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
Hybomitra sodalis
White-arrowed Horse Fly
Hybomitra sodalis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, commonly known as the White-arrowed Horse Fly. It belongs to a genus of large, fast-flying tabanid flies. The species was described by Williston in 1887. Like other horse flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar and pollen. The genus Hybomitra includes some of the fastest flying insects known.
Hybos
dance flies
Hybos is a genus of small predatory dance flies in the family Hybotidae, comprising approximately 242 described species globally. The genus is distinguished by morphological features including short vein Rs, long cell cup, separated eyes in most species, a spine-like proboscis, and notably thickened hind femora bearing ventral bristles. Species occur across the Palaearctic and Oriental realms, with highest diversity in Asia. Adults are active predators of small flying insects, while larvae are soil-dwelling and predate on invertebrates.
Hybos reversus
dance fly
Hybos reversus is a species of dance fly in the family Hybotidae, originally described by Francis Walker in 1849. Like other hybotids, adults are predatory and seize prey with their forelegs. The species is part of a diverse group of small, predatory flies once classified within Empididae but now recognized as a distinct family. Larval biology remains poorly documented, as is typical for most hybotid species.
Hybotinae
dance flies
Hybotinae is a globally widespread subfamily of hybotid flies, commonly known as dance flies. Adults are predatory and frequently observed in mating swarms where males perform characteristic 'dancing' movements. The subfamily has undergone taxonomic revision, with Hybotinae elevated to family rank (Hybotidae) by some European authorities, though this classification remains inconsistently adopted. The group includes at least 12 genera and is particularly diverse in the Oriental Realm.
Hydatostega plumbea
Hydatostega plumbea is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Aldrich in 1911. It belongs to the subfamily Hydrophorinae, a group of predatory flies often associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The genus Hydatostega is characterized by species with hydrophilous tendencies. Information on this species remains sparse, with only 5 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Hydrellia valida
Hydrellia valida is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Loew in 1862. Members of this genus are commonly known as leaf-miner flies, with larvae that develop within aquatic or semi-aquatic plant tissues. The species is recorded from the United States, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Hydrelliinae
Hydrelliinae is a subfamily of shore flies within the family Ephydridae, comprising approximately 10 genera and at least 130 described species. These small flies are primarily associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic environments. The subfamily is distinguished by ecological and morphological traits that separate it from other ephydrid groups. Members are found across multiple continents with varying habitat preferences.
Hydromyza
Hydromyza is a genus of dung flies in the family Scathophagidae, established by Fallén in 1813. The genus contains at least three described species: H. confluens, H. glabra, and H. livens. Members of this genus are found in northern Europe, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As scathophagid flies, they are associated with dung habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Hydromyza confluens
dung fly
Hydromyza confluens is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae, described by Loew in 1863. The species belongs to a family whose larvae typically develop in dung or decaying organic matter, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature. Available sources provide only basic taxonomic information without substantive data on its ecology, behavior, or life history.
Hydrotaea armipes
Hydrotaea armipes is a species of muscid fly in the family Muscidae. It is known from Europe, with distribution records from Portugal (including Madeira and São Miguel Island), Denmark, and Norway. The genus Hydrotaea includes species associated with decomposing organic matter and animal feces. Some Hydrotaea species have been documented as predators of other fly larvae in manure habitats.
Hylemya
root-maggot flies
Hylemya is a genus of root-maggot flies in the family Anthomyiidae, containing at least 30 described species. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests that attack crop roots and shoots. Species such as Hylemya antiqua (onion maggot), Hylemya brassicae (cabbage root maggot), and Hylemya arambourgi cause damage to cultivated plants including onions, cruciferous vegetables, and cereals. Larvae typically feed below ground on roots or bore into plant shoots, while adults may feed on nectar or other plant exudates.
Hylemya partita
Hylemya partita is a species of root-maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae, order Diptera. The species was described by Meigen in 1826. As a member of Anthomyiidae, it belongs to a family whose larvae typically develop in plant roots, seeds, or decaying organic matter, though specific life history details for this species remain poorly documented. It is recorded from parts of northern Europe including Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
Hyphantrophaga virilis
Hyphantrophaga virilis is a tachinid fly (family Tachinidae) known to parasitize caterpillars of the California Oak Moth (Phryganidia californica). The species was described in 1924 and occurs in North America. Like other tachinid flies, it develops as an internal parasitoid, eventually killing its host. Records indicate it is one of several parasitoids associated with oak moth population dynamics along the California coast and in Oregon.
Hypocritanus fascipennis
eastern band-winged hover fly
Hypocritanus fascipennis is a North American species of syrphid fly commonly known as the eastern band-winged hover fly. It was transferred from the genus Ocyptamus to Hypocritanus in 2020 based on phylogenetic research. As a member of the hover fly family Syrphidae, it likely exhibits the characteristic hovering flight behavior typical of this group.
Hypoderma
Warble Flies, Heel Flies, Bomb Flies, Gadflies
Hypoderma is a genus of large parasitic flies in the family Oestridae, commonly known as warble flies. Adults are non-feeding and live only to reproduce. Females deposit eggs on the legs and flanks of cattle and other ungulates; first-instar larvae penetrate the skin and migrate through the host's body, typically to the gullet or spinal canal, before settling in subcutaneous tissues of the back to develop. The larvae create characteristic swellings (warbles) visible on the host's hide. Two economically important species are H. bovis (ox warble fly) and H. lineatum (cattle warble fly), which cause significant damage to cattle hides and reduce animal welfare.
Hypoderma lineatum
Common Cattle Grub, Ox Warble Fly
Hypoderma lineatum is a parasitic warble fly in the family Oestridae, commonly known as the common cattle grub. Adults emerge from puparia in early May, approximately one month before the related H. bovis. Females oviposit on cattle during sunny, calm weather from late May through early September, showing a preference for open areas and avoiding water and shade. First-instar larvae penetrate the host's skin and migrate to the gullet, where they develop for an average of 42.5 days before moving to subcutaneous tissues of the back. The species causes significant economic damage to cattle through hide degradation, reduced milk yield, and irritation during adult oviposition activity. Unlike H. bovis, H. lineatum does not terrify cattle during oviposition; animals typically show little uneasiness.
Hyporhygma
Hyporhygma is a genus of non-biting midges (Chironomidae) described by Reiss in 1982. As a member of this large dipteran family, adults are characterized by reduced mouthparts and aquatic larval stages. The genus is part of the diverse chironomid fauna found in freshwater habitats worldwide.
Hypovoria
Hypovoria is a genus of tachinid flies in the tribe Voriini, subfamily Dexiinae. The genus was established by Villeneuve in 1912 and currently includes five described species. It is distributed across northern Europe, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As with other tachinid flies, members of this genus are parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Hypovoria discalis
Hypovoria discalis is a species of tachinid fly described by Brooks in 1945. Originally described under the genus Catalinovoria, it was later transferred to Hypovoria. As a member of the family Tachinidae, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host associations and biological details remain poorly documented. The species is known to occur across North America from Canada through the United States to Mexico.
Hyrmophlaeba
Hyrmophlaeba is a genus of tangle-veined flies (Diptera: Nemestrinidae) established by Camillo Rondani in 1863. The genus is currently treated as a synonym of Hirmoneura by some authorities, though GBIF and other sources list it as accepted. Species in this group are characterized by their distinctive wing venation with numerous crossveins creating a net-like pattern. The genus belongs to a family of medium to large flies whose larvae are internal parasitoids of other insects.
Hystricia
Hystricia is a genus of tachinid flies established by Macquart in 1844, containing approximately 23 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. These flies are characterized by large body size and spiny abdominal tergites, a trait common to many Tachinidae. Like other members of their family, they are parasitoids of other insects. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with species described by multiple authors including Curran, Wulp, and Rondani.
Icelia
Icelia is a genus of tachinid flies established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. The genus comprises five described species distributed across the Americas. Members of this genus are parasitoid flies, placing them within the diverse guild of Tachinidae that serve as biological control agents. The genus is the type genus of the tribe Iceliini within the subfamily Tachininae.
Icelia triquetra
Icelia triquetra is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It belongs to the tribe Iceliini within the subfamily Tachininae. The species was described by Olivier in 1811. It is known from a limited number of observations and records.
Iceliini
Iceliini is a tribe of tachinid flies comprising three genera: Erviopsis, Icelia, and Iceliopsis. These flies are parasitoids, with larvae developing inside other insects. The tribe is placed in the subfamily Tachininae and is distinguished by specific morphological features of the male terminalia.
Icosta albipennis
Icosta albipennis is a species of louse fly in the family Hippoboscidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species is part of a genus of blood-feeding ectoparasitic flies that primarily infest birds. It has been recorded in taxonomic databases with limited observational data available.
Icterica
Icterica is a genus of true fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, established by Loew in 1873. The genus comprises at least two described species: Icterica seriata (Loew, 1862) and Icterica circinata (Loew, 1873). As members of Tephritidae, these flies are characterized by patterned wings and association with plants. The genus has been recorded from the United States, including Vermont.
Ilythea caniceps
Ilythea caniceps is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Cresson in 1918. The species belongs to a genus of small flies associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic environments. Shore flies in this family are generally recognized by their reduced wing venation and association with moist habitats.
Ilytheinae
shore flies
Ilytheinae is a subfamily of shore flies within the family Ephydridae (order Diptera). The subfamily comprises two tribes: Ilytheini and Hyadinini, containing approximately 12 genera including Donaceus, Ilythea, Hyadina, and Nostima. Members of this subfamily are associated with moist or aquatic habitats, consistent with the broader ecology of Ephydridae.
Ischnomyia albicosta
Ischnomyia albicosta is a species of small fly in the family Anthomyzidae, a group of phytophagous flies associated with monocotyledonous plants. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1849. Anthomyzidae are generally slender flies with reduced wing venation, though specific diagnostic features for I. albicosta are not well documented in accessible literature.
Iteomyia
Iteomyia is a genus of gall midges (family Cecidomyiidae) first described by Kieffer in 1913. The genus comprises five described species, including Iteomyia salicisverruca, a well-known gall-former on willows. These small flies are associated with Salix (willow) host plants, inducing characteristic galls on leaves or stems. The genus is distributed across northern Europe and North America.
Itolia
Itolia is a small genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) containing five described species. The genus was established by Wilcox in 1936. Species within Itolia are distributed in North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other asilids, members of this genus are predatory flies, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented.
Itolia timberlakei
Itolia timberlakei is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1949. The genus Itolia is a small group within the diverse Asilidae family, which comprises predatory flies commonly known as robber flies or assassin flies. The species epithet 'timberlakei' honors the entomologist P.H. Timberlake, who made substantial contributions to the study of bees and wasps at the University of California, Riverside. No detailed biological studies of this species have been published.
Jamesomyia
Jamesomyia is a small genus of tephritid fruit flies in the tribe Noeetini, established by Quisenberry in 1949. The genus contains at least one recognized species, Jamesomyia geminata, originally described by Loew in 1862. As a member of the Tephritidae family, species in this genus likely possess the characteristic wing patterning and fruit-associated biology typical of true fruit flies, though specific details remain poorly documented.
Jamesomyia geminata
Jamesomyia geminata is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, originally described as Trypeta geminata by Loew in 1862. It belongs to the genus Jamesomyia within the subfamily Tephritinae and tribe Noeetini. The species has been documented from Canada and the United States, with 31 observations recorded on iNaturalist. As a tephritid fruit fly, it likely shares the family's characteristic wing patterns and association with plants, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Janetiella
Janetiella is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) established by Kieffer in 1898. The genus contains at least 33 described species. These insects are small flies whose larvae induce the formation of plant galls—abnormal growths on plant tissue that provide shelter and food for the developing larvae.
Japanagromyza aequalis
Japanagromyza aequalis is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1966. As a member of the genus Japanagromyza, it belongs to a group of flies whose larvae typically create mines within the leaves of host plants. The species name 'aequalis' suggests some aspect of equal or uniform characteristics, though the specific morphological basis for this epithet is not documented in the provided sources. Very little detailed biological information is available for this particular species in the accessible literature.
Japanagromyza inaequalis
Japanagromyza inaequalis is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, first described by Malloch in 1914. The genus Japanagromyza comprises small flies whose larvae typically create mines within plant tissues. This species has been recorded from Brazil (Pará state), though detailed biological information remains sparse in published literature.
Japanagromyza viridula
Oak Shothole Leafminer
Japanagromyza viridula is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, commonly known as the oak shothole leafminer. The species is native to North America and has been recorded from Canada and the United States. As a leaf miner, its larvae feed internally within oak leaves, creating distinctive feeding patterns. The species was originally described as Agromyza viridula by Coquillett in 1902 and later transferred to the genus Japanagromyza.
Johannsenomyia
Johannsenomyia is a genus of biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) established by Malloch in 1915. The genus belongs to the tribe Sphaeromiini within the subfamily Ceratopogoninae. As with other ceratopogonids, members are small, blood-sucking or predatory flies. The genus is poorly documented in public sources, with minimal observational records.
Jurinella
Jurinella is a genus of tachinid flies in the tribe Tachinini. The genus contains approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species were described by multiple dipterists including Townsend, Curran, and Blanchard between the mid-19th and mid-20th centuries. As with other tachinids, members of this genus are presumably parasitoids, though specific host associations remain largely undocumented.
Jurinia
Jurinia is a genus of tachinid flies established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. The genus comprises approximately 13 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. As members of the Tachinidae family, these flies are parasitoids whose larvae develop within other insects. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with several species transferred from other genera.
Juriniopsis aurifrons
Juriniopsis aurifrons is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, first described by Brooks in 1949. The species is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other tachinid flies, it is likely a parasitoid, though specific host records remain undocumented. Adults have been observed visiting flowers, particularly those of rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa).
Keroplatus militaris
Keroplatus militaris is a species of predatory fungus gnat in the family Keroplatidae, described by Johannsen in 1910. It belongs to a genus characterized by bioluminescent larvae in many species, though specific details for this species remain limited. The species epithet "militaris" reflects its naming rather than documented military associations. Available records are sparse, with minimal observational data.
Kiefferulus dux
Kiefferulus dux is a non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae, originally described as Chironomus dux by Johannsen in 1905. The species belongs to a genus of aquatic midges whose larvae develop in freshwater habitats. Like other chironomids, adults do not feed and have reduced mouthparts.
Kirbya
Kirbya is a genus of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. The genus contains at least nine recognized species distributed across four subgenera, with records from North America, Europe, and Central Asia. As members of the tribe Voriini, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species.
Kribiodorum
Kribiodorum is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, containing six described species distributed across Africa, North America, the Neotropics, and Asia. The genus was established by Kieffer in 1921. Species have been described from diverse freshwater habitats including streams and rivers in Borneo, Namibia, Thailand, and the Amazon basin.
Labrundinia
Labrundinia is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. The genus was established by Fittkau in 1962 and is predominantly tropical in distribution, though its type species Labrundinia longipalpis exhibits an anomalous Holarctic range. Species in this genus are aquatic in their immature stages and belong to the bloodworm group of chironomids.
Laetodon laetus
Small Metallic Ant Fly
Laetodon laetus is a small hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Microdontinae, commonly known as the Small Metallic Ant Fly. Members of Microdontinae are myrmecophilous, meaning they have ecological associations with ants. The species exhibits metallic coloration and has been documented in limited observations, with 41 records on iNaturalist suggesting it is infrequently encountered or underreported.
Lamprempis
A genus of dance flies (Empididae) containing approximately 23 described species. Most species have been described from the Americas, with notable contributions by Smith (1962) who described multiple new species. The genus was established by Wheeler & Melander in 1901.
Lampria bicolor
Lampria bicolor is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It is found primarily in the eastern United States, east of the Rocky Mountains, with additional reports from South America. The species was first described by Wiedemann in 1828. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.