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
Muscina dorsilinea
Muscina dorsilinea is a species of true fly in the family Muscidae, first described by Frederik Maurits van der Wulp in 1896. It belongs to a genus commonly known as house flies or dump flies, which are frequently associated with decaying organic matter and animal waste. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal specific information available beyond its taxonomic classification. Like other Muscina species, it likely plays a role in decomposition and nutrient cycling in environments where organic waste accumulates.
Muscina levida
Dark-horned Muscina
Muscina levida is a muscid fly species in the family Muscidae, commonly known as the Dark-horned Muscina. It is found in Europe, with records from Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Azores. The species is one of several Muscina flies associated with decomposing organic matter and has been observed in indoor settings during autumn and winter.
Muscina pascuorum
Pasture Fly, European Scavenger Fly
Muscina pascuorum is a muscid fly native to Europe that has become established across North America. The species is closely allied to M. stabulans and M. levida. It is known to enter homes in autumn and winter, where adults accumulate on windowsills. Larvae develop in fungi, particularly woodland mushrooms, rather than in carrion or manure like many related muscids. The specific epithet 'pascuorum' refers to pastures, reflecting its original European habitat association.
Muscina prolapsa
Muscina prolapsa is a species of fly in the family Muscidae, first described by Harris in 1780. It belongs to a genus of flies commonly known as "dump flies" or "false stable flies" that are frequently associated with animal waste and decomposing organic matter. The species has been recorded in Europe, including Belgium, Denmark, and the Azores (São Jorge and São Miguel islands). Like other Muscina species, it is likely involved in nutrient cycling through decomposition processes and may serve as a biological control agent for pest fly populations.
Muscinae
Muscinae is a subfamily of muscid flies (Diptera: Muscidae) comprising approximately 10 genera and numerous species worldwide. The group includes well-known species such as the house fly (Musca domestica) and related genera including Pyrellia, Ophyra, and Orthellia. Members are characterized by specific morphological features of the adult and immature stages that distinguish them from the sister subfamily Stomoxyinae. The subfamily has significant sanitary and forensic importance due to the synanthropic habits of several species.
Muscoidea
Muscoidea is a superfamily of calyptrate flies (Diptera) comprising approximately 7,000 described species across multiple families including Muscidae, Fanniidae, Anthomyiidae, and Scathophagidae. The superfamily represents nearly 5% of described Diptera diversity. Larvae are predominantly saprophagous, coprophagous, or necrophagous, though some lineages have evolved parasitic, predatory, or phytophagous habits. The monophyly of Muscoidea has been questioned; a 2008 molecular study using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA suggested the group may be paraphyletic.
Mycetaulus polypori
Mycetaalus polypori is a small fly in the family Piophilidae, described by Melander in 1924. The species epithet suggests an association with polypore fungi (bracket fungi), though specific ecological relationships remain poorly documented. Like other piophilids, it likely inhabits decomposing organic matter. Published biological studies on this species are scarce.
Mycetophila unipunctata
Mycetophila unipunctata is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, a diverse group of small flies associated with decaying fungi and organic matter. The species was described by Wiedemann in 1818. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits moist forest environments where fungal resources are abundant.
Mycodrosophila claytonae
Mycodrosophila claytonae is a species of fruit fly in the family Drosophilidae, first described by Wheeler and Takada in 1963. It belongs to the genus Mycodrosophila, a group of drosophilid flies often associated with fungal substrates. The species is documented in scattered observations, with 44 records on iNaturalist. Like other members of its genus, it likely has ecological ties to decaying fungal matter.
Mycomya obliqua
Mycomya obliqua is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. As a member of the subfamily Mycomyinae, it belongs to a diverse group of small flies whose larvae typically develop in decaying organic matter, particularly fungi. The species epithet "obliqua" refers to an oblique or slanted feature of its morphology, though the specific trait referenced is not detailed in available sources. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only three documented occurrences in iNaturalist.
Mydaea flavicornis
Mydaea flavicornis is a species of true fly in the family Muscidae, described by Daniel William Coquillett in 1902. The species epithet "flavicornis" (yellow-horned) refers to a distinctive yellow coloration of the antennae. As a member of the subfamily Mydaeinae, it belongs to a group of muscid flies commonly known as dung flies or stable flies. The genus Mydaea contains numerous species distributed primarily in the Holarctic region, though individual species distributions vary.
Mydaea impedita
Mydaea impedita is a species of muscid fly described by Stein in 1920. It belongs to the subfamily Mydaeinae within the family Muscidae, a group that includes many synanthropic and free-living flies. The species is rarely documented, with only five observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the available data. Like other members of Mydaea, it is presumed to be a generalist decomposer, though specific ecological details remain poorly known.
Mydaea neglecta
Mydaea neglecta is a species of true fly in the family Muscidae, first described by Malloch in 1920. The species belongs to a genus of muscid flies that are widespread in the Holarctic region. Records indicate this species occurs in the northeastern United States, specifically Vermont. As with many Muscidae, detailed biological information remains limited in published literature.
Mydaeinae
Mydaeinae is a subfamily of true flies within the family Muscidae. The subfamily comprises eight recognized genera including Brontaea, Graphomya, Hebecnema, Hemichlora, Mydaea, Myospila, Scenetes, and Scutellomusca. Members of this subfamily are morphologically diverse and occupy various ecological niches. The genus Mydaea is particularly well-represented in observations, suggesting it may be among the more commonly encountered groups. Mydaeinae flies share the general muscid body plan but exhibit distinctive characteristics that warrant their separation from other muscid subfamilies.
Mydas
Mydas flies
Mydas is a genus of flies in the family Mydidae, established by Fabricius in 1794. These are among the largest flies in North America, with some species reaching substantial body lengths. The genus is characterized by elongate clubbed antennae and wasp-mimicking coloration, typically featuring black bodies with orange or red markings. Mydas flies are often mistaken for large wasps or robber flies by observers due to their impressive size and similar appearance to hymenopteran mimics.
Mydas clavatus
Clubbed Mydas Fly
Mydas clavatus is a large, striking mydas fly native to temperate eastern North America. Adults are notable Batesian mimics of spider wasps, displaying bold behavior enabled by their wasp-like appearance. The species is distinguished by a prominent orange to red abdominal marking and clubbed antennae—a trait shared across the genus. Adults are active in mid-summer and have been documented visiting diverse flowering plants for nectar.
Batesian-mimicrywasp-mimicpollinatorwoodboring-predatorMydidaeDipteraeastern-North-Americamid-summernectar-feederscarab-beetle-predatorclubbed-antennaeorange-abdominal-markingspider-wasp-mimicharmlessconspicuousbold-behaviormock-stinging-displayheart-rot-habitatOsmoderma-predatorflowering-plant-visitorlarge-flyglabrate-bodytemperate-forestmeadowgarden-visitordeciduous-woodlandMydas floridensis
Mydas floridensis is a species of mydas fly (family Mydidae) described in 1989. The genus Mydas contains some of the largest flies in North America. Members of this family are often Batesian mimics of spider wasps (Pompilidae), displaying bold black and orange or red coloration that allows them to fly conspicuously in open habitats. The specific epithet 'floridensis' indicates a type locality or primary distribution in Florida.
Mydas fulvifrons
Mydas fulvifrons is a species of mydas fly (family Mydidae), a group of large, wasp-mimicking flies related to robber flies. The genus Mydas contains some of the largest flies in North America. Like other mydas flies, adults are presumed to be nectar feeders, while larvae are believed to be predators of woodboring beetle larvae. The specific epithet 'fulvifrons' refers to the tawny or yellowish-brown frontal region of the head.
Mydas tibialis
Golden-legged Mydas Fly, golden legged mydas fly
Mydas tibialis, commonly known as the golden-legged mydas fly, is a large, striking mydas fly in the family Mydidae. The species is notable for its impressive size and distinctive golden-orange coloration on the legs, from which its common name derives. It occurs in North America, where adults have been observed visiting flowers, particularly those of Eryngium yuccifolium (rattlesnake master). The family Mydidae contains some of the largest flies in North America, and M. tibialis exemplifies this characteristic with its robust build.
Mydas xanthopterus
Mydas xanthopterus is a species of mydas fly in the family Mydidae. It occurs in North America, specifically in Mexico and the United States. The species is notable for its resemblance to red-winged Pepsis spider wasps, suggesting possible Batesian mimicry. It occurs in sympatry with Pepsis grossa, a large spider wasp species.
Mydidae
Mydas flies, Mydaid flies
Mydidae, or mydas flies, are a small cosmopolitan family of large to very large flies within the superfamily Asiloidea. With approximately 471 described species, they represent one of the most distinctive dipteran groups due to their exceptional size—Gauromydas heros is the largest known fly species—and their frequent mimicry of stinging hymenopterans, particularly spider wasps. Most species inhabit arid and semiarid regions globally. The family is poorly studied, with larval biology documented for only a handful of species.
Mydinae
mydas flies
Mydinae is a subfamily of mydas flies within the family Mydidae, comprising approximately 12 genera and over 120 described species. The subfamily includes four tribes: Dolichogastrini, Messiasiini, Mydini, and Phyllomydini. Members of this subfamily are found primarily in the Neotropical region, with some genera exhibiting restricted geographic distributions. The genus Mapinguari, previously considered monotypic and rare, has been shown to have broader distribution than previously known.
Myelaphus
Myelaphus is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Bigot in 1882. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed primarily in Asia. Members of this genus are predatory dipterans that hunt other insects in flight.
Myelaphus melas
Myelaphus melas is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bigot in 1882. Robber flies in this family are predatory insects known for their aerial hunting abilities. The genus Myelaphus is part of the diverse asilid fauna of North America.
Myennidini
Myennidini is a tribe of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, subfamily Otitinae. The tribe contains approximately 14 recognized genera, including the type genus Myennis. Members of this tribe are characterized by distinctive wing patterns and are found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere.
Myiophasiini
Myiophasiini is a tribe of bristle flies within the family Tachinidae, subfamily Tachininae. The tribe comprises at least nine genera and approximately 18 described species. Members are parasitoid flies, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species.
Myopa rubida
Myopa rubida is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae, first described by Bigot in 1887. Like all conopids, it is an internal parasite of bees and wasps. The genus Myopa is seldom recorded, partly due to identification difficulties. Species in this genus are sometimes known as 'beegrabbers' for their habit of intercepting host insects in flight to oviposit eggs between abdominal segments.
Myopa vicaria
Myopa vicaria is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae. Members of this family are internal parasitoids of bees and wasps, with females intercepting hosts in flight to oviposit eggs between abdominal segments. The genus Myopa is generally poorly recorded, likely due to identification difficulties.
Myospila
Myospila is a genus of flies in the family Muscidae, subfamily Mydaeinae. The genus contains over 150 described species distributed across multiple continents. Species-level taxonomy has been extensively revised, with numerous species described from Asia in recent decades.
Myospila meditabunda
Myospila meditabunda is a muscid fly described by Fabricius in 1781. It belongs to the subfamily Mydaeinae within the family Muscidae, a group of true flies commonly known as house flies and their relatives. The species has been recorded from multiple localities across northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, as well as from Madeira Island and the northeastern United States (Vermont).
Myrmecothea
Myrmecothea is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Hendel in 1910. The genus contains a single described species, Myrmecothea myrmecoides (Loew, 1860). These flies are recognized for their distinctive wing patterns and ant-mimicking appearance. Records indicate limited but documented observations across their known range.
Myrmecothea myrmecoides
Myrmecothea myrmecoides is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, originally described by Loew in 1860. The species name 'myrmecoides' suggests an ant-like appearance. It is recorded from the United States.
Mystacella
Mystacella is a genus of tachinid flies established by Wulp in 1890. It comprises nine described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. As members of the tribe Goniini within subfamily Exoristinae, these flies are parasitoids whose larvae develop inside other insects. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including facial bristle patterns.
Mythicomyiidae
micro bee flies, mythicomyiids, microbombyliids
Mythicomyiidae are minute flies (0.5–5.0 mm) historically treated as a subfamily of Empididae or Bombyliidae, but elevated to family rank based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. The family comprises 35 genera and over 450 described species, with hundreds more awaiting description. They exhibit highest diversity in Africa and are especially abundant in desert and semi-desert regions globally. The lineage dates to the Middle Jurassic, making it older than any known Bombyliidae.
Myxosargus
soldier flies
Myxosargus is a genus of soldier flies in the family Stratiomyidae, containing approximately 13-15 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. The genus was established by Brauer in 1882 and includes species ranging from the southwestern United States through Central America to South America. Most species were described in the early-to-mid 20th century, with several added by Maurice James in 1979.
Myxosargus nigricormis
Delicate Soldier
Myxosargus nigricormis is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, commonly known as the Delicate Soldier. The species was described by Greene in 1918. It is recorded from the United States, with over 500 observations documented on iNaturalist. As a member of Stratiomyidae, it belongs to a family of flies whose larvae are often associated with decaying organic matter.
Nannocyrtopogon atripes
Nannocyrtopogon atripes is a species of robber fly described by Wilcox & Martin in 1936. It belongs to the family Asilidae, a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species is placed in the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and tribe Ceraturgini. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in published literature.
Nannocyrtopogon irvinei
Nannocyrtopogon irvinei is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Wilcox & Martin in 1957. It belongs to the tribe Ceraturgini within the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. As with other members of its family, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Nannocyrtopogon vanduzeei
Nannocyrtopogon vanduzeei is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox and Martin in 1936. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and tribe Ceraturgini. Like other robber flies, this species is predatory, though specific behavioral and ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Nausigaster geminata
Armored Dimpleback
Nausigaster geminata is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae, tribe Merodontini. It is commonly known as the Armored Dimpleback. The species was described by Townsend in 1897. As a syrphid fly, it likely exhibits typical hoverfly behaviors including flower visitation for nectar and pollen feeding, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Nausigaster scutellaris
Plain-winged Dimpleback
Nausigaster scutellaris is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the tribe Merodontini, described by Adams in 1904. The common name "Plain-winged Dimpleback" has been assigned to this species on iNaturalist, though published biological information remains sparse. As a member of the subfamily Eristalinae, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies whose larvae typically develop in decaying organic matter or other moist substrates.
Nausigaster unimaculata
Single-spotted Dimpleback
A syrphid fly in the tribe Merodontini, characterized by a single prominent spot on the abdomen. The species is documented across multiple sources and has accumulated over 100 research-grade observations. It belongs to a genus of small hoverflies commonly known as dimplebacks.
Nemomydas
mydas flies
Nemomydas is a genus of large mydas flies (Diptera: Mydidae) comprising at least 23 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with one species (N. gruenbergi) recorded from East Asia. The genus was established by Curran in 1934. Species exhibit considerable diversity in distribution, ranging from the southwestern United States through Central America to the Caribbean and South America.
Nemomydas brachyrhynchus
Nemomydas brachyrhynchus is a species of mydas fly in the family Mydidae, a group of large, robust flies known for their striking appearance and relatively uncommon occurrence. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1886 and was originally placed in the genus Leptomidas. It is known from Mexico, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented. Like other mydas flies, it likely has a complex life cycle involving soil-dwelling larval stages.
Nemomydas desideratus
Nemomydas desideratus is a species of mydas fly in the family Mydidae, described by Johnson in 1912. Members of this genus are among the largest flies in North America. The species is known from a small number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or have restricted habitat requirements. Mydidae are generally associated with arid and semi-arid environments.
Nemomydas melanopogon
Nemomydas melanopogon is a species of mydas fly in the family Mydidae, a group of large, predatory flies. It is endemic to Florida scrub habitat, a rare and threatened ecosystem type. The species was described by Steyskal in 1956. Like other mydas flies, it likely has a long larval development period in sandy soils.
Nemomydas venosus
Nemomydas venosus is a species of mydas fly (family Mydidae) described by Loew in 1866. The species is known from the United States. Mydas flies are among the largest flies in North America, though specific details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Nemopalpus
Nemopalpus is a genus of moth flies in the family Psychodidae, subfamily Bruchomyiinae. The genus was established by Macquart in 1838, with the original spelling 'Nemapalpus' corrected to 'Nemopalpus' in 1839. Recent taxonomic revisions in 2018 transferred several previously included species to the genera Alexanderia, Boreofairchildia, Laurenceomyia, and Notofairchildia. The genus currently contains ten recognized species distributed primarily in the Southern Hemisphere.
Nemoraeini
Nemoraeini is a tribe of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) within the subfamily Tachininae. The tribe contains approximately ten genera, including Nemoraea, Macromya, and Lasion. Members are parasitoid flies, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most genera. The tribe has a broad distribution with records across multiple continents.
Nemorimyza
Nemorimyza is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae, established by Frey in 1946. The genus contains at least three described species distributed across multiple continents. Some species are documented as pests of cultivated plants, particularly within the Asteraceae family. The genus belongs to the subfamily Phytomyzinae, a group characterized by larval feeding habits that create distinctive mines in leaf tissue.