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
Onychogonia
Onychogonia is a genus of tachinid flies established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1889. The genus belongs to the tribe Goniini within the subfamily Exoristinae. Seven species are currently recognized, distributed across northern Europe including Norway and Sweden. As with other tachinid genera, members are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects, though specific host relationships remain undocumented.
Opetiophora
Opetiophora is a genus of small flies in the family Chloropidae (frit flies or grass flies), established by Loew in 1872. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Oscinellinae, a diverse group within Chloropidae. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal species-level descriptions and few verified observations. Like other chloropids, these flies are likely associated with grassland or wetland habitats where their larvae develop in plant tissues or decaying organic matter.
Opetiophora straminea
Opetiophora straminea is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, described by Hermann Loew in 1872. It belongs to a small genus of grass flies whose biology remains poorly documented. Records indicate it occurs in the Nearctic region.
Ophiomyia
Ophiomyia is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae, established by Brazhnikov in 1897. The genus contains over 200 described species distributed worldwide, with particularly significant agricultural impact in tropical and subtropical regions. Several species, notably O. phaseoli, O. spencerella, and O. centrosematis, are major pests of leguminous crops, with larvae feeding internally in stems and leaves. The genus exhibits diverse host associations across multiple plant families, though many species show specialization on particular host genera.
Ophiomyia asterovora-like
Ophiomyia asterovora-like refers to a morphologically similar species or species complex within the genus Ophiomyia, a group of minute leaf-mining flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae). These flies are characterized by reduced wing venation and larvae that create serpentine or blotch mines in Asteraceae host plants. The "asterovora-like" designation indicates taxonomic uncertainty, likely reflecting specimens that match O. asterovora in general appearance but may represent distinct, undescribed, or cryptic species. Members of this group are small, dark flies with distinctive male genitalia that require microscopic examination for definitive identification.
Ophiomyia beckeri
Ophiomyia beckeri is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Hendel in 1923. The genus Ophiomyia is characterized by species that create internal mines in plant tissues, typically in stems or leaves. This species has been recorded from parts of Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, as well as Madeira Island. The 26 iNaturalist observations suggest it is documented but not frequently encountered.
Ophiomyia carolinensis
Ophiomyia carolinensis is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1986. As a member of this family, it likely produces characteristic serpentine or blotch mines in host plant leaves during larval development. The species name suggests an association with the Carolinas region of the United States.
Ophiomyia congregata
Ophiomyia congregata is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species was described by Malloch in 1913. As a member of the genus Ophiomyia, it is likely associated with stem or root mining in plants, though specific host associations and biological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Ophiomyia quinta
Ophiomyia quinta is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae, first described by Spencer in 1969. The genus Ophiomyia comprises small flies whose larvae create distinctive mines within plant tissue. Members of this genus are characterized by reduced wing venation and specific larval feeding habits. O. quinta is one of numerous species in a genus that has been documented across multiple continents.
Ophiomyia tiliae
Ophiomyia tiliae is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, first described from Vermont, USA in 1908. As a member of the genus Ophiomyia, it likely produces linear or serpentine mines in host plant leaves, though specific documentation for this species is sparse. The species epithet "tiliae" suggests an association with Tilia (linden or basswood) as host plant. It is known from limited records in the northeastern United States.
Ophiomyiinae
Ophiomyiinae is a subfamily of small flies within the family Agromyzidae, commonly known as leaf-miner flies. Members of this subfamily are characterized by their highly specialized association with monocotyledonous plants, particularly grasses and sedges. The group includes economically significant pests of cereal crops and pasture grasses. Larval development occurs within plant tissues, creating distinctive feeding damage.
Opomydas
Opomydas is a genus of mydas flies in the family Mydidae, established by Curran in 1934. The genus contains at least three described species, including Opomydas limbatus and Opomydas townsendi. Members of this genus are part of the diverse mydas fly group, which are among the largest flies in North America.
Opomydas limbatus
Opomydas limbatus is a species of mydas fly in the family Mydidae. Mydas flies are among the largest flies in North America and are characterized by their elongate bodies and wasp-mimicking appearance. This species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other mydas flies, adults are likely nectar feeders at flowers.
Opomyza germinationis
Opomyza germinationis is a univoltine fly species in the family Opomyzidae. The larva is a stem-boring pest of cereals and grasses, feeding on the central shoot and causing 'dead-heart' symptoms in young plants. Adults emerge in mid-summer and persist until early autumn, with oviposition occurring in September-November. The species has been documented as an agricultural pest in Britain and is present in Scandinavia.
Opomyzidae
Grass Flies
Opomyzidae is a family of acalyptrate Diptera commonly known as grass flies. Adults are small, slender flies ranging from yellow to brown, reddish, or black. Larvae are stem-borers in grasses (Poaceae), including cereal crops, with some species causing significant agricultural damage. The family is distributed primarily in temperate regions of the boreal hemisphere, with an autumn-spring life cycle adapted to grass phenology.
Opomyzoidea
Opomyzoidea is a superfamily of Diptera comprising approximately 11 families with diverse ecological specializations. Member families exhibit varied lifestyles including leaf mining (Agromyzidae), stem feeding in grasses (Anthomyzidae, Opomyzidae), gall formation (Fergusonina), fungal feeding (some Anthomyzidae, Asteiidae), sap feeding on trees (some Aulacigastridae, Odiniidae, Periscelididae), association with wood-boring insect galleries (Odiniidae), and inhabitation of water-filled plant cavities called phytotelmata (Aulacigastridae, Neurochaetidae, Periscelididae). The phylogeny of this group remains controversial, with molecular studies indicating it may not be monophyletic.
Opsodexia grisea
Opsodexia grisea is a species of muscid fly (family Muscidae) in the subfamily Phaoniinae. As with many muscid species, detailed biological information is limited in available literature. The genus Opsodexia contains species typically associated with various habitats across North America.
Orbellia petersoni
Orbellia petersoni is a species of true fly in the family Heleomyzidae, a group of small to medium-sized flies often associated with decaying organic matter. The species was described by Malloch in 1916. It belongs to the tribe Orbelliini within the subfamily Heleomyzinae. Records indicate presence in the northeastern United States, specifically Vermont.
Orimarga mirabilis
Orimarga mirabilis is a crane fly species in the family Limoniidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1878. The species is known from the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with records from the eastern and southern United States (Indiana to Georgia, south to Texas, Louisiana, and Florida) and Cuba. It is one of approximately 48 observed species in the genus Orimarga.
Ormia reinhardi
Ormia reinhardi is a species of tachinid fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the tribe Ormiini. The genus Ormia is notable for its parasitoid lifestyle, with females depositing larvae on or near singing crickets and katydids. Ormia reinhardi has been recorded from the United States and Canada. The species was described by Curtis Sabrosky in 1953.
Ornithoica
Ornithoica is a genus of louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) comprising 23 described species. All species are obligate ectoparasites of birds. The genus is distinguished from other hippoboscid genera by morphological features and host associations. Species occur worldwide except Antarctica, with the greatest diversity in Southeast Asia.
Ornithoica vicina
Ornithoica vicina is a species of louse fly in the family Hippoboscidae, first described by Walker in 1849. This parasitic dipteran is known to infest birds, with a documented host record from the Marsh Hawk (Circus cyaneus). Louse flies in this family are obligate ectoparasites of birds and mammals, characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies and reduced or absent wings in adults, adaptations that facilitate movement through host plumage or fur. The species has been recorded from multiple localities including Brazil and Hawaii.
Ornithomyinae
avian louse flies
Ornithomyinae is a subfamily of louse flies (Hippoboscidae) comprising blood-feeding ectoparasites primarily of birds, with some species parasitizing mammals. The subfamily contains approximately 16 genera and over 160 species worldwide. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Ornithomyinae as currently defined is not monophyletic, with at least one genus (Ornithoica) clustering separately from other members. These flies are obligate parasites that remain on their hosts for extended periods, feeding repeatedly on blood.
Orphnabaccha
Orphnabaccha is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini, native to the Neotropical region. The genus was reinstated by Hull in 1949 and later redefined when molecular studies showed that the formerly broad genus Ocyptamus was not monophyletic, leading to the split of several distinct genera including Orphnabaccha.
Orphnabaccha coerulea
A species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Williston in 1891. The genus Orphnabaccha is part of the diverse Syrphinae subfamily, whose members are commonly known as flower flies. Species in this genus are typically associated with tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
Orphnabaccha jactator
Yellow-legged Hover Fly
Orphnabaccha jactator is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Yellow-legged Hover Fly. It belongs to a small genus of syrphid flies characterized by distinctive leg coloration. The species was described by Hermann Loew in 1861. Like other members of Syrphidae, it is likely a pollinator as an adult, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Orthogonis stygia
Orthogonis stygia is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1931. The specific epithet 'stygia' references the underworld or darkness, suggesting possible associations with dim habitats or the predatory nature of these flies. Robber flies are predatory insects known for their aggressive hunting behavior and are important components of terrestrial arthropod communities. The genus Orthogonis is part of the diverse Asilidae family, which contains over 7,000 described species worldwide.
Orthonevra pictipennis
Dusky-veined Mucksucker
Orthonevra pictipennis, known as the Dusky-veined Mucksucker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) in North America. Adults are small flower flies, measuring 5.5–6 mm in length, with distinctive metallic bronze-green and coppery coloration. The species shares much of its range with congeners O. pulchella, O. nitida, and O. feei. Larvae for this genus are of the rat-tailed type, though larvae of O. pictipennis specifically have not been described.
Oscinisoma
Oscinisoma is a genus of frit flies in the family Chloropidae, first described by Lioy in 1864. The genus comprises approximately eight described species. These small flies belong to the tribe Oscinisomatini within the subfamily Oscinellinae. Very little is known about the biology and ecology of this poorly studied genus.
Oscinisoma alienum
Oscinisoma alienum is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, originally described as Elachiptera aliena by Becker in 1912. The species is placed in the tribe Oscinisomatini within the subfamily Oscinellinae. It belongs to a genus of small flies commonly known as grass flies or frit flies.
Ospriocerus
robber flies
Ospriocerus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) containing approximately 17 described species. These large, predatory flies are primarily associated with grassland and prairie habitats across western North America. Several species exhibit mimetic coloration resembling spider wasps (Pompilidae), with black bodies and red or orange abdominal markings. The genus has been documented as far north as Canada and south into Mexico. Species such as O. abdominalis represent significant range extensions when found in eastern localities, highlighting the importance of remnant prairie conservation.
Ospriocerus tenebrosus
Dark robber fly
Ospriocerus tenebrosus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The species was originally described by Coquillett in 1904 under the genus Stenopogon and later transferred to Ospriocerus. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Stenopogon tenebrosus in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing taxonomic uncertainty or reclassification within the Stenopogoninae subfamily. As a member of the robber flies, it belongs to a predatory group of dipterans known for their aerial hunting behavior and distinctive morphology.
Ospriocerus tequilae
Ospriocerus tequilae is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1968. The genus Ospriocerus contains large, wasp-mimicking robber flies found in grassland habitats of western North America. The specific epithet 'tequilae' presumably refers to the type locality in Mexico. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Stenopogon tequilae in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing taxonomic uncertainty in the classification of this group.
Oswaldia
Oswaldia is a genus of tachinid flies established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1863. The genus comprises approximately 20 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. As members of the family Tachinidae, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host associations for most Oswaldia species remain poorly documented. The genus is classified within the tribe Blondeliini, subfamily Exoristinae.
Otites
Otites is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Latreille in 1804. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Species are characterized by distinctive wing patterns typical of ulidiid flies. Two recently described species from Israel and Cyprus exhibit unusual male terminalia and extended copulation duration compared to other Otitini.
Otites michiganus
Otites michiganus is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, described by Steyskal in 1966. The specific epithet references Michigan, suggesting a type locality in the north-central United States. As a member of the genus Otites, it belongs to a group of flies characterized by patterned wings. Published records for this species are sparse.
Otites stigma
picture-winged fly
Otites stigma is a species of ulidiid fly, commonly known as a picture-winged fly, described by Hendel in 1911. It belongs to the genus Otites within the family Ulidiidae. As with other members of this family, it is characterized by patterned or marked wings that give the group its common name. The species is part of a diverse group of flies whose larvae typically develop in decaying plant material.
Otitinae
Otitinae is a subfamily of picture-winged flies within the family Ulidiidae, formerly treated as the separate family Otitidae. The group comprises approximately 50 genera distributed across three tribes: Cephaliini, Myennidini, and Otitini. Most species are herbivorous or saprophagous, with some exhibiting psammophilous (sand-loving) habits. The subfamily is distinguished from similar groups by specific wing venation characters.
Oxycera picta
Oxycera picta is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Wulp in 1867. It belongs to the genus Oxycera, a group of small to medium-sized flies commonly known as pygmy soldier flies. The species is part of the tribe Oxycerini within the subfamily Stratiomyinae. Very little specific biological information is documented for this species in the available literature.
Ozodiceromyia
stiletto flies
Ozodiceromyia is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) comprising approximately seven described species distributed across North America, Central America, and northern South America. The genus was established by Bigot in 1890 and belongs to the cycloteline subfamily of Therevidae. Species in this genus are part of the diverse assemblage of predatory flies within the stiletto fly family, though specific ecological details for most species remain poorly documented.
Ozodiceromyia argentata
Ozodiceromyia argentata is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described by Bellardi in 1861. The genus Ozodiceromyia belongs to the diverse Asilomorpha infraorder of true flies. As a member of Therevidae, this species likely exhibits the family characteristic of slender, elongated body form. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Ozodiceromyia flavipennis
A species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Cole in 1923. The specific epithet 'flavipennis' refers to yellow wings, a characteristic coloration trait. Very little has been documented about this species beyond taxonomic classification.
Ozodiceromyia nanella
Ozodiceromyia nanella is a species of stiletto fly (Diptera: Therevidae) described by Cole in 1960. The genus Ozodiceromyia belongs to the cycloteline Therevinae, a group of therevid flies characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species name "nanella" suggests small size, consistent with the generally diminutive nature of many Ozodiceromyia species. As a member of the Therevidae family, this species is part of a diverse group of predatory flies whose larvae typically inhabit soil or decaying organic matter.
Ozodiceromyia signatipennis
Ozodiceromyia signatipennis is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described by Cole in 1923. The genus Ozodiceromyia belongs to the cycloteline Therevinae and is primarily distributed in the Americas. Species in this genus are typically associated with sandy or arid habitats. Therevidae larvae are generally predatory, feeding on soil-dwelling invertebrates, though specific biological details for O. signatipennis remain poorly documented. The species is distinguished by wing pattern characteristics referenced in its specific epithet.
Pachyceramyia robusta
Pachyceramyia robusta is a species of true fly in the family Muscidae, described by Johnson in 1917. It belongs to the subfamily Coenosiinae and tribe Limnophorini. Very little is documented about this species beyond its taxonomic placement.
Pachygaster montana
Pachygaster montana is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It was described by Kraft & Cook in 1961. The species is known from the United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Pachygaster, it belongs to the subfamily Pachygastrinae, which comprises small to minute soldier flies often associated with decaying organic matter.
Pachyopella
Pachyopella is a genus of flies in the family Lauxaniidae, described by Shewell in 1986. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized flies associated with forest and woodland habitats. As with other lauxaniids, adults are likely found on vegetation and decaying organic matter. The genus is poorly documented in published literature, with limited species-level descriptions available.
Paleoplatyura johnsoni
Paleoplatyura johnsoni is a species of predatory fungus gnat in the family Keroplatidae, described by Johannsen in 1910. The genus Paleoplatyura belongs to the tribe Orfeliini within the subfamily Keroplatinae. Members of Keroplatidae are generally recognized as predatory in their larval stages, often inhabiting decaying wood or other moist organic substrates where they feed on small invertebrates.
Palloptera
flutter flies
Palloptera is a genus of flutter flies (Diptera: Pallopteridae) containing approximately 30–33 described species. Adults are characterized by rapid, trembling wing movements. Larval feeding modes vary: most species are saprophagous, feeding on biofilms on plant surfaces, while at least one species (P. scutellata) is phytophagous, developing inside rush stems. The genus occurs primarily in Europe, though adult detection is challenging and distributions are likely underestimated.
Palloptera claripennis
Palloptera claripennis is a species of flutter fly in the family Pallopteridae, described by Malloch in 1924. The species belongs to a family of small to medium-sized flies known for their distinctive wing-fluttering behavior. Beyond its taxonomic placement and authorship, specific biological details about this species remain poorly documented in available literature.