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
Norrbomia fulvipennis
A small dung fly in the family Sphaeroceridae, described in 1992 from material collected in Costa Rica. The species epithet refers to the tawny or yellowish-brown coloration of the wings. Sphaeroceridae are commonly known as lesser dung flies and are associated with decaying organic matter.
Nostima niveivenosa
A shore fly species in the family Ephydridae, described by Cresson in 1930. Found in the United States, including Hawaii, and the broader Neotropical region. As with other ephydrid flies, it is associated with moist or aquatic environments.
Nothomyia calopus
Nothomyia calopus is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Hermann Loew in 1869. It belongs to the tribe Prosopochrysini within the subfamily Stratiomyinae. The species is documented from the Caribbean region and the southern United States, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Notogramma
Notogramma is a genus of picture-winged flies (family Ulidiidae) established by Loew in 1868. The genus contains at least five described species distributed across multiple continents. Like other ulidiids, members of this genus are characterized by patterned wings with distinct dark markings. The genus has been documented in iNaturalist with over 260 observations, indicating moderate recognition among naturalists.
Nycteribiidae
bat flies, nycteribiid bat flies
Nycteribiidae is a family of Diptera in the superfamily Hippoboscoidea, commonly known as bat flies. These are obligate ectoparasites of bats, feeding exclusively on blood. They exhibit extreme morphological adaptations for parasitism: complete wing loss, highly reduced or absent compound eyes, and a dorsoventrally flattened, spider-like body with backward-folded legs. The family contains approximately 274 described species distributed primarily in the Old World tropics, with some species in the Neotropics and Europe. Most species show high host specificity, often with one-to-one associations with particular bat species.
Nymphomyia
Nymphomyia is a genus of minute, delicate flies in the family Nymphomyiidae. Adults are characterized by reduced wing venation and reduced mouthparts. Larvae are aquatic and inhabit fast-flowing streams.
Ochlerotatus campestris
Campestris mosquito
Ochlerotatus campestris is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, originally described as Aedes campestris by Dyar & Knab in 1907. The species is currently classified under the genus Ochlerotatus, though taxonomic placement of this group remains subject to revision. It occurs in North America and Middle America based on distribution records. Like other Ochlerotatus species, females require blood meals for egg development while males feed on nectar.
Ochlerotatus canadensis
Canadian mosquito
Ochlerotatus canadensis is a mosquito species native to North America, with documented presence in the Caribbean, Middle America, and North America including Vermont. The species was originally described as Culex canadensis by Theobald in 1901 and has since been reclassified within the genus Ochlerotatus, though it is also recognized as Aedes canadensis in some taxonomic treatments. It belongs to the Ochlerotatus Group of mosquitoes within the family Culicidae.
Ochlerotatus excrucians
Ochlerotatus excrucians is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, originally described as Culex excrucians by Walker in 1856. The species has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some authorities now placing it in the genus Aedes as Aedes excrucians. It occurs across North America and parts of Europe and Northern Asia. Like other Ochlerotatus species, it is presumed to have a typical mosquito life cycle with aquatic larval and pupal stages and terrestrial adults.
Ochlerotatus sierrensis
Ochlerotatus sierrensis is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, first described by Lynch-Arribalzaga in 1891. The species belongs to the genus Ochlerotatus, a group of floodwater mosquitoes whose taxonomy has undergone revision from formerly being classified within Aedes. As with other Ochlerotatus species, females require blood meals for egg development while males feed on nectar.
Ochlerotatus squamiger
Ochlerotatus squamiger is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, originally described as Culex squamiger by Coquillett in 1902. The species has undergone taxonomic reclassification, now placed in the genus Ochlerotatus, though it is also recognized as a synonym of Aedes squamiger in some taxonomic databases. It occurs in North America and Middle America. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a blood-feeding mosquito with females requiring blood meals for egg development, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Ochlerotatus thibaulti
Ochlerotatus thibaulti is a mosquito species first described by Dyar and Knab in 1910. The species was originally placed in the genus Aedes and is now classified in the genus Ochlerotatus, a group of floodwater mosquitoes. Records indicate its presence in both Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China) and North America. Like other members of the genus, it likely breeds in temporary water sources such as floodplains and snowmelt pools.
Ochlerotatus tormentor
Ochlerotatus tormentor is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, originally described as Aedes tormentor by Dyar and Knab in 1906. It belongs to the Ochlerotatus Group, a complex of related mosquito species within the Aedini tribe. The species has been documented in North America and Middle America based on distribution records. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to have aquatic larval stages and terrestrial adult stages, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Ocnaea sequoia
Ocnaea sequoia is a species of small-headed fly in the family Acroceridae, described by Sabrosky in 1948. Small-headed flies are a distinctive group of Diptera characterized by their unusual head morphology and parasitic life history. The specific epithet 'sequoia' suggests a possible association with giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) forests, though this relationship has not been explicitly documented in available sources.
Odinia
Odinia is a genus of flies in the family Odiniidae, comprising more than 20 described species. Members of this genus are associated with dead wood habitats, where they interact with xylophilous insects. Larvae are carnivorous and may exhibit parasitic behavior toward wood-inhabiting beetles and flies. The genus was established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830.
Odinia conspicua
Odinia conspicua is a small fly species in the family Odiniidae, a group of acalyptrate flies. The species was described by Curtis Sabrosky in 1959. Members of Odiniidae are associated with decaying wood and bark beetles, though specific details for this species remain limited. It is one of approximately 60 described species in the genus Odinia.
Odontoloxozus
cactus flies
Odontoloxozus is a genus of cactus flies in the family Neriidae, established by Enderlein in 1922. The genus contains at least three described species distributed in the Americas. Members of this genus are associated with cactus habitats, with detailed behavioral ecology documented for Odontoloxozus longicornis in Arizona. Males exhibit territorial behavior and alternative mating strategies related to body size and environmental conditions.
Odontomera ferruginea
Odontomera ferruginea is a species of fly in the family Richardiidae, a group of small to medium-sized flies commonly known as picture-winged flies due to their often patterned wings. The species was described by Macquart in 1844. Richardiidae are primarily neotropical in distribution, and members of the genus Odontomera are found in the Americas. Like other richardiids, this species likely exhibits the family's characteristic wing patterns and body form, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Odontomera limbata
Odontomera limbata is a species of fly in the family Richardiidae, described by Steyskal in 1958. Richardiidae are a family of acalyptrate flies commonly known as picture-winged flies, characterized by patterned wings and often distinctive body ornamentation. The genus Odontomera contains multiple species distributed in the Neotropical region. Only one observation of this species has been recorded in iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or poorly documented.
Odontomyia aldrichi
Odontomyia aldrichi is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by Johnson in 1895. The genus Odontomyia belongs to the tribe Stratiomyini within the subfamily Stratiomyinae. Members of this genus are characterized by their aquatic larval biology and adults often exhibit patterned eyes with horizontal banding. The species is part of a genus with primarily Nearctic distribution, though some species extend into the Neotropics.
Odontomyia hirtocculata
A species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by James in 1936. As a member of the subfamily Stratiomyinae, it likely has aquatic larvae like other members of this subfamily. Adults of this genus are often associated with flowers and vegetation near aquatic habitats. The specific epithet 'hirtocculata' suggests a hairy or setose characteristic, though the precise morphological basis is not documented in the provided sources.
Odontomyia pubescens
Odontomyia pubescens is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by Day in 1882. The genus Odontomyia is part of the subfamily Stratiomyinae, whose larvae are known to be aquatic. Adults of related species often exhibit patterned eyes that may be adapted for detecting horizontally polarized light, a trait associated with aquatic lifestyles in insects. This species has been recorded from the United States and Canada.
Odontomyia virgo
soldier fly
Odontomyia virgo is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It belongs to the subfamily Stratiomyinae and tribe Stratiomyini. The species was described by Wiedemann in 1830 and is currently accepted as valid. It is one of numerous species in the genus Odontomyia, which is characterized by patterned eyes and aquatic larval biology.
Odontosciara
dark-winged fungus gnats
Odontosciara is a genus of dark-winged fungus gnats in the family Sciaridae, established by Rübsaamen in 1908. The genus contains at least 30 described species. Members of this genus are small flies associated with moist, decaying organic matter where their larvae develop.
Odontosciara nigra
dark-winged fungus gnat
Odontosciara nigra is a species of dark-winged fungus gnat in the family Sciaridae. The species was first described by Wiedemann in 1821. As a member of the Sciaridae family, it belongs to a group of small flies commonly associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats.
Oedalea ohioensis
A species of dance fly in the family Hybotidae, described by Melander in 1902. The genus Oedalea belongs to the subfamily Oedaleinae, a group of small predatory flies commonly known as dance flies. Members of this genus are characterized by their distinctive wing venation and predatory habits.
Oedicarena latifrons
Oedicarena latifrons is a species of tephritid fruit fly described by Wulp in 1899. It belongs to the genus Oedicarena within the family Tephritidae, a group known for their distinctive wing patterns and association with various host plants. The species was originally described under the basionym Spilographa latifrons. Available records for this species are sparse, with limited observational data documented.
Oedopa capito
Oedopa capito is a species of ulidiid fly, commonly known as a picture-winged fly, described by Loew in 1868. It belongs to the genus Oedopa within the family Ulidiidae. The species is part of a group of flies recognized by their patterned wings.
Oestrinae
Nose Bot Flies
Oestrinae is a subfamily of bot flies (Oestridae) comprising 9 genera and 34 species of obligate mammalian parasites. Larvae develop within the nasal, pharyngeal, and frontal cavities of deer, sheep, and related ungulates, feeding on cellular debris and mucosal secretions. Adult females are larviparous, depositing live larvae directly into host nostrils. The subfamily includes economically significant pests of livestock and game animals.
Oestroidea
Bot Flies, Blow Flies, and Allies
Oestroidea is a superfamily of Calyptratae comprising approximately 15,000 described species worldwide. It includes blow flies (Calliphoridae), bot flies (Oestridae), flesh flies (Sarcophagidae), tachinid flies (Tachinidae), and related families. The group exhibits diverse ecological strategies including saprophagy, parasitism, and parasitoidism. Molecular analyses confirm Oestroidea as monophyletic, though relationships among constituent families remain partially unresolved.
Oestrophasia calva
Oestrophasia calva is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae, subfamily Dexiinae, tribe Dufouriini. The species was described by Coquillett in 1902. Tachinid flies are parasitoids, with larvae typically developing inside other insects. This species occurs in North America across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Oestrophasia signifera
Oestrophasia signifera is a species of tachinid fly in the subfamily Phasiinae. Members of this genus are parasitoids of true bugs (Hemiptera), though specific host records for this species are limited. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range in the Americas, from Canada through Central America.
Oestrus ovis
sheep bot fly, sheep nostril fly
Oestrus ovis is an obligate parasitic fly (Diptera: Oestridae) that develops exclusively within the nasal and sinus cavities of sheep and related ungulates. Females are larviparous, depositing live first-instar larvae directly into host nostrils during flight. Larvae develop through three instars within the host before exiting to pupate in soil. The species causes oestrosis, a condition marked by nasal discharge, respiratory distress, and reduced productivity in livestock. Human infestations, though uncommon, have been documented worldwide.
Ogcodes canadensis
Ogcodes canadensis is a species of small-headed flies in the family Acroceridae, described by Schlinger in 1960. Members of this family are characterized by their distinctive small heads and humpbacked appearance. The species is currently accepted as valid, though it has been listed as a synonym in some sources.
Ogcodes dispar
Ogcodes dispar is a species of small-headed fly in the family Acroceridae, first described by Macquart in 1855. The species is characterized by the distinctive morphology typical of the genus, including a small head and humpbacked thorax. It belongs to a family whose larvae are known to be internal parasitoids of spiders, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented. Available observations are limited, with only 12 records documented on iNaturalist.
Ogcodes eugonatus
small-headed fly
Ogcodes eugonatus is a species of small-headed flies in the family Acroceridae. The larvae are parasitoids of spiders, with documented hosts in five families: Lycosidae, Oxyopidae, Thomisidae, Salticidae, and Agelenidae. Adult morphology is characteristic of the genus Ogcodes, with a small head and rounded body form typical of Acroceridae.
Ogcodes incultus
Ogcodes incultus is a species of small fly in the family Ogcodidae, a group commonly known as spider flies due to their parasitic association with spiders. The genus Ogcodes contains species that are specialized parasitoids, with larvae developing on or within arachnid hosts. Ogcodes incultus is one of several North American species in this genus, though detailed biological studies remain limited. Adults are generally inconspicuous and seldom encountered by casual observers.
Ogcodocera analis
Ogcodocera analis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Williston in 1901. It belongs to the subfamily Lomatiinae and tribe Lomatiini. The species is known from a limited geographic range in the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Observations of this species are sparse, with only five documented records in iNaturalist as of the source date.
Ogcodocera leucoprocta
White-faced bee fly
Ogcodocera leucoprocta is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, commonly known as the white-faced bee fly. It is found in eastern North America, ranging from Mexico northward through the United States to Quebec. The species is one of approximately 4,000 described bee flies worldwide.
Oidematops
Oidematops is a monotypic genus of flies in the family Sciomyzidae, containing only the species Oidematops ferrugineus. The genus was established by Cresson in 1920. Members of Sciomyzidae are commonly known as marsh flies or snail-killing flies due to the predatory or parasitic habits of their larvae.
Oidematops ferrugineus
Oidematops ferrugineus is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, described by Cresson in 1920. The genus Oidematops is a small group within the Sciomyzidae, a family commonly known as snail-killing flies due to the predatory or parasitic habits of their larvae on mollusks. This species has been recorded from Vermont and other locations in the United States. Sciomyzidae larvae are typically associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats where their gastropod hosts occur.
Olcella parva
chloropid fly, frit fly
Olcella parva is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, first described by Adams in 1904 under the basionym Siphonella parva. It belongs to the New World genus Olcella, which exhibits high diversity in South America. The species has been documented engaging in kleptoparasitic behavior, attracted to chemical cues from damaged or preyed-upon insects.
Olcella trigramma
Olcella trigramma is a small fly in the family Chloropidae, known primarily from South America. The genus Olcella is a New World group with high diversity in South America, and this species has been documented as a kleptoparasite, feeding on fluids from prey captured by predatory insects such as assassin bugs and spiders. Like other members of its genus, it possesses a long geniculate proboscis that facilitates feeding on exposed fluids without directly competing with the predator. The species is attracted to chemical cues, particularly defensive compounds released by heteropteran prey such as stink bugs.
Ommatius
Plumetops
Ommatius is a large and morphologically diverse genus of robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) within the subfamily Asilinae. The genus contains numerous species distributed across multiple biogeographic regions, with particularly well-documented diversity in the Afrotropical region and the Americas. Species are organized into multiple species groups based on morphological characteristics. Like other Asilidae, members of this genus are predatory as both larvae and adults. The genus has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision due to its high species diversity and complex morphological variation.
Ommatius baboquivari
Ommatius baboquivari is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1936. As a member of the genus Ommatius, it belongs to one of the most diverse genera within this large family of predatory flies. Robber flies in this genus share the characteristic predatory lifestyle of Asilidae, hunting other insects as adults. The species epithet references Baboquivari, likely indicating a type locality or geographic association with the Baboquivari Mountains or region in the southwestern United States.
Ommatius gemma
Ommatius gemma is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Brimley in 1928. As a member of the genus Ommatius, it belongs to one of the most diverse genera within the Asilidae. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects known for their venomous hunting strategy and distinctive facial morphology. The species is part of a family containing over 7,500 described species worldwide, with many species remaining poorly studied.
Ommatius ouachitensis
robber fly, assassin fly
Ommatius ouachitensis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Bullington & Lavigne in 1984. As with other members of this large predatory fly family, it likely exhibits the characteristic hunting behavior of intercepting insect prey in flight. The specific epithet "ouachitensis" suggests an association with the Ouachita Mountains or Ouachita River region of North America. Like other Ommatius species, it probably perches on vegetation in sunny locations to hunt.
Ommatius wilcoxi
robber fly, assassin fly
Ommatius wilcoxi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Bullington & Lavigne in 1984. The genus Ommatius is one of the most diverse genera within Asilidae, with species distributed across multiple continents. Like other assassin flies, O. wilcoxi is predatory in both larval and adult stages. The species is part of a family containing over 7,500 described species worldwide, though many remain poorly known.
Omninablautus
Omninablautus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Pritchard in 1935. The genus contains three described species: O. arenosus, O. nigronotum, and O. tolandi. Robber flies in this family are predatory insects known for their agile flight and ability to capture other insects in mid-air.
Omomyia hirsuta
Omomyia hirsuta is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Richardiidae, described by Coquillett in 1907. The specific epithet 'hirsuta' refers to its hairy appearance. Richardiidae flies are generally small to medium-sized with distinctive wing patterns and are often associated with decaying plant material or fungi. The genus Omomyia contains relatively few described species, and O. hirsuta appears to be rarely encountered based on limited collection records.