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
Heteropogon wilcoxi
Heteropogon wilcoxi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by James in 1934. As a member of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior and distinctive courtship displays. The genus Heteropogon is characterized by males with ornamented fore tarsi used during mating rituals.
Heteropterna cressoni
Heteropterna cressoni is a species of predatory fungus gnat in the family Keroplatidae. The family Keroplatidae comprises small to medium-sized flies, many of which have predatory larvae that inhabit moist environments such as fungi, decaying wood, or caves. As a predatory fungus gnat, this species likely has larvae that feed on other small invertebrates within these habitats. The species was described by Fisher in 1941.
Heterostylum
bee-flies
Heterostylum is a genus of bee-flies (Bombyliidae) comprising 14 described species distributed throughout the Americas. These robust, densely hairy flies measure 10–15 mm in body length. The genus is distinguished by diagnostic morphological features including an indentation in the hind margin of the eye and distinctive wing venation patterns. Larvae are parasitoids that develop within the nests of mining bees.
Hexatoma longicornis
Hexatoma longicornis is a species of limoniid crane fly in the family Limoniidae, order Diptera. The species was originally described as Anisomera longicornis by Walker in 1848. It is distributed across the Nearctic region, ranging from Alaska through Canada to the eastern and central United States.
Hiatomyia
Deltawings
Hiatomyia is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) characterized by a distinctive plumose arista and shiny black coloration. The genus contains approximately 22 described species, with authorship dating to Shannon (1922). These flies are relatively poorly known compared to many other syrphid genera, with limited observational data available.
Hilara lutea
Hilara lutea is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, described by Loew in 1863. As a member of the genus Hilara, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors where males present nuptial gifts to females. The species epithet 'lutea' (Latin for 'yellow' or 'golden-yellow') likely refers to coloration. Empidid flies are generally small to medium-sized predatory insects found in diverse habitats, with larvae typically developing in soil, decaying organic matter, or aquatic environments.
Hilarimorphidae
hilarimorphid flies
Hilarimorphidae is a small family of flies (Diptera) with uncertain phylogenetic placement. They have been variously associated with Acroceridae or Bombyliidae within the superfamily Asiloidea. The family is primarily Nearctic in distribution and includes both extant and fossil species.
Hippelates dorsalis
Hippelates dorsalis is a small fly in the family Chloropidae (grass flies or frit flies), described by Loew in 1869. Members of the genus Hippelates are commonly known as eye gnats due to their habit of hovering around the eyes and other moist facial areas of humans and animals. The specific epithet 'dorsalis' refers to a dorsal (back) characteristic, though the precise morphological feature referenced is not detailed in available sources. Like other chloropids, this species likely has a compact body and reduced wing venation typical of the family.
Hippelates nobilis
Hippelates nobilis is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, first described by Loew in 1863. The species has been documented in Florida with a newly recorded host plant association, though the specific host plant identity was not detailed in available source material. As a member of the Hippelates genus, it belongs to a group of small flies commonly known as eye gnats or frit flies, though species-specific biological details for H. nobilis remain limited in published literature.
Hippelates proboscideus
frit fly
Hippelates proboscideus is a small frit fly in the family Chloropidae, described by Williston in 1896. The species has been documented in Brazil (Bahia, Ceará) and Hawaii, indicating a broad geographic spread possibly facilitated by human activity. Like other members of Hippelates, it belongs to a genus known for eye-frequenting behavior in some species, though specific habits for this species remain poorly documented. The single iNaturalist observation suggests it is rarely encountered or underreported.
Hirotophora
Hirotophora is a genus of scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) established in 2015. The genus was originally monotypic but now contains three species following taxonomic revision: the type species, Hirotophora chilensis sp. nov. from Chile, and two species transferred from Chaetopleurophora (C. dividua and C. flavimarginata). Females exhibit greater structural divergence than males, which show minimal differences in terminalia—an unusual pattern for Phorinae that suggests distinctive but currently unknown life history traits.
Hirotophora multiseriata
A small scuttle fly in the family Phoridae, originally described by Aldrich in 1904. The species epithet "multiseriata" refers to multiple rows or series, likely describing a distinctive arrangement of bristles on the body. As with most phorid flies, adults are probably associated with decaying organic matter. The genus Hirotophora was established to accommodate species with particular wing venation and bristle patterns distinct from other Phoridae.
Hodophylax aridus
Hodophylax aridus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by James in 1933. The species epithet "aridus" suggests an association with arid environments. As a member of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly. The species is represented by very few observations in biodiversity databases.
Hodophylax halli
Hodophylax halli is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1961. As a member of the Diptera order, this species belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their aerial hunting abilities. The genus Hodophylax is part of the Asilidae family, which comprises approximately 7,000 species worldwide. Specific biological details for H. halli remain undocumented in available sources.
Hodophylax tolandi
Hodophylax tolandi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1961. Robber flies are predatory dipterans characterized by their stout bodies, strong legs, and piercing mouthparts used to capture and subdue prey. This species belongs to the genus Hodophylax, a small group within the diverse Asilidae family. Published records indicate this species is known from limited observations, with iNaturalist documenting only four observations as of the source date.
Holcocephala abdominalis
Golden Goggle Eye
Holcocephala abdominalis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Golden Goggle Eye. This species is characterized by its distinctive eye morphology, with the genus name 'Holcocephala' referring to the hollow or concave head structure. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, with records from Vermont and other locations. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect, though specific prey preferences for this species remain poorly documented.
Holcocephala calva
Gray Goggle Eye
Holcocephala calva is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Gray Goggle Eye. It is one of approximately 7,500 described species of predatory robber flies found worldwide. The species belongs to the genus Holcocephala, which is characterized by distinctive head morphology. Robber flies in this family are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Holcocephala fusca
Dusky Goggle Eye, Gnat Ogre
Holcocephala fusca is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Dusky Goggle Eye or Gnat Ogre. The species is recognized by its distinctive enlarged compound eyes that occupy most of the head. It preys on small flying insects, particularly gnats and other tiny dipterans. The species was described by Bromley in 1951.
Holopogon currani
Holopogon currani is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1959. The genus Holopogon belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. As with other Asilidae, this species is presumed to be predatory, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented. The species epithet honors an individual with the surname Curran.
Holopogon snowi
Holopogon snowi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Back in 1909. The genus Holopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their distinctive wing venation and reduced mouthparts. This species is one of several in the genus distributed across North America.
Holopogon umbrinus
Holopogon umbrinus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Back in 1909. It is classified within the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and the genus Holopogon, which comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies. The species epithet 'umbrinus' (meaning 'shadowy' or 'dusky' in Latin) likely refers to its coloration. Like other asilids, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented.
Homalactia harringtoni
A tachinid fly species in the family Tachinidae, originally described by Coquillett in 1902. The species has been reclassified from the genus Lypha to Homalactia based on taxonomic revisions. Tachinidae are a large family of parasitoid flies whose larvae develop inside other insects.
Homaluroides
grass flies
Homaluroides is a genus of grass flies (family Chloropidae) containing approximately 9 described species. The genus was established by Sabrosky in 1980. Species in this genus are distributed across North America, with records from the United States and Mexico. They are part of the tribe Cetematini within the subfamily Chloropinae.
Homoneura
Homoneura is a genus of small flies in the family Lauxaniidae, first described by Van der Wulp in 1891. The genus contains over 700 species worldwide, with more than 220 species documented from China alone. Species are frequently characterized by distinctive wing patterns, including brown spots on the wing membrane and specific venation features used in taxonomic identification. The genus is divided into multiple subgenera and species groups based on morphological characters, particularly male genitalia and wing markings.
Homoneura americana
American lauxaniid fly
Homoneura americana is a small fly in the family Lauxaniidae, originally described by Wiedemann in 1830 under the name Sapromyza americana. The species is known from at least one iNaturalist observation and is characterized by its small size and association with decaying organic matter. Members of the genus Homoneura are often attracted to fermenting fruits and other decomposing plant material.
Homoneura fuscibasis
Homoneura fuscibasis is a species of small fly in the family Lauxaniidae, first described by Malloch in 1920. The species name 'fuscibasis' refers to a dark or dusky base, likely describing a color pattern on the body or wings. Members of the genus Homoneura are often attracted to decaying organic matter, including fermenting fruits. One observation from Massachusetts in 2009 noted a pumpkin-orange individual visiting a jack-o'-lantern, suggesting this species may exhibit orange coloration.
Homoneura incerta
Homoneura incerta is a species of fly in the family Lauxaniidae, originally described as Sapromyza incerta by Malloch in 1914. The species has been documented in association with decaying organic matter, including pumpkins and other fermenting fruits. It exhibits a distinctive orange coloration that has been noted by observers. Distribution records indicate presence in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
Homoneura littoralis
Pumpkin-orange Homoneura, Orange Lauxaniid Fly
Homoneura littoralis is a small fly in the family Lauxaniidae, recognized by its distinctive pumpkin-orange coloration. The species was described by Malloch in 1915 and has been documented in association with decaying organic matter, including fermenting pumpkins. Adults are attracted to decomposing fruit where they feed and presumably breed. The species belongs to a genus of small, often colorful flies that are frequently overlooked due to their minute size but can be striking under magnification.
Homoneura philadelphica
Homoneura philadelphica is a small fly in the family Lauxaniidae, a group commonly known as lauxaniid flies. The species is noted for its distinctive orange coloration, which has been observed in individuals attracted to decaying pumpkins. It is one of many species in the genus Homoneura, which contains numerous small, often colorful flies found in various habitats across North America.
Homoneura trochantera
Homoneura trochantera is a species of small fly in the family Lauxaniidae, described by Miller in 1977. The genus Homoneura is known for species that often display bright orange or yellow coloration. One individual observed in South Deerfield, Massachusetts exhibited pumpkin-orange coloration while visiting a decaying jack-o'-lantern, suggesting attraction to fermenting organic matter. The family Lauxaniidae comprises small to medium-sized flies commonly found in diverse habitats.
Homoneura unguiculata
Homoneura unguiculata is a species of fly in the family Lauxaniidae, first described by Kertész in 1913. The genus Homoneura is characterized by small to medium-sized flies, often with distinctive coloration. Observations of this species have been recorded in Hawaii and the conterminous United States. Members of Lauxaniidae are commonly known as lauxaniid flies and are frequently associated with decaying organic matter.
Hoplitimyia constans
Hoplitimyia constans is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, distributed in the United States. The genus Hoplitimyia includes species with aquatic larvae and adults that often exhibit wasp-mimicking coloration and behavior. Members of this genus are known for their flighty behavior and attraction to flowers. The specific epithet "constans" was established by Loew in 1872, originally described under the genus Stratiomyia.
Hoplocheiloma totliana
Hoplocheiloma totliana is a species of stilt-legged fly in the family Micropezidae. The species was originally described by Gmelin in 1790 under the basionym Musca totliana. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated legs and distinctive body proportions. Limited published information exists regarding the specific biology of this species.
Hoplocyrtoma
Hoplocyrtoma is a genus of dance flies in the family Hybotidae, first described by Melander in 1928. The genus contains five described species distributed across the Palearctic region and Japan, with one fossil species known from Eocene Baltic amber. Species are characterized by distinctive leg modifications, particularly enlarged femora in some taxa. The genus belongs to the tribe Bicellariini within the subfamily Hybotinae.
Hubneria estigmenensis
Hubneria estigmenensis is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It is recorded from the United States and Canada, with specific occurrence data from Vermont. The species was described by Sellers in 1943.
Hyadina
Hyadina is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, tribe Hyadinini. The New Zealand fauna is now restricted to a single species, H. breva, following taxonomic revision. The genus is distinguished by structures of the male terminalia, which are taxonomically diagnostic.
Hyadina albovenosa
shore fly
Hyadina albovenosa is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Coquillett in 1900. The specific epithet 'albovenosa' likely refers to white-veined wing characteristics. Shore flies in this family are generally associated with moist or aquatic habitats. This species has been documented across North America and Central America.
Hybomitra aequetincta
Hybomitra aequetincta is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It belongs to the genus Hybomitra, a group known for fast-flying, robust-bodied flies. The species was described by Becker in 1900. Like other horse flies, adults are likely to be diurnal and females are presumed to be blood-feeders, though specific details for this species are poorly documented. It is among the lesser-known members of a genus containing some of the fastest flying insects recorded.
Hybomitra astuta
horse fly
Hybomitra astuta is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It belongs to a genus known for containing some of the fastest-flying insects. The species has been documented in parts of North America and northern Europe. Like other horse flies, adults are likely blood-feeding, though specific details for this species remain limited.
Hybomitra captonis
horse fly
Hybomitra captonis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. The species is distributed across northern North America, including Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Hybomitra, it belongs to a group known for rapid flight capabilities, though specific speed records for this species have not been documented.
Hybomitra cincta
Hybomitra cincta is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is distributed across Canada and the United States, with records from Vermont and other regions. As a member of the horse fly genus Hybomitra, it shares the family's characteristic blood-feeding behavior by females and the robust, agile flying morphology typical of tabanids.
Hybomitra epistates
Epistate Horse Fly
Hybomitra epistates is a horse fly species in the family Tabanidae, commonly known as the Epistate Horse Fly. It occurs in northern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Hybomitra, it belongs to a group noted for including some of the fastest-flying insects. The species is documented through limited observation records, with 56 observations reported on iNaturalist.
Hybomitra lanifera
Hybomitra lanifera is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by McDunnough in 1922. Like other members of the genus Hybomitra, it is a fast-flying dipteran. The genus is notable for containing some of the fastest flying insects known, with congener Hybomitra hinei recorded at 89 miles per hour. Information specific to H. lanifera remains limited in published sources.
Hybomitra lurida
Broad-headed Horse Fly
Hybomitra lurida is a large horse-fly species in the family Tabanidae, measuring 12–15 millimetres in length. It is distributed across central and northern Europe, Asia, and North America including Canada, Alaska, and portions of the contiguous United States. Adults are active during summer months and are frequently associated with cattle in open landscapes.
Hybomitra melanorhina
horse fly
Hybomitra melanorhina is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Bigot in 1892. It belongs to a genus of large, robust biting flies known for their rapid flight. Like other horse flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar and pollen. The species has been documented in northern North America.
Hybomitra microcephala
horse fly
Hybomitra microcephala is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It occurs in northern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Hybomitra, it belongs to a group of large, biting flies commonly known as deer flies or horse flies, recognized for their robust bodies and prominent compound eyes.
Hybomitra minuscula
Hybomitra minuscula is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, originally described as Tabanus minusculus by Hine in 1907. It belongs to the genus Hybomitra, a diverse group of biting flies distributed primarily in the Holarctic region. Like other tabanids, adults are likely to be blood-feeding, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded in North America.
Hybomitra opaca
Hybomitra opaca is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Coquillett in 1904. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a group of robust, fast-flying flies known for their biting behavior. The species is classified within the tribe Tabanini and subfamily Tabaninae. Specific details about its biology, distribution, and ecology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Hybomitra procyon
horse fly
Hybomitra procyon is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It belongs to the genus Hybomitra, a group of large, biting flies commonly known as horse flies or deer flies. The species occurs in North America, with documented records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its family, it is presumed to have biting mouthparts and a life cycle involving aquatic or semi-aquatic larval stages, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Hybomitra rupestris
horse fly
Hybomitra rupestris is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is distributed across northern North America, including Canada and the United States. Like other horse flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar. The species is relatively poorly documented in scientific literature.