Eristalis species, adults are important pollinators, though specific larval habitat for this species has not been documented.
Ernoneura
Ernoneura is a genus of flies in the family Scathophagidae, commonly known as dung flies. The genus was established by Becker in 1894 and is classified within the subfamily Scathophaginae. It contains relatively few described species and is poorly represented in collections and observations.
Ernoneura argus
Ernoneura argus is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae, first described by Zetterstedt in 1838 under the basionym Scatomyza argus. It belongs to a family whose larvae typically develop in dung and decaying organic matter. The species has been recorded in Norway and Sweden based on distribution data.
Esenbeckia
horse-fly
Esenbeckia is a genus of horse-flies (family Tabanidae) established by Rondani in 1863. Members are characterized by large, often vividly colored compound eyes and robust body form typical of tabanid flies. The genus is distinct from the plant genus of the same name (family Rutaceae), which was described earlier by Kunth. Species within Esenbeckia are found in the Americas and are diurnal, fast-flying insects.