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
Eutrichota incompleta
Eutrichota incompleta is a species of root maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae, a group of small to medium-sized flies commonly associated with soil habitats and plant roots. The species was described by Stein in 1898. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter or plant root systems, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Eutrichota lipsia
root maggot fly
Eutrichota lipsia is a species of root-maggot flies in the family Anthomyiidae. It is a small, inconspicuous dipteran with a documented presence in North America, including observations in the Kansas City region during citizen science events. The species is associated with moist habitats and has been observed near mud puddles.
Eutrichota nigrifemur
A root maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae. The specific epithet "nigrifemur" (black thigh) refers to a distinctive dark coloration on the femora. The genus Eutrichota includes species associated with decaying organic matter and root-feeding larvae. Observations of this species are sparse, with limited documented occurrences in citizen science databases.
Eutrichota spinosissima
root-maggot fly
Eutrichota spinosissima is a species of root-maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae, first described by Stein in 1898. The species belongs to a genus of flies whose larvae typically develop in plant roots, soil, or decaying organic matter. Like other anthomyiids, adults are generally small to medium-sized flies with relatively inconspicuous coloration.
Eutrixa exilis
Eutrixa exilis is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, first described by Coquillett in 1895. It is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a tachinid fly, it likely serves as a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented. The species is rarely observed, with only three records documented on iNaturalist.
Euxesta stigmatias
Cornsilk fly, Maize silk fly
Euxesta stigmatias is a picture-winged fly (family Ulidiidae) known as the cornsilk fly, a significant agricultural pest of maize in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The species has established invasive populations in North America, including Florida and Hawaii. Larvae develop inside corn ears, feeding on silk and kernels, where they are protected from insecticide applications by the surrounding plant tissue. The species exhibits a normally saprophytic lifestyle but becomes destructive when corn is available.
Exechiini
Exechiini is a tribe of fungus gnats within the family Mycetophilidae, comprising approximately 13 genera and at least 130 described species. Members are small, delicate flies associated with fungal habitats. The tribe represents a moderately diverse lineage within the broader fungus gnat radiation, though many species remain poorly documented.
Exepacmus johnsoni
Exepacmus johnsoni is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Coquillett in 1894. It belongs to the tribe Aphoebantini within the subfamily Anthracinae. The genus Exepacmus is part of a diverse group of bombyliid flies characterized by their parasitoid life history, with larvae typically developing in the nests of solitary bees or wasps. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 7 documented occurrences in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Exiliscelis
Exiliscelis is a genus of flies in the family Canthyloscelidae, established by Hutson in 1977. It contains a single described species, Exiliscelis californiensis. Members of this family are small, obscure flies often associated with moist or wetland habitats. The genus is part of the subfamily Synneurinae, a group of primitive nematoceran flies with limited ecological documentation.
Exiliscelis californiensis
Exiliscelis californiensis is a species of fly in the family Canthyloscelididae, a small group of primitive flies often referred to as "perissommatid-like" or "synneurid" flies. Described by Hutson in 1977, this species is endemic to California. The family Canthyloscelididae is poorly known biologically, with most species known from few specimens. Exiliscelis californiensis is one of only three documented observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or underreported.
Exoprosopa agassizii
Exoprosopa agassizii is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Friedrich Hermann Loew in 1869. The species belongs to the genus Exoprosopa, a diverse group of bee flies characterized by their robust bodies and often striking patterns. As with other members of the family, E. agassizii likely exhibits the typical bee fly morphology including a stout, furry body and a long proboscis adapted for nectar feeding. The species name honors the naturalist Louis Agassiz.
Exoprosopa albifrons
Exoprosopa albifrons is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Curran in 1930. It belongs to the genus Exoprosopa, a diverse group of bee flies within the subfamily Anthracinae. The species epithet "albifrons" (white forehead) likely refers to a distinctive pale marking on the front of the head. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only four records currently available on iNaturalist.
Exoprosopa anomala
Exoprosopa anomala is a species of bee fly described by Painter in 1934. It belongs to the family Bombyliidae, a diverse group of true flies known for their bee-like appearance and parasitic larval biology. The species is placed in the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Exoprosopini. Like other bee flies, adults likely feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects, though specific host records for this species remain undocumented.
Exoprosopa argentifasciata
Exoprosopa argentifasciata is a species of bee fly described by Macquart in 1846. As a member of the family Bombyliidae, it belongs to a diverse group of flies known for their bee-like appearance and parasitoid larval biology. The species is placed in the tribe Exoprosopini within the subfamily Anthracinae. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Exoprosopa bifurca
Exoprosopa bifurca is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Loew in 1869. It belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Exoprosopini. Bee flies in this genus are generally known as parasitoids, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented in the provided sources.
Exoprosopa caliptera
bee fly
Exoprosopa caliptera is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It is distributed across western North America, from British Columbia through the western United States to Durango, Mexico. As a member of the Exoprosopini tribe, it shares the general bee fly morphology of a stout, hairy body and a long proboscis adapted for nectar feeding.
Exoprosopa dodrina
Exoprosopa dodrina is a species of bee fly described by Curran in 1930. It belongs to the large genus Exoprosopa within the family Bombyliidae, a group of flies known for their bee-like appearance and parasitoid larval biology. The species is part of the tribe Exoprosopini and subfamily Anthracinae. As with most bee flies, adults are likely nectar feeders, while larvae develop as parasitoids of other insects.
Exoprosopa fasciata
Exoprosopa fasciata is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Macquart in 1840. As a member of the genus Exoprosopa, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies whose larvae parasitize other insects, primarily bees and wasps. The species is part of the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Exoprosopini.
Exoprosopa parda
Exoprosopa parda is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1886. Bee flies in this genus are parasitoids, with larvae typically developing in the nests of solitary bees or wasps. The species is poorly documented in published literature, with only 19 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Exorista dydas
Exorista dydas is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Exorista, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations for this species have not been documented in available sources. The species was first described by Walker in 1849 under the name Tachina dydas.
Exoristinae
Exoristinae is a subfamily of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising approximately 1,000 described species across 11 tribes. Most species are parasitoids of Lepidoptera caterpillars, though some tribes exhibit host specificity for other insect orders including Orthoptera and Heteroptera. The subfamily is distributed worldwide with greatest diversity in the Neotropics. Several species have been employed in biological control programs against agricultural pests.
Exoristini
Exoristini is a tribe of flies within the family Tachinidae, subfamily Exoristinae. The tribe contains approximately 22 genera, including the type genus Exorista Meigen, 1803. Members are parasitoid flies, with larvae typically developing inside other insects. The tribe is distinguished from related tachinid tribes by morphological features of the male terminalia and larval cephalopharyngeal skeleton. Exoristini has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species found across multiple continents.
Exoristoides johnsoni
Exoristoides johnsoni is a species of tachinid bristle fly described by Coquillett in 1897. It is a parasitoid of crickets, specifically known to attack Gryllus integer and other members of the family Gryllidae. The species occurs across North America from Canada through the United States to Mexico. As a tachinid fly, it likely oviposits on or near its hosts, with larvae developing internally and eventually killing the host.
Fannia sociella
Fannia sociella is a small, slender fly in the family Fanniidae, closely resembling the lesser house fly (Fannia canicularis). It is native to the Palearctic region and is notably smaller and more slender than the common house fly (Musca domestica). The species is documented from scattered localities including parts of Scandinavia and the Azores.
Fanniidae
lesser house flies, little house flies
Fanniidae is a small family of true flies comprising approximately 285 species in five genera. Adults are medium-sized to small with predominantly dark body and leg coloration. Males form characteristic dancing swarms beneath trees, while females are more retiring. Larvae possess flattened bodies with prominent lateral protuberances and develop as scavengers in decaying organic matter. The family is primarily distributed in the Holarctic and temperate Neotropical realms, with limited representation in other biogeographic regions.
Fazia micrura
Diamond Spottail
Fazia micrura is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Diamond Spottail. First described by Osten Sacken in 1877, it belongs to the tribe Syrphini. The species has been documented through over 1,900 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively well-recorded. As a member of the hoverfly family, it is presumed to be a pollinator and may exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees or wasps.
Ferdinandea buccata
Common Copperback
Ferdinandea buccata is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Common Copperback. The species was first described by Loew in 1863 under the basionym Chrysochlamys buccata. As a member of the tribe Rhingiini within the subfamily Eristalinae, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies often associated with particular larval habitat preferences. Adult hoverflies in this genus are typically found in wooded or semi-open habitats where they visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Ferdinandea croesus
Golden Copperback
Ferdinandea croesus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It belongs to the tribe Rhingiini within the subfamily Eristalinae. The species is known by the common name Golden Copperback and has been documented in North America with observations recorded on citizen science platforms.
Feuerborniella opposita
Feuerborniella opposita is a species of moth fly in the family Psychodidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1901. The genus Feuerborniella comprises small, delicate flies commonly associated with moist or aquatic environments. As a member of Psychodidae, it belongs to a diverse family of nematoceran Diptera with larvae typically found in wet habitats. The species is documented from a limited number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underrecorded.
Fletcherimyia
Fletcherimyia is a genus of flesh flies in the family Sarcophagidae, established by Townsend in 1917. The genus belongs to the subfamily Sarcophaginae and is part of the diverse assemblage of necrophagous and parasitoid flies within this family. Very few observations exist in public databases, with records limited to the United States.
Forcipomyia bystraki
Forcipomyia bystraki is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Grogan & Wirth in 1975. The genus Forcipomyia includes species with diverse ecological roles, including pollinators of cacao trees and parasites of other insects. Males of Forcipomyia species are distinguished by their bushy, plumose antennae. Larval stages typically develop in moist environments, feeding on algae, plant debris, or fungi.
Forcipomyia fuliginosa
Forcipomyia fuliginosa is a biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae. It exhibits ectoparasitic hemolymphophagy, feeding on the blood of insect larvae. The species has been documented as a pest of the tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta in India, where preferential landing and blood-feeding behavior on silkworm larvae threatens the sericulture industry. It is one of numerous Forcipomyia species, some of which are notable as pollinators of cacao.
Forcipomyia glauca
Forcipomyia glauca is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Macfie in 1934. The genus Forcipomyia is notable for containing species that serve as specialized pollinators of cacao trees (Theobroma cacao), though the specific ecological role of F. glauca has not been individually documented. Adult females of many Forcipomyia species feed on blood or hemolymph, while males possess distinctive plumose antennae. The species has been recorded in Brazil.
Forcipomyia macswaini
Forcipomyia macswaini is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Wirth in 1952. The genus Forcipomyia is notable for containing species that serve as specialized pollinators, including the chocolate midges responsible for pollinating cacao trees. Members of this genus are typically minute flies, often measuring only 1-3 mm in body length. The specific epithet honors entomologist J.W. MacSwain, who made significant contributions to the study of Ceratopogonidae.
Forcipomyia pictoni
Forcipomyia pictoni is a species of biting midges in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Macfie in 1938. Like other members of the genus Forcipomyia, it is a minute fly, typically 1–3 mm in body length. The genus includes species with diverse feeding habits: adult females of some species bite vertebrates or other insects, while others are non-biting. Several Forcipomyia species are known pollinators of cacao (Theobroma cacao), though F. pictoni's specific ecological role remains undocumented.
Forcipomyia pluvialis
Forcipomyia pluvialis is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Malloch in 1923. The genus Forcipomyia includes species that are important pollinators of cacao trees (Theobroma cacao), though it is not confirmed whether this specific species performs this ecological function. Like other ceratopogonids, adults are minute flies typically 1–6 mm in length. The specific epithet 'pluvialis' (Latin for 'rainy') suggests an association with wet or rainy conditions, though this has not been explicitly documented for this species.
Fucellia assimilis
Fucellia assimilis is a species of fly in the family Anthomyiidae, described by Malloch in 1918. The species has been documented as occurring in New England, where it has been observed entering homes in autumn and winter. It belongs to a genus whose members are often associated with coastal and shoreline habitats. Available information on this species is limited, with only six observations recorded on iNaturalist and minimal published biological data.
Fucellia costalis
Fucellia costalis is a species of root-maggot flies in the family Anthomyiidae, described by Stein in 1910. The genus Fucellia comprises flies commonly associated with coastal and intertidal habitats, though specific ecological details for F. costalis remain limited in published literature. As with other anthomyiids, the larvae are likely subterranean and feed on decaying organic matter or plant roots.
Fucellia species-a
Fucellia species-a is a newly described species of shore fly in the family Anthomyiidae. It was described through the Ocean Species Discoveries initiative, which employs a rapid but thorough taxonomic description platform to accelerate the publication of new marine invertebrate species. The species was collected from marine environments, though specific depth and locality details for this particular species are not provided in the available sources.
Gastrops
shore flies
Gastrops is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, established by Williston in 1897. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed across the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. Members of this genus are associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats typical of ephydrid flies.
Gastrops nebulosus
Gastrops nebulosus is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Coquillett in 1900. The genus Gastrops belongs to a group of flies commonly associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Information regarding specific biology and ecology of this species remains limited in published literature.
Gaurax dorsalis
frit fly
Gaurax dorsalis is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, a family commonly known as grass flies or frit flies. The species was described by Loew in 1863. Chloropidae are small, often inconspicuous flies, many of which are associated with grasses or other monocot plants. The genus Gaurax is placed in the tribe Botanobiini within the subfamily Oscinellinae.
Gaurax maculipes
Gaurax maculipes is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, described by Sabrosky in 1951. It is a member of the tribe Botanobiini within the subfamily Oscinellinae. The species is known from very limited occurrence records, with only one documented observation in iNaturalist as of the available data. Like other chloropid flies, it likely has close ecological associations with grasses or sedges, though specific biology remains undocumented.
Gaurax melanotum
frit fly
Gaurax melanotum is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, first described by Sabrosky in 1951. The species belongs to the tribe Botanobiini within the subfamily Oscinellinae. It is a small dipteran with limited documented observations.
Gaurax pseudostigma
frit fly
Gaurax pseudostigma is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, first described by Johnson in 1913. The genus Gaurax belongs to the tribe Botanobiini within the subfamily Oscinellinae. Like other chloropid flies, it is a small dipteran, but specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Gaurax shannoni
frit fly
Gaurax shannoni is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, first described by Sabrosky in 1951. The species belongs to the genus Gaurax within the tribe Botanobiini. Very little specific information is available about this species beyond its taxonomic placement. It is one of numerous small dipteran species in a family commonly known as frit flies or grass flies.
Geminaria pellucida
Geminaria pellucida is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Lordotinae. Described by Coquillett in 1894, this species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive morphological features typical of the bee fly lineage. Bee flies are known for their parasitoid larval development, though specific host relationships for this species remain undocumented.
Genea aurea
Genea aurea is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, described by James in 1947. It is known from North America, with confirmed records from the United States. As a member of Tachinidae, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host relationships for this species remain undocumented.
Genea brevirostris
Genea brevirostris is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, first described by James in 1947. The species is known from the United States and represents one of the less documented members of the genus Genea. As a tachinid fly, it likely functions as a parasitoid, though specific host relationships remain unverified. The specific epithet 'brevirostris' refers to a short rostrum or proboscis.
Genea pavonacea
Genea pavonacea is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, described by Reinhard in 1939. It is found in North America. As a tachinid fly, it likely functions as a parasitoid, though specific host relationships have not been documented in the provided sources. The genus Genea is part of the diverse Tachinidae family, which contains numerous species of ecological importance as natural enemies of other insects.