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
Machimus notatus
Black-thighed Bladetail
Machimus notatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Black-thighed Bladetail. As a member of the predatory asilid flies, it hunts other insects in flight. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, including Vermont.
Machimus virginicus
Machimus virginicus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The species was described by Banks in 1920. As a member of the Machimus genus, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their active hunting behavior. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species.
Macrocera clara
Macrocera clara is a species of fungus gnat in the family Keroplatidae, described by Loew in 1870. Like other members of this family, it belongs to a group of small, delicate flies whose larvae typically inhabit moist environments and feed on fungal mycelia. The genus Macrocera contains numerous species that are often challenging to distinguish without close examination. Available records indicate limited observational data, with 28 documented observations on iNaturalist.
Macrodiplosis castaneae
Macrodiplosis castaneae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species is associated with chestnut trees (Castanea spp.), though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. It was described by Stebbins in 1910 and is currently listed as a synonym of Harmandiola castaneae in some taxonomic databases.
Macrodiplosis majalis
Macrodiplosis majalis is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species is known to induce galls on plants. It has been recorded in the United States, with distribution records from Vermont. The species was first described by Osten Sacken in 1870.
Macromya crocata
Macromya crocata is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It belongs to the tribe Nemoraeini and was described by Reinhard in 1968. The species is found in North America, where it occurs in forested habitats. Like other tachinid flies, it is a parasitoid, though specific host records for this species remain undocumented. Adults are active during late summer and fall, often observed visiting flowers for nectar.
Macrorrhyncha
Macrorrhyncha is a genus of small flies in the family Keroplatidae, established by Winnertz in 1846. These fungus gnats are found in temperate regions of Europe and northern North America. The genus includes at least two described species: M. ancae and M. ardea.
Madizinae
freeloader flies
Madizinae is a subfamily of freeloader flies within the family Milichiidae, comprising approximately 8 genera and over 160 described species. Members of this subfamily are small to minute Diptera known for their kleptoparasitic behavior, frequently associating with predatory arthropods to feed on their prey remains. The subfamily includes the genera *Madiza*, *Phyllomyza*, *Desmometopa*, *Leptometopa*, *Neophyllomyza*, *Paramyia*, *Aldrichiomyza*, and *Stomosis*.
Mallochohelea
Mallochohelea is a genus of biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae) established by Wirth in 1962. The genus contains at least 40 described species, with 48 species currently recognized. Members are small, blood-feeding flies in the tribe Sphaeromiini.
Mallochohelea atripes
Mallochohelea atripes is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, originally described by Wirth in 1962. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Anebomyia atripes, with the genus Mallochohelea having been synonymized under Anebomyia. As a member of the Ceratopogonidae, it belongs to a family of small, blood-feeding flies commonly known as no-see-ums or punkies.
Malloewia abdominalis
Malloewia abdominalis is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, a group of small flies commonly known as grass flies or frit flies. The species was described by Becker in 1912. Chloropidae are generally associated with grasses and sedges, with larvae typically feeding on stems or roots.
Mallophora orcina
Southern Bee-Killer
Mallophora orcina, commonly known as the southern bee killer, is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. This species is a notable bumble bee mimic, using its hairy appearance and coloration to resemble its hymenopteran prey. As a member of the genus Mallophora, it shares characteristics with other bee-mimicking robber flies but can be distinguished by specific morphological features. The species is part of a guild of predatory flies that actively hunt other insects in flight.
Mallota bequaerti
Spot-winged Mimic Fly
Mallota bequaerti is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) in the family Syrphidae, described by Hull in 1956. The species is currently considered a synonym of Imatisma bequaerti in some taxonomic databases. Like other members of the genus Mallota, it is presumed to be a bumble bee mimic based on related species, though specific observations of this species are sparse.
Mallota posticata
Hairy-eyed Bee-mimic Fly
Mallota posticata is a syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) known for its bumble bee mimicry. The species is documented in Illinois and broader North America, with larvae developing in water-filled tree holes. Adults exhibit grooming behavior on leaves and serve as pollinators.
Mancia
Mancia is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) in the subfamily Anthracinae, tribe Villini. The genus was established by Daniel William Coquillett in 1886. Very little published information exists on the biology or species diversity of this genus.
Masiphya
Masiphya is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1891. The genus contains at least ten described species distributed across the Americas. One species, M. confusa, has been documented as a parasitoid of the Carolina mantis (Stagmomantis carolina), with field parasitization rates exceeding 80% in some populations. The genus name Masiphya manteophaga refers to its association with mantid hosts.
Mauromyia
Mauromyia is a genus of tachinid flies established by Coquillett in 1897. The genus contains six described species distributed in North America. As with other Tachinidae, members are parasitoid flies, though specific host relationships for most species remain undocumented. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features in the male terminalia.
Medetera vittata
Medetera vittata is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1919. Like other members of the genus Medetera, it is associated with tree trunks and is predatory on other small insects. The species is part of a diverse family of predatory flies known for their metallic coloration and agile movements.
Medina
Medina is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the tribe Blondeliini, subfamily Exoristinae. Established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830, this genus comprises parasitoid flies whose larvae develop inside other insects. The genus is distributed across parts of Europe, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Like other tachinids, Medina species are likely important biological control agents, though specific details about host associations and biology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Megapariopsis opaca
Megapariopsis opaca is a species of tachinid fly described by Daniel William Coquillett in 1899. The species is known from Florida, with body length recorded at 8.5 mm. As a member of the Tachinidae family, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host relationships remain undocumented. The genus Megapariopsis is poorly studied, with limited biological information available for most species.
Megaphorus flavidus
Megaphorus flavidus is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) in the tribe Apocleini. It was described by Cole in 1964 and is currently accepted as a valid species. The genus Megaphorus comprises medium to large predatory flies known for their powerful flight and ambush hunting behavior. Information specific to this species is limited in the provided sources.
Megaphorus frustrus
Megaphorus frustrus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Pritchard in 1935 under the basionym Mallophorina frustra. The genus Megaphorus belongs to the tribe Apocleini within the subfamily Asilinae. Robber flies in this genus are large, powerful predators known for their robust build and predatory habits. Information specifically documenting M. frustrus is sparse in the provided sources, though the genus is known from western North American arid and semi-arid habitats.
Megaphorus laphroides
Megaphorus laphroides is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wiedemann in 1828. It belongs to the tribe Apocleini within the subfamily Asilinae. The genus Megaphorus contains species of medium to large predatory flies that hunt other insects. Like other robber flies, M. laphroides likely exhibits the characteristic predatory behavior of ambushing prey in flight using its strong legs and piercing mouthparts.
Megaphorus pallidus
Megaphorus pallidus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Johnson in 1958. The genus Megaphorus belongs to the subfamily Asilinae and tribe Apocleini. Robber flies in this genus are characterized by their predatory behavior and robust body form. Limited information is available regarding the specific biology and ecology of this particular species.
Megaphorus prudens
Megaphorus prudens is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, originally described by Pritchard in 1935. Robber flies in the genus Megaphorus are generally large, predatory insects known for their robust build and powerful flight. The species is poorly documented in the primary literature, with minimal published information regarding its biology, distribution, or distinguishing characteristics.
Megaselia barberi
scuttle fly
Megaselia barberi is a species of scuttle fly in the family Phoridae, originally described as Aphiochaeta barberi by Malloch in 1912. The genus Megaselia is extremely species-rich, containing approximately half of all described phorid fly species, with many remaining undescribed. Like other members of this genus, M. barberi is likely small-bodied and exhibits the characteristic humpbacked appearance and scuttling locomotion typical of the family.
Megaselia perdita
Megaselia perdita is a species of scuttle fly in the family Phoridae, described by Malloch in 1912. It belongs to the genus Megaselia, which contains approximately half of all described species in the Phoridae family and is characterized as a "dark taxon" due to its extraordinary diversity and taxonomic complexity. The species has been recorded from Santa Catarina, Brazil. Like other members of its genus, it is likely extremely small and morphologically cryptic, contributing to the challenges of species identification without molecular data.
Megaselia ventralis
scuttle fly
Megaselia ventralis is a species of phorid fly (family Phoridae) described by Borgmeier in 1963. It belongs to the genus Megaselia, which comprises approximately half of all species in the Phoridae family and is characterized as a 'dark taxon' due to its extraordinary species diversity and taxonomic complexity. The species name 'ventralis' refers to a ventral character state, though specific details of this feature are not documented in the provided sources.
Megasyrphus catalina
Yellow-legged Gossamer
Megasyrphus catalina is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Curran in 1930. The species is known by the common name 'Yellow-legged Gossamer.' As a member of the subfamily Syrphinae and tribe Syrphini, it belongs to a diverse group of flies commonly known as flower flies or hoverflies, many of which are important pollinators. The specific epithet 'catalina' likely references the Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona, suggesting a southwestern North American distribution. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only four records in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Meghyperus
Meghyperus is a genus of small flies in the family Atelestidae, established by Loew in 1850. These flies belong to the Empidoidea superfamily, a diverse group of predatory or scavenging flies. The genus is poorly studied and appears to contain few described species. Records indicate presence in northern Europe.
Meghyperus nitidus
Meghyperus nitidus is a species of true fly in the family Atelestidae, described by Melander in 1902. The genus Meghyperus belongs to the subfamily Atelestinae within this small family of Diptera. Atelestidae is a family of empidoid flies, and species in this group are generally poorly known with limited biological information available. The specific epithet 'nitidus' refers to a shiny or polished appearance, though this has not been explicitly documented for this species.
Meigenielloides cinereus
Meigenielloides cinereus is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae, described by Townsend in 1919. Tachinid flies are parasitoids, with larvae that develop inside or on other insects. The genus Meigenielloides is named after the German dipterist Johann Wilhelm Meigen. No specific biological information is available for this species.
Melanagromyza arnoglossi
Melanagromyza arnoglossi is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2021. The species belongs to a genus known for larvae that mine plant tissues, particularly in leguminous hosts. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited. The specific epithet references the host plant genus Arnoglossum.
Melanagromyza hieracii
Melanagromyza hieracii is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman & Lonsdale in 2021. The species is part of a genus containing numerous species associated with herbaceous plants, particularly in the Asteraceae family. As a recently described taxon, detailed biological information remains limited. The specific epithet 'hieracii' suggests an association with Hieracium (hawkweeds), a pattern consistent with related species in the genus.
Melanagromyza martini
Melanagromyza martini is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1969. The genus Melanagromyza comprises flies whose larvae feed internally within plant tissues, typically creating mines in stems or leaves. No specific host plants or detailed biology have been documented for this particular species.
Melanomyinae
Melanomyinae is a subfamily of blow flies (Calliphoridae) characterized by dull, non-metallic coloration. The group contains approximately 10 recognized genera including Melanomya, Melinda, and Adichosina. Biological and ecological details remain poorly documented across the subfamily.
Melanomyza
Melanomyza is a genus of small flies in the family Lauxaniidae, established by Malloch in 1923. The genus contains approximately 9–12 described species. These flies belong to a family known for its diversity in decomposing organic matter habitats. Specific biological details for most Melanomyza species remain poorly documented in published literature.
Melanomyza femoralis
Melanomyza femoralis is a species of fly in the family Lauxaniidae, a group of small to medium-sized flies commonly known as lauxaniid flies. The species was described by Loew in 1861. Like other members of this family, it is likely associated with decaying vegetation and fungal substrates, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The genus Melanomyza contains multiple species distributed across various regions, with adults typically found in wooded or brushy habitats.
Melanomyza intermedia
Melanomyza intermedia is a species of lauxaniid fly described by Malloch in 1923. Members of the family Lauxaniidae are small to medium-sized flies, often with patterned wings and yellowish or brownish coloration. The genus Melanomyza occurs primarily in the Holarctic region. Specific ecological details for M. intermedia remain poorly documented in published literature.
Melanomyza manuleata
Melanomyza manuleata is a species of lauxaniid fly described by Loew in 1861. It belongs to a family of small to medium-sized flies commonly known as lauxaniid flies or sapromyzid flies. The species has been documented through limited observations, with only 3 records reported on iNaturalist. As with most members of Lauxaniidae, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter and vegetation, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Melanophora
woodlouse flies
Melanophora is a genus of small parasitoid flies commonly known as woodlouse flies. Species are internal parasitoids of terrestrial isopods (woodlice), with larvae developing inside and eventually killing their hosts. The genus has a broad distribution across multiple biogeographic regions, including native Palaearctic and Afrotropical ranges and introduced populations in the Nearctic and Neotropics. Adults are typically active from spring through autumn and are often observed resting on light-coloured vertical surfaces.
Melanophrys
Melanophrys is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) established by Williston in 1886. The genus contains two described species: Melanophrys flavipennis Williston, 1886 and Melanophrys insolita (Walker, 1853). Tachinidae are a large family of parasitoid flies whose larvae develop within or upon other arthropods.
Melanophrys flavipennis
Melanophrys flavipennis is a species of tachinid fly (family Tachinidae) described by Williston in 1886. The genus name "Melanophrys" derives from Greek roots meaning "black-browed," while the specific epithet "flavipennis" refers to yellow wings. As a tachinid, it is a parasitoid fly whose larvae develop inside other insects. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological information remains sparse.
Meledonus californicus
Meledonus californicus is a species of tachinid fly described by Coquillett in 1895. The genus Meledonus belongs to the tribe Voriini within the subfamily Dexiinae. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Tachinid flies in this group are generally parasitoids of other insects, though specific host associations for this species have not been documented in the available literature.
Meledonus latipennis
Meledonus latipennis is a species of tachinid fly described by Aldrich in 1926. The species is known from California and is part of the subfamily Dexiinae within the family Tachinidae. As a member of this family, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host associations for this species have not been documented.
Melieria cana
Melieria cana is a species of ulidiid fly, commonly known as a picture-winged fly. It belongs to the genus Melieria within the family Ulidiidae. The species has been documented in coastal regions of England and has presence records in the conterminous United States, with additional distribution data from Denmark and Norway.
Meligramma cincta
Meligramma cincta is a European hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae. The species has a complex taxonomic history, having been placed in multiple genera including Melangyna, Meligramma (as either a separate genus or subgenus), and Fagisyrphus by different authorities. It is one of approximately 529 observation records on iNaturalist.
Meligramma guttata
Spotted Roundtail
Meligramma guttata is a Holarctic species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. It is commonly known as the Spotted Roundtail. The species has been recorded across parts of Europe including Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. As a member of the Syrphidae, it likely exhibits the typical hoverfly behavior of visiting flowers for nectar and pollen, though specific ecological details remain limited in available sources.
Meoneura
Meoneura is a genus of small flies in the family Carnidae (Diptera). Species are found across multiple continents with records from Europe and Africa. The genus was established by Camillo Rondani in 1856. Male terminalia morphology has been used as a primary diagnostic feature for species identification.
Meromyza americana
Wheat Stem Maggot
Meromyza americana, commonly known as the Wheat Stem Maggot, is a chloropid fly species whose larvae are significant pests of small grain cereals. The species completes a second generation in spring, with adults emerging to lay eggs on barley, oats, rye, wheat, and other grass hosts. Larval feeding occurs within stems, causing characteristic whitehead symptoms in infested tillers. Despite its pest status, infestations rarely exceed 1% of tillers, making insecticide treatments generally unnecessary.