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
Haplusia
Haplusia is a genus of gall midges and wood midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established by Karsch in 1877. The genus contains more than 20 described species. These small flies belong to the subfamily Porricondylinae and tribe Diallactini. As cecidomyiids, they are associated with plant tissues, though specific ecological roles for most species remain poorly documented.
Haplusia rubra
Haplusia rubra is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, a diverse group of small flies commonly known as gall midges or gall gnats. The species was described by Felt in 1908. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with plant galls, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented. The genus Haplusia is part of the large and taxonomically complex Cecidomyiidae, which contains thousands of species worldwide, many of which are poorly known.
Hebecnema nigra
Hebecnema nigra is a species of muscid fly described by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. It belongs to the subfamily Mydaeinae within the family Muscidae, a group commonly known as house flies and their relatives. The species is documented from the Palearctic region, with confirmed records from several northwestern European countries.
Hedriodiscus trivittatus
Hedriodiscus trivittatus is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It is one of approximately 2,700 described species in this family of true flies. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1829. Beyond taxonomic classification and distribution records, specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Helcomyza
Helcomyza is a small genus of flies in the family Helcomyzidae, containing at least three described species. The genus was established by John Curtis in 1825. Species within Helcomyza have been recorded from parts of northern Europe. The family Helcomyzidae is a small group within the order Diptera.
Heleodromia
Heleodromia is a genus of small predatory flies in the family Brachystomatidae (subfamily Trichopezinae), with approximately 25 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus was established by Alexander Henry Haliday in 1833 and has been subject to recent taxonomic revision in the Nearctic region. Species are characterized by distinctive male terminalia used for species identification.
Heleomyza serrata
Heleomyza serrata is a small fly in the family Heleomyzidae, measuring 3–7 mm in body length. The species is distinguished by specific chaetotaxy: setae present on the propleura, multiple pairs of setae on the prothorax, and at most one hair on the mesopleura. Males possess distinctive genitalia with rudimentary aedeagus, unexpanded epandrium base, and surstyles that are much longer than the epandrium and evenly curved throughout their length.
Heleomyzidae
Sun flies, Heleomyzid flies
Heleomyzidae is a family of small to medium-sized flies in the order Diptera, comprising over 740 described species in approximately 76 genera. The family is distributed worldwide, with the greatest diversity in the Holarctic region. Adults are frequently observed at lights in early spring and late fall. Larval ecology is diverse, with many species associated with decaying organic matter, fungi, carrion, or bird nests.
Heleomyzinae
Heleomyzinae is a subfamily of true flies (Diptera) within the family Heleomyzidae. The group contains approximately 17-19 genera and over 400 described species, though species-level diversity remains incompletely documented. These flies are generally small to medium-sized and are primarily associated with decomposing organic matter. The subfamily is widely distributed but individual species are often poorly known.
Helina rufitibia
Helina rufitibia is a species of muscid fly in the subfamily Phaoniinae, originally described as Aricia rufitibia by Stein in 1898. The species epithet refers to the reddish coloration of the tibiae. Like other Helina species, it belongs to a diverse genus of small to medium-sized flies commonly found in various terrestrial habitats. The species has been documented through limited observations, with 7 records on iNaturalist suggesting it is either rare or underreported.
Helius
Helius is a genus of crane flies (family Limoniidae) within the order Diptera. Species in this genus are small to medium-sized flies characterized by relatively short antennae and reduced wing venation compared to other crane fly groups. The genus has been recorded from northern Europe and has over 1000 observations on citizen science platforms.
Helius flavipes
Helius flavipes is a species of limoniid crane fly in the family Limoniidae. It occurs across a broad geographic range in North America, from Canada south through the United States. As a member of the crane fly family Limoniidae, it belongs to a diverse group of delicate, long-legged flies commonly found in moist terrestrial and semi-aquatic habitats.
Helophilus lapponicus
Yellow-margined Marsh Fly
Helophilus lapponicus is a Holarctic species of hoverfly found across northern North America, northern Europe, Greenland, and Siberia. Adults are medium-sized syrphid flies, 12.5–13.5 mm in length, commonly observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is distinguished by yellow abdominal markings and specific wing venation. Larval biology remains undocumented, though congeneric species develop in wet decaying organic matter.
Hemerodromiini
Hemerodromiini is a tribe of dance flies (family Empididae) within the subfamily Empidinae. Members of this tribe are small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their distinctive leg structure and behavior. The tribe is distinguished from related groups by morphological adaptations associated with their characteristic hunting strategy. Hemerodromiini species are found across various habitats, particularly in association with running water and moist environments.
Hemipenthes
Hemipenthes is a large genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) comprising numerous described species distributed across the Holarctic and Palearctic regions. Adults are small to large robust flies measuring 5–14 mm in body length. The genus is distinguished from similar bee fly genera by characteristic wing venation patterns. A significant taxonomic revision occurred in 2020, when several species were transferred to the new genus Ins.
Hemipenthes blanchardiana
A species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. Larvae of the genus Hemipenthes are hyper-parasites, developing as parasites of ichneumon wasps, tachinid flies, and other insects that are themselves parasites of caterpillars. This makes them secondary consumers in parasitoid food webs. Adults visit flowers for nectar. The species has been documented in Arizona and other parts of North America.
Hemipenthes curta
Bee Fly
Hemipenthes curta is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. Like other members of the genus Hemipenthes, its larvae are hyper-parasites—parasites of other parasitic insects. The species occurs in North America and is active during spring and summer months. Adult bee flies in this genus are typically observed visiting flowers for nectar.
Hemipenthes edwardsii
Edwards's bee fly
Hemipenthes edwardsii is a bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, found in western North America. Its larvae are hyper-parasites, developing as parasites of ichneumon wasp and tachinid fly larvae that themselves parasitize caterpillars of butterflies and moths. The species was described by Coquillett in 1894 and is one of approximately 800 bee fly species in North America.
Hemipenthes inops
Hemipenthes inops is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, found in the western United States. It is distinguished from other members of its genus by its mostly transparent wings, whereas congeners typically have patterned or darkened wings. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are known to be hyper-parasitoids, developing as parasites of other parasitic insects.
Hemipenthes jaennickeana
Hemipenthes jaennickeana is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, characterized by its hyper-parasitic larval lifestyle. Like other members of the genus Hemipenthes, its larvae develop as parasites of other parasitic insects, specifically targeting ichneumon wasp and tachinid fly larvae that themselves parasitize caterpillars. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1886 and is part of a diverse family of true flies that often mimic bees in appearance.
Hemipenthes lepidota
Hemipenthes lepidota is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. As a member of the genus Hemipenthes, its larvae are hyper-parasites that parasitize the larvae of other parasitic insects, including ichneumon wasps and tachinid flies, which themselves are parasites of butterfly and moth caterpillars. Adults are likely flower visitors, feeding on nectar with their elongated proboscis. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1887 and belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae.
Hemyda aurata
Hemyda aurata is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, first described by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. The species is distributed across North America including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. As a tachinid fly, it likely functions as a parasitoid, though specific host relationships have not been documented in the available sources. The species is represented by 239 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency.
Henicomyia
Henicomyia is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) established by Coquillett in 1898. The genus contains approximately seven described species, most described by Lyneborg in 1972. Species occur in the Neotropical region, with records from South America. The genus is classified in the subfamily Xestomyzinae.
Henicomyia hubbardii
Henicomyia hubbardii is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, subfamily Xestomyzinae. It was described by Coquillett in 1898. The genus Henicomyia belongs to a group of predatory flies commonly known as stiletto flies, characterized by their slender body form and stiletto-like ovipositor in females. The specific epithet honors an individual with the surname Hubbard.
Heringia canadensis
Canadian smoothleg
Heringia canadensis, commonly known as the Canadian smoothleg, is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across much of North America. Adults are frequently observed visiting flowers to feed on nectar and pollen. The species belongs to the tribe Pipizini, whose larvae are known aphid predators, though specific larval biology for this species remains incompletely documented. It is considered fairly common within its range.
Hermetia concinna
Hermetia concinna is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Williston in 1900. It belongs to the same genus as the well-known black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), but is a distinct species with a more limited known distribution. The species has been recorded in Mexico and the United States, with 117 observations documented on iNaturalist. Like other members of Stratiomyidae, adults are likely diurnal and associated with decomposing organic matter where larvae develop.
Hermetia hunteri
Hermetia hunteri is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Coquillett in 1909. It belongs to the genus Hermetia, which includes the well-studied black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Very little specific information is available about H. hunteri compared to its congener H. illucens, which has been extensively researched for applications in waste management, animal feed, and antimicrobial production.
Hermetia illucens
Black soldier fly
Hermetia illucens is a medium-sized dipteran in the family Stratiomyidae, native to the Neotropics but now virtually cosmopolitan through human-mediated spread. Adults are wasp mimics with metallic coloration and distinctive translucent abdominal spots. The species is commercially significant for its larvae's ability to rapidly convert organic waste into protein-rich biomass, with applications in animal feed, waste management, and bioremediation. Neither life stage is considered a pest or disease vector.
Hermetia melanderi
Hermetia melanderi is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by James and Wirth in 1967. It is one of approximately 30 species in the genus Hermetia, which includes the well-known black soldier fly (H. illucens). The species is recorded from the United States and Mexico, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in comparison to its more extensively studied congeners.
Hermetia relicta
Hermetia relicta is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It is one of approximately 30 species in the genus Hermetia, which is best known for the widely studied black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). The species was described by Carl Robert Osten Sacken in 1886. Very little specific biological information is documented for this particular species.
Hermetia subpellucida
Hermetia subpellucida is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It is one of approximately 30 species in the genus Hermetia, which includes the well-known black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). The species was described by James and Wirth in 1967. Information specific to its biology and ecology remains limited in published literature.
Heteromyia fasciata
biting midge
Heteromyia fasciata is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1825. The species occurs in North America and belongs to the genus Heteromyia, which is classified within the tribe Heteromyiini. As with other ceratopogonids, adults are small, blood-feeding flies, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Heteromyia prattii
Heteromyia prattii is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Coquillett in 1902. It occurs in eastern North America. As a member of the tribe Heteromyiini, it belongs to a group of small, blood-feeding flies commonly known as no-see-ums or punkies.
Heteromyiini
Heteromyiini is a tribe of predatory biting midges within the family Ceratopogonidae, comprising approximately 5 genera and 16 described species. Members are known to be insectivorous, feeding on other small arthropods. The tribe has been documented in Australia and New Guinea, with recent taxonomic revisions significantly expanding the known fauna. The group includes genera such as Heteromyia, Clinohelea, Neurobezzia, Neurohelea, and Pellucidomyia.
Heteropeza pygmaea
A minute gall midge (family Cecidomyiidae) described from Europe in 1846. The species has been studied extensively for its unusual cytogenetics and developmental biology, particularly its paedogenetic reproduction and dramatic chromosome elimination during early embryogenesis. Germ-line cells contain approximately 58 chromosomes, but somatic nuclei retain only 10 chromosomes through programmed elimination of E-chromosomes during cleavage.
Heteropezini
Heteropezini is a tribe of gall midges within the subfamily Porricondylinae (Cecidomyiidae). These small flies are characterized by reduced wing venation and are distinguished from related tribes by antennal and genital morphology. The tribe includes the genus Heteropeza and related taxa. Published records of this tribe are sparse, with limited observational data available.
Heteropogon arizonensis
Heteropogon arizonensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1941. The genus Heteropogon belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. Members of this genus are known for their characteristic perching behavior on twigs and vegetation while hunting flying insect prey. The specific epithet "arizonensis" indicates the species was described from Arizona, though detailed natural history information for this particular species remains limited.
Heteropogon cazieri
Heteropogon cazieri is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and is one of approximately 30 described species in the genus Heteropogon. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized predatory flies that perch on vegetation and capture other insects in flight. The species epithet honors entomologist Mont A. Cazier.
Heteropogon cirrhatus
Heteropogon cirrhatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. Robber flies in this genus are small to medium-sized predatory insects. The genus Heteropogon is part of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. Available information about this specific species is limited.
Heteropogon currani
Heteropogon currani is a robber fly species in the family Asilidae, described by Pritchard in 1935. As a member of the genus Heteropogon, it shares the characteristic predatory habits and distinctive courtship behaviors documented in congeners. The species is part of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of generally small to medium-sized asilids. Like other robber flies, adults are predatory on other insects.
Heteropogon divisus
Heteropogon divisus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. The genus Heteropogon comprises small to medium-sized robber flies with distinctive courtship behaviors. Adults are predatory, capturing other insects in flight and feeding on them using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species was described by Coquillett in 1902.
Heteropogon duncani
Heteropogon duncani is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1941. As a member of the genus Heteropogon, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. Robber flies in this genus are known for their distinctive courtship behaviors and perching habits. The species has been documented through limited observations, with 24 records on iNaturalist.
Heteropogon fisheri
Heteropogon fisheri is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of predatory flies known for their aerial hunting behavior. Like other members of the genus Heteropogon, this species is likely a predator of other insects, though specific natural history details remain undocumented.
Heteropogon johnsoni
Heteropogon johnsoni is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. The genus Heteropogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies with distinctive courtship behaviors. While specific details about this species are sparse in the provided sources, related species in the genus have been documented to exhibit elaborate aerial courtship displays where males hover before females and use ornamented forelegs to stroke the female's eyes. The species was described by Back in 1904.
Heteropogon maculinervis
Heteropogon maculinervis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by James in 1937. The genus Heteropogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors. As with other asilids, adults are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight. The species name 'maculinervis' refers to spotted or marked wing veins.
Heteropogon patruelis
Heteropogon patruelis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Coquillett in 1893. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects that perch on vegetation to hunt flying insects. The genus Heteropogon is part of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group characterized by particular morphological features including reduced wing venation. Like other asilids, this species possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts used to subdue prey.
Heteropogon paurosomus
Heteropogon paurosomus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Pritchard in 1935. The genus Heteropogon belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects known for their distinctive courtship behaviors. Information specific to H. paurosomus is limited, with only 12 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the source data.
Heteropogon rubidus
Heteropogon rubidus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Coquillett in 1893. As a member of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their distinctive hunting behavior and piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus Heteropogon contains multiple species distributed across North America, with related species documented in forest edge habitats.
Heteropogon rubrifasciatus
Heteropogon rubrifasciatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. The genus Heteropogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors. Like other asilids, they are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight. This species was described by Bromley in 1931. Very few specific observations of H. rubrifasciatus have been documented, with only 13 records in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Heteropogon stonei
Heteropogon stonei is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1965. The genus Heteropogon belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. Robber flies in this genus are small to medium-sized predatory flies. Specific details about H. stonei's biology and ecology remain poorly documented in published sources.