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
Aphoebantini
Aphoebantini is a tribe of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) comprising approximately 5 genera and at least 80 described species. Members are classified within the subfamily Anthracinae. The tribe includes genera such as Aphoebantus, Cononedys, Epacmus, Eucessia, and Pteraulax. As with other bee flies, adults likely function as pollinators and larvae are presumed parasitoids, though specific life histories remain poorly documented for most species.
Aphoebantus conurus
Aphoebantus conurus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1887. It belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Aphoebantini. The genus Aphoebantus includes species that may exhibit predator mimicry, with some members displaying posterior thoracic markings resembling jumping spider eyes. Field observations indicate this species occurs in juniper woodland habitats in the southwestern United States.
Aphoebantus fumosus
Aphoebantus fumosus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Coquillett in 1892. The genus Aphoebantus belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Aphoebantini. Some authorities have suggested that the genus Epacmus may represent a subset of Aphoebantus rather than a distinct genus. The species has been documented in western North America, with observations in juniper woodland habitats in New Mexico.
Aphoebantus interruptus
Aphoebantus interruptus is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Coquillett in 1891. The genus Aphoebantus belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Aphoebantini. Some authorities have suggested that the genus Epacmus may be a synonym of Aphoebantus rather than a distinct genus. As with other bee flies, adults are likely nectar feeders, but detailed biological information for this species remains limited.
Aphoebantus leucospilus
Aphoebantus leucospilus is a species of bee fly described by Tabet and Hall in 1987. The genus Aphoebantus belongs to the family Bombyliidae, a diverse group of flies commonly known as bee flies due to their frequent resemblance to bees. Bee flies are generally characterized by their stout, hairy bodies and long proboscises adapted for feeding on nectar. The specific epithet "leucospilus" suggests a white-spotted appearance, though this interpretation is speculative without direct examination of type material.
Aphoebantus mus
bee fly
Aphoebantus mus is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. As a member of the tribe Aphoebantini, it belongs to a group of small, often inconspicuous bee flies. The genus Aphoebantus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some authorities suggesting that the genus Epacmus may represent a subset of Aphoebantus rather than a distinct genus. The species has been documented in field observations in juniper woodland habitats in the southwestern United States.
Aphoebantus scalaris
Aphoebantus scalaris is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) first described by Melander in 1950. The genus Aphoebantus belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Aphoebantini. Some authorities have suggested that the genus Epacmus may represent a subset of Aphoebantus rather than a distinct genus.
Apiloscatopse
Apiloscatopse is a genus of minute black scavenger flies in the family Scatopsidae, established by Cook in 1974. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features of the scutellum. It is known from the Palearctic region with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The type species, Apiloscatopse scutellata, serves as the primary reference for understanding the genus.
Apiloscatopse collaris
A minute black fly in the family Scatopsidae, distinguished by a pale collar-like marking on the thorax. The species was described by Melander in 1916 and belongs to a genus of small, often overlooked dipterans commonly known as minute black scavenger flies or dung midges.
Apiloscatopse fattigi
Apiloscatopse fattigi is a species of minute black scavenger flies (family Scatopsidae) described by Cook in 1957. The genus Apiloscatopse belongs to the tribe Scatopsini within subfamily Scatopsinae. Scatopsidae are small, dark flies commonly associated with decaying organic matter. This species is rarely encountered, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Apiocera
Flower-loving Flies
Apiocera is the sole genus in the family Apioceridae, comprising approximately 150 species of flies commonly known as flower-loving flies. The genus is divided into four subgenera, each restricted to a different continent: Apiocera (Australia), Ripidosyrma (southern Africa), Pyrocera (North America), and Anypenus (South America). Despite their common name, most species do not visit flowers. The family was historically broader, with other genera now transferred to Mydidae.
Apiocera barri
Apiocera barri is a species of fly in the family Apioceridae, first described by Cazier in 1982. The family Apioceridae, commonly known as flower-loving flies, comprises medium to large flies often associated with sandy habitats. As with other members of this family, A. barri is presumed to be a nectar feeder, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded in at least 31 observations according to iNaturalist data.
Apiocera chrysolasia
Apiocera chrysolasia is a species of flower-loving fly described by Cazier in 1982. It belongs to the family Apioceridae, a small group of brachyceran flies commonly known as apiocerid flies or sometimes 'flower-loving flies' due to their association with floral resources. The species epithet 'chrysolasia' derives from Greek roots suggesting golden or woolly appearance. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with arid or semi-arid environments in western North America, though specific details remain poorly documented.
Apiocera macswaini
Apiocera macswaini is a species of flower-loving flies in the family Apioceridae, described by Cazier in 1982. The genus Apiocera is endemic to western North America, with species typically associated with arid and semi-arid habitats. Adults are known to visit flowers for nectar. Very little specific biological information is available for this particular species.
Apioceridae
Flower-loving Flies
Apioceridae, commonly known as flower-loving flies, is a family of true flies (Diptera) comprising approximately 150 species. The family was historically considered to contain multiple genera, but taxonomic revision has restricted it to the single genus Apiocera. Members are notable for their strong, fast flight and association with flowers. The family exhibits a disjunct distribution across arid regions of North America, South America, and Australia, with the Australian fauna being the most diverse globally. Adults are active primarily in spring and summer, with midday activity in hot, sunny conditions. Larvae develop in sandy soils.
Apolysis
Apolysis is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) established by Loew in 1860, containing at least 120 described species. The genus belongs to the subfamily Usiinae and tribe Apolysini. Bee flies in this genus are parasitoids or predators with life histories typical of the Bombyliidae family. The genus name derives from the Greek term for separation or discharge, though this etymological connection to the molting process is coincidental rather than biological.
Apolysis sigma
Apolysis sigma is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Usiinae. It was described by Coquillett in 1902 and is known to be widespread across North America. The genus Apolysis belongs to the tribe Apolysini, a group of bee flies characterized by specific morphological features related to their parasitoid lifestyle.
Apotropina hirta
Apotropina hirta is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, first described by Loew in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Siphonellopsinae, a group of small flies often associated with grasses and other herbaceous vegetation. The genus Apotropina contains relatively few described species, and A. hirta appears to be among the more rarely encountered members based on limited observational records. Like other chloropids, adults are typically small and inconspicuous, with larvae that develop in plant tissues.
Apsectrotanypus johnsoni
Apsectrotanypus johnsoni is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. It was described by Coquillett in 1901. As a member of the tribe Macropelopini, it belongs to a group of predatory midges whose larvae inhabit aquatic environments. The species is documented in the Catalogue of Life and GBIF as an accepted taxon, with 25 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Apsilocephala
Apsilocephala is a genus of flies in the family Apsilocephalidae, established by Kröber in 1914. The genus contains one extant species, Apsilocephala longistyla, and two fossil species: Apsilocephala pusilla and Apsilocephala vagabunda. The family Apsilocephalidae is a small, poorly known group within the order Diptera.
Apteromyia claviventris
Apteromyia claviventris is a small fly in the family Sphaeroceridae, commonly known as lesser dung flies. The genus Apteromyia is characterized by reduced wing venation and small body size. This species has been documented in northern Europe and North America. Like other members of its family, it is associated with decomposing organic matter.
Archilestris
robber fly
Archilestris is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) containing approximately six described species. These flies are notable within the family for their vivid, aposematic or mimetic coloration, particularly in species such as A. magnificus. The genus belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae and has been documented in Mexico with recent range extensions recorded. Species within this genus are among the candidates for most impressive robber flies due to their striking appearance.
Archilestris magnificus
Northern Brigand
Archilestris magnificus is a robber fly species in the family Asilidae, subfamily Dasypogoninae. The species is noted for its vivid, aposematic or mimetic coloration, which has been cited as one of the most impressive among robber flies. First described by Walker in 1854 under the basionym Dasypogon magnificus, this species has been documented through 527 iNaturalist observations. It belongs to a genus of charismatic predatory flies known for their striking appearance.
Archytas apicifer
Hornworm Tachinid Fly
Archytas apicifer is a medium to large tachinid fly (10-15 mm) native to the Nearctic region. Adults feed on flower nectar and serve as pollinators. The larvae are internal parasitoids of caterpillars, including economically significant pest species. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1849 and is one of approximately 10,000 species in the family Tachinidae.
Archytas aterrimus
Archytas aterrimus is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae. The species was originally described as Jurinia aterrima by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830 before being transferred to the genus Archytas. Tachinid flies in this genus are generally parasitoids of other insects. The species has been documented in field observations on flowers of Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush) in the southwestern United States, where it has been noted as a large, black, bristly fly occurring alongside other tachinid species.
Archytas lateralis
Archytas lateralis is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It is distributed across North America, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. As a member of the Tachinidae family, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific details about its host relationships and biology remain limited in available sources.
Archytas marmoratus
marbled bristle fly
Archytas marmoratus is a tachinid bristle fly and member of the marmoratus species group. It is a larval-pupal parasitoid of noctuid moth caterpillars, particularly the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). In 1986, it was successfully employed in biological control programs against the fall armyworm. The species has been used in inundative release programs, achieving parasitism rates exceeding 90% in isolated corn fields.
Arganthomyza vittipennis
Arganthomyza vittipennis is a small fly species in the family Anthomyzidae, originally described by Walker in 1857. It is currently classified as a synonym of Ischnomyia albicosta based on GBIF taxonomy, though iNaturalist maintains it as a valid species under Arganthomyza. The genus Arganthomyza comprises minute flies associated with wetland and marsh habitats. This species has been documented in the Nearctic region with limited observational records.
Argyra
Argyra is a genus of long-legged flies in the family Dolichopodidae, established by Macquart in 1834. The genus name derives from the Greek word for 'silver,' referencing the silver pruinescence found on males of many species. Members of this genus are part of the diverse Diaphorinae subfamily and have been subjects of recent genomic research, including a complete genome assembly for Argyra leucocephala.
Argyra albicans
Argyra albicans is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1861. Members of this family are characterized by their elongated legs and typically metallic coloration. The genus Argyra is placed within the subfamily Diaphorinae.
Argyra nigripes
Argyra nigripes is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1864. Members of the genus Argyra are small to medium-sized flies characterized by their metallic coloration and elongated legs. The species name 'nigripes' refers to black legs. As with many dolichopodid flies, specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Argyra nigriventris
Argyra nigriventris is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1925. The genus Argyra belongs to the subfamily Diaphorinae, a group characterized by metallic coloration and distinctive genitalia structures. Members of this genus are typically small to medium-sized flies associated with various habitats. The specific epithet "nigriventris" refers to the black venter (underside) of the abdomen, a diagnostic color pattern for this species.
Argyra robusta
Argyra robusta is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Johnson in 1906. The genus Argyra comprises small to medium-sized flies characterized by their notably long legs and metallic coloration. As with other members of Dolichopodidae, this species is predatory in both larval and adult stages. The specific epithet 'robusta' suggests a relatively sturdy or substantial build compared to congeners. Available records for this species are sparse, with limited observational data documented.
Arnoldiola atra
Arnoldiola atra is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 1999. As a member of this family, it is likely associated with the formation of plant galls, though specific host relationships and gall morphology remain undocumented in available sources. The genus Arnoldiola contains multiple species, most of which are poorly studied. This species has been recorded in citizen science observations, suggesting it is encountered with some regularity in the field.
Arthroceras
Arthroceras is a genus of snipe flies (family Rhagionidae) established by Williston in 1886. It is the sole genus in the subfamily Arthrocerinae. Species range from 4.5 to 13 mm in body length and occur in both the Palearctic and Neotropical regions.
Arthroceras fulvicorne
Arthroceras fulvicorne is a species of snipe fly described by Nagatomi in 1966. It belongs to the family Rhagionidae and is classified within the subfamily Arthrocerinae. Three subspecies have been recognized: A. f. fulvicorne, A. f. nigricapite, and A. f. subsolanum. The species is known from a small number of observations, indicating it is either rare or underrecorded.
Asilinae
bearded robber flies, giant robber flies
Asilinae is a large subfamily of robber flies (Asilidae) comprising over 180 genera. Members are commonly referred to as "bearded" or "giant" robber flies depending on genus. The subfamily includes diverse Neotropical taxa and is characterized by specific wing venation and scutellar morphology. Many species remain poorly known biologically despite intensive taxonomic work on the group.
Asiloidea
asiloid flies
Asiloidea is a large superfamily of true flies (Diptera: Brachycera) with cosmopolitan distribution. It comprises approximately 11 families including the well-known Asilidae (robber/assassin flies), Bombyliidae (bee flies), Therevidae (stiletto flies), Mydidae (mydas flies), and Scenopinidae (window flies). Adult morphology is characterized by antennae with no more than 4 flagellomeres, leg empodium usually setiform or absent, and wing venation featuring an elongate cell cup with vein CuA2 ending freely or meeting A1 near the wing margin. Larval synapomorphies include posterior spiracles arising dorsally from the penultimate abdominal segment and, in most families except Bombyliidae and Hilarimorphidae, a modified cranium forming a hinged metacephalic rod.
DipteraBrachyceraAsiloidearobber-fliesbee-fliesstiletto-fliesmydas-flieswindow-fliescosmopolitanarid-habitatspredatory-larvaeflower-visitorsparasitoidsbiological-controlAsilidaeBombyliidaeTherevidaeMydidaeScenopinidaeApioceridaeApsilocephalidaeApystomyiidaeEvocoidaeHilarimorphidaeMythicomyiidaeProtapioceridaephylogenysystematicsvenomouspredatorymystaxmetacephalic-roddichopticholopticJurassicCretaceoustherevoid-cladeNamib-DesertCanary-IslandsSaudi-ArabiaDominicaChileGermanyfossilcybertaxonomyopen-accessZooKeysBohart-MuseumWorld-Robber-Fly-DayAsilus
Hornet robberfly
Asilus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Linnaeus in 1758, containing at least 150 described species. The genus includes some of the largest robber flies in the Palearctic region, with Asilus crabroniformis being the largest fly species in the United Kingdom. Members of this genus are predatory insects known for their powerful flight, large compound eyes, and habit of capturing other insects in mid-air.
Asphondylia atriplicis
Tumor Stem Gall Midge
Asphondylia atriplicis is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive tumor-like stem galls on plants in the genus Atriplex (saltbushes). Like other Asphondylia species, the adult female deposits eggs into host plant tissue, and the developing larva stimulates the plant to form a protective gall structure that provides both shelter and nutrition. The specific epithet 'atriplicis' indicates its association with Atriplex hosts. The genus Asphondylia is notable for inducing galls on diverse plant families and for often harboring symbiotic fungi that may assist in gall formation or nutrition.
Asphondylia florea
Creosote Flower Gall Midge
Asphondylia monacha
nun midge
Asphondylia monacha is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as the nun midge. Like other members of its genus, this tiny fly induces distinctive galls on host plants through a poorly understood process involving chemical manipulation of plant tissue. The species was described in 1869 and has been recorded in the northeastern United States.
Asphondylia websteri
alfalfa gall midge
Asphondylia websteri, commonly known as the alfalfa gall midge, is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. Like other members of its genus, this species induces gall formation on host plants. Research has documented its association with numerous native American plants, particularly in the Asteraceae family. The species was described by Felt in 1917.
Aspistinae
Aspistinae is a subfamily of minute black scavenger flies within the family Scatopsidae (order Diptera). Members of this subfamily are small, dark-colored flies associated with decaying organic matter. The subfamily is distinguished from other Scatopsidae primarily by genitalic and wing venation characters visible under magnification. Aspistinae represents one of several lineages within the Scatopsidae, a family of flies commonly found in moist, decomposing habitats.
Asteiidae
Fine Flies
Asteiidae is a small family of acalyptrate flies comprising approximately 130 species in 10 genera worldwide. Adults are minute to small (1–3 mm), delicate flies with thin bodies and relatively long, transparent wings. The family is rarely collected, likely due to their small size and inconspicuous habits. Most species are found in forested habitats, with adults often observed on flowers, low vegetation, and fungi.
Asteromyia clarkei
Asteromyia clarkei is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Felt in 1909. The genus Asteromyia comprises gall-inducing midges that form characteristic star-shaped or rosette galls on asteraceous host plants. As a member of this genus, A. clarkei is associated with inducing galls on goldenrod (Solidago) species. The species is known from North America with documented observations primarily from the United States.
Astictoneura
Astictoneura is a genus of gall midges (family Cecidomyiidae) containing at least two described species. The genus was established by Gagné in 1969. Species in this genus are associated with grasses in the family Poaceae.
Astrophanes adonis
Astrophanes adonis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Anthracinae. It is native to western North America, with a range extending from British Columbia, Canada south to Mexico and east to Kansas. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1886.
Asyndetus
Asyndetus is a large genus of long-legged flies in the family Dolichopodidae, containing over 100 described species with worldwide distribution. The genus was established by Loew in 1869. Species occur across diverse biogeographic regions including the West Indies, the Palaearctic, and Scandinavia. Several species have been subject to taxonomic revision, with numerous synonymizations and transfers to other genera.
Asyndetus appendiculatus
Asyndetus appendiculatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1869. Members of this genus are generally small to medium-sized predatory flies with elongated legs. The specific epithet appendiculatus refers to small appendage-like structures, though the precise morphological basis for this name has not been detailed in readily accessible literature. The species is rarely reported, with minimal observational data available.