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
Parectecephala maculiceps
Parectecephala maculiceps is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, described by Becker in 1912. The genus Parectecephala comprises small flies associated with grassland and wetland habitats. This species is poorly documented, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist. Like other chloropids, it likely has a close ecological association with grasses or sedges.
Parepalpus
Parepalpus is a genus of tachinid flies established by Coquillett in 1902. The genus contains six described species distributed across the Americas. As members of the family Tachinidae, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host associations for Parepalpus species remain poorly documented. The genus is classified within the subfamily Tachininae and tribe Tachinini.
Parepalpus flavidus
Parepalpus flavidus is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, described by Coquillett in 1902. It is known from North America. As a tachinid fly, it is likely a parasitoid, though specific host records for this species are not documented in the provided sources.
Parhelophilus rex
Dusky Bog Fly
Parhelophilus rex, commonly known as the Dusky Bog Fly, is a syrphid fly species described by Curran and Fluke in 1922. It occurs in northern North America and is considered fairly common within its range. Like other hoverflies, adults are capable of nearly motionless flight and are frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. The larval stage remains undescribed.
Parochthiphila
Parochthiphila is a genus of small flies in the family Chamaemyiidae, established by Czerny in 1904. Species occur in Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean region, with records extending to Oman. The genus includes at least two subgenera: Parochthiphila and Euestelia. Taxonomic revisions remain ongoing, with new species described as recently as 2008.
Parydra quadrituberculata
shore fly
Parydra quadrituberculata is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Loew in 1862. Shore flies in this family are typically associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The specific epithet 'quadrituberculata' suggests four tubercles, likely referring to a diagnostic morphological feature. The species has been documented in scientific literature including a study of its immature stages.
Patelloa
Patelloa is a genus of tachinid flies established by Townsend in 1916. At least 17 species are recognized, distributed primarily in North America. One well-studied species, P. pachypyga, is a larval parasitoid of the forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria) and uses host-damaged foliage as a kairomone cue for host location.
Pedicia contermina
hairy-eyed crane fly
Pedicia contermina is a species of hairy-eyed crane fly in the family Pediciidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1848. It belongs to a group of crane flies distinguished by their hairy eyes, a trait characteristic of the family. The species is found in eastern North America, with records spanning from Newfoundland to North Carolina.
Pediciidae
Hairy-eyed Crane Flies
Pediciidae, commonly known as hairy-eyed crane flies, is a family of about 500 species worldwide. They are medium-sized to large flies (5–35 mm) closely related to true crane flies (Tipulidae). The family is distinguished by pubescent compound eyes with short erect hairs between the facets, a trait absent in related families. They occupy diverse habitats but are particularly associated with clean, cold aquatic environments. The family was established as a separate lineage from Tipulidae based on morphological and molecular evidence, representing one of two primary lineages within the superfamily Tipuloidea.
Pegomya
Pegomya is a genus of flies in the family Anthomyiidae comprising diverse species with varied larval feeding strategies. Larvae exhibit leaf mining, stem boring, gall induction, seed feeding, and mycophagy. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including those attacking sugar beet, spinach, and cruciferous crops. Some species have been investigated for biological control of invasive plants.
Pegomya atlanis
root-maggot fly
Pegomya atlanis is a species of root-maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae, described by Huckett in 1939. The species is known to feed on Chenopodium album as a leaf miner. It belongs to a genus whose larvae commonly mine leaves or feed on roots of various plants.
Pegomya carduorum
Pegomya carduorum is a species of root-maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae, described by Huckett in 1939. The species epithet 'carduorum' suggests an association with thistles (Carduus), though specific host relationships remain poorly documented. Like other Pegomya species, the larvae likely develop as root or stem miners. Adult flies are small, inconspicuous, and rarely encountered except by specialist collectors.
Pegomya depressiventris
Pegomya depressiventris is a species of root-maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae, described by Zetterstedt in 1845. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are commonly associated with plant roots, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented. It has been recorded from Sweden and Norway.
Pegomya disticha
Pegomya disticha is a species of fly in the family Anthomyiidae, described by Griffiths in 1983. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are primarily known as leaf-miners of various plant hosts. The species name 'disticha' refers to an arrangement in two opposite rows, though the specific application to this species is not documented in available sources. As with many anthomyiid flies, adults likely resemble small house flies in general appearance.
Pegomya pseudobicolor
Pegomya pseudobicolor is a species of root-maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae, described by Griffiths in 1982. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are commonly associated with mining or boring into plant roots and stems. The species has been documented through limited observations, with 15 records on iNaturalist. As with other Pegomya species, it likely shares the general ecological habits of the genus, though specific details remain poorly documented.
Pegomya rufescens
Pegomya rufescens is a species of root-maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae, described by Stein in 1898. The genus Pegomya comprises numerous species whose larvae typically develop in plant tissues, particularly roots and stems. As with many anthomyiid flies, detailed biological studies of this specific species remain limited in published literature.
Pelastoneurus longicauda
Pelastoneurus longicauda is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, a group characterized by elongated legs and metallic coloration. The species was described by Loew in 1861. Beyond basic taxonomic placement, specific biological details for this species remain undocumented in available sources.
Pelastoneurus vagans
Pelastoneurus vagans is a species of long-legged fly (family Dolichopodidae) first described by Loew in 1861. As a member of the subfamily Dolichopodinae, it shares the characteristic elongated legs and slender body typical of this diverse family of predatory flies. The species is documented in entomological collections and databases, with 173 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Pelecinobaccha
A genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, endemic to the Neotropical region. Formerly treated as part of the paraphyletic genus Ocyptamus, it was reinstated as a distinct genus based on phylogenetic evidence. The genus contains four species groups and approximately 49 species, many described in a 2014 revision. Adults are presumably pollinators like other syrphid flies, though specific biological data remain poorly documented.
Pelecocera pergandei
Eastern Bighorn Fly
Pelecocera pergandei is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Eastern Bighorn Fly. It belongs to the tribe Rhingiini within the hoverfly family Syrphidae. The species was first described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1884. Records of this species remain sparse, with limited observational data available.
Peleteria
Peleteria is a widespread genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising approximately 100 described species distributed across multiple continents. Members of this genus are larval endoparasitoids of various insect hosts, including caterpillars and other herbivorous insects. The genus is taxonomically divided into several subgenera based on morphological characters. Peleteria species contribute to natural biological control of agricultural and forest pests.
Peleteria iterans
Peleteria iterans is a tachinid fly species native to North America. As a parasitoid, its larvae develop inside and consume host insects, typically killing them in the process. Adult females have been observed visiting flowers, including lavender, where they feed on nectar and may search for hosts. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive bristle patterns near the eyes.
Pelina
Pelina is a genus of shore flies (family Ephydridae) established by Haliday in 1837. It belongs to the order Diptera, which comprises the true flies. The genus is part of the diverse family Ephydridae, commonly known as shore flies or brine flies, which are typically associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Pelina species are small flies, though specific morphological details for the genus as a whole remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Pelomyia coronata
Pelomyia coronata is a species of beach fly in the family Canacidae, first described by Loew in 1866. This small dipteran is associated with coastal marine environments. The genus Pelomyia comprises beach-dwelling flies that are typically found in intertidal zones. Information specific to this species is limited in the provided sources.
Penniverpa festina
Penniverpa festina is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Coquillett in 1893. Stiletto flies are predatory as larvae, inhabiting sandy soils where they feed on other invertebrates. Adults are generally found in open, sunny habitats and are known for their slender bodies and distinctive wing venation. This species is part of a diverse genus within a family containing approximately 1,000 described species worldwide.
Penthetria
March flies
Penthetria is a genus of March flies (family Bibionidae) established by Meigen in 1803. Species in this genus have been documented in forest ecosystems, with at least one species, Penthetria holosericea, studied for its role in litter decomposition. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with records from Europe and North America. Males of some species exhibit brachypterous (shortened) wings.
Penthetria arizonensis
Penthetria arizonensis is a species of March fly in the family Bibionidae, described by Fitzgerald in 2021. The genus Penthetria comprises distinctive flies known for their robust, hump-backed appearance and early spring emergence. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Pericoma
moth flies
Pericoma is a genus of moth flies (family Psychodidae) comprising approximately 159–190 recognized species arranged in four subgenera. The genus has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, with records from Europe, North America, and South America. Species within Pericoma are small, hairy flies characteristic of the Psychodidae family. The genus was established by Haliday in 1856 and remains taxonomically active with ongoing species descriptions.
Pericoma signata
moth fly
Pericoma signata is a species of moth fly in the family Psychodidae, described by Banks in 1901. It is found in eastern North America. The wing length measures approximately 2 mm. Like other moth flies, adults are characterized by their hairy bodies and wings, giving them a moth-like appearance. The species belongs to a family commonly associated with moist habitats and organic matter.
Periscelididae
Dwarf Flies
Periscelididae is a family of small acalyptrate flies commonly known as Dwarf Flies. Adults are typically 3–4 mm in length with a distinctly broad head, broad bulging cheeks, and characteristic bristle patterns on the head and thorax. The family comprises approximately 12 genera in two subfamilies (Periscelidinae and Stenomicrinae), with species distributed across the Palaearctic, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. At least some species develop in phytotelmata—water-holding plant structures such as those in Araceae.
Periscelis
Periscelis is a genus of small flies in the family Periscelididae, comprising approximately 15 described species. The genus occurs in the Palaearctic region, with taxonomic revisions ongoing to clarify species boundaries. Recent work has resolved nomenclatural confusion surrounding P. winnertzii and described new species including P. laszloi from Central and Southern Europe.
Periscelis occidentalis
Periscelis occidentalis is a species of fly in the family Periscelididae, described by Sturtevant in 1954. The genus Periscelis comprises small flies associated with decaying organic matter. Very little published information exists regarding the specific biology, ecology, or distribution of this species.
Periscelis wheeleri
Periscelis wheeleri is a species of fly in the family Periscelididae, originally described by Sturtevant in 1923 under the basionym Sphyroperiscelis wheeleri. The species belongs to a small family of acalyptrate flies whose biology remains poorly documented. Records indicate limited observational data, with 19 observations documented on iNaturalist. The family Periscelididae is characterized by distinctive wing venation and association with decaying organic matter in various habitats.
Peronyma quadrifasciata
Peronyma quadrifasciata is a species of tephritid fruit fly in the family Tephritidae. It is known from the United States. The genus Peronyma is placed in the tribe Dithrycini within subfamily Tephritinae. Very little specific information about this species' biology, ecology, or morphology has been documented in available sources.
Phaenobezzia opaca
Phaenobezzia opaca is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Loew in 1861. It belongs to the tribe Palpomyiini within the subfamily Ceratopogoninae. The genus Phaenobezzia comprises biting midges that are generally predatory or hematophagous as adults. Specific biological details for P. opaca remain poorly documented in available literature.
Phaenocarpa
Phaenocarpa is a genus of koinobiont endoparasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae (subfamily Alysiinae, tribe Alysiini). Species are known to parasitize dipteran larvae, with documented hosts including families Anthomyiidae, Chloropidae, Clusiidae, Drosophilidae, Muscidae, Scathophagidae, Sciomyzidae, and Syrphidae. Adults emerge from host puparia using specialized exodont mandible teeth. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with records from Europe, Asia, and Australia, and has been studied for potential biological control applications against pest flies.
Phaenopsectra punctipes
Phaenopsectra punctipes is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Christian Rudolph Wilhelm Wiedemann in 1817. It belongs to the subfamily Chironominae and tribe Chironomini. The species is recorded from Europe, with confirmed presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden based on distribution records.
Phalacrotophora
scuttle flies
Phalacrotophora is a genus of scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) comprising at least 50 described species. Species in this genus are parasitoids of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae), attacking host pupae. Documented hosts include Anatis ocellata, Olla v-nigrum, and Harmonia axyridis. The genus has been recorded from Europe and the Pacific region.
Phalacrotophora epeirae
Phalacrotophora epeirae is a species of scuttle fly in the family Phoridae, originally described by Brues in 1902 under the name Phora epeirae. The genus Phalacrotophora is known for species that are parasitoids of spiders, though the specific host relationships of P. epeirae have not been documented in detail. This species belongs to a group of small, humpbacked flies characterized by their distinctive running behavior and reduced wing venation.
Phaonia
Phaonia is a large genus of muscid flies comprising over 750 described species with worldwide distribution. Adults are generally medium-sized flies. Larval stages of studied species develop in decomposing organic matter including animal excrements and decaying plant material, functioning as decomposers in nutrient cycling.
Phaonia apicata
Phaonia apicata is a species of muscid fly in the family Muscidae, described by Johannsen in 1916. It belongs to the genus Phaonia, a diverse group of flies commonly known as house flies and allies. The species has been recorded in North America, specifically in Canada and the United States.
Phaonia subventa
Phaonia subventa is a muscid fly species described by Harris in 1780. It is distributed across parts of the Palaearctic region, with confirmed records from Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Azores (São Miguel). The species is relatively well-documented, with over 2,600 observations on iNaturalist.
Phasia aurulans
Phasia aurulans is a tachinid fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) distributed across the Holarctic region, with records from North America, Europe, and Asia. Adults measure 7–9 mm in body length. As a member of the subfamily Phasiinae, it is a parasitoid of true bugs (Hemiptera). The species was revised in a 2002 systematic treatment of the genus Phasia, which synonymized P. splendida and P. meliceris under this name.
Phasia chilensis
Phasia chilensis is a tachinid fly in the genus Phasia, a large and taxonomically complex group of parasitoid flies. The species was originally described as Hyalomya chilensis by Macquart in 1851 and has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with four junior synonyms recently synonymized under it. As a member of the Phasiinae subfamily, it likely functions as a parasitoid of true bugs (Hemiptera), though specific host records for this species require confirmation from the primary literature. The genus Phasia exhibits substantial morphological diversity and has a broad distribution across multiple continents.
Phasiini
Phasiini is a tribe of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) within the subfamily Phasiinae. Phylogenetic research has substantially revised its circumscription, with most historically assigned genera transferred to other tribes. The tribe currently comprises two genera: Elomya and Phasia. Members are parasitoid flies, with larvae developing inside other insects.
Pherbecta limenitis
A species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, described by Steyskal in 1956. Members of this family are commonly known as snail-killing flies due to the predatory habits of their larvae. The genus name Pherbecta and species epithet limenitis suggest taxonomic relationships, though the specific etymology of the species name (shared with the butterfly genus Limenitis) may reflect morphological or ecological parallels rather than direct biological connection.
Pherbellia
snail-killing flies
Pherbellia is a genus of marsh flies in the family Sciomyzidae, comprising approximately 95 species with a global distribution except the Subantarctic region. The genus is notable for its specialized malacophagous ecology: larvae are predators or parasitoids of gastropod mollusks. Species exhibit diverse host associations, targeting both terrestrial and freshwater snails across multiple families including land snails (Anguispira, Succinea), glass snails (Zonitoides), pond snails (Stagnicola), and even operculate freshwater snails (Valvata). This genus represents one of the most extensively studied groups within Sciomyzidae regarding life cycle biology.
Pherbellia albovaria
Pherbellia albovaria is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, first described by Coquillett in 1901. The genus Pherbellia comprises predatory or parasitoid flies associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic mollusks. Like other sciomyzids, this species likely has larvae that develop in association with freshwater snails or slugs, though specific biological details for P. albovaria remain poorly documented. The species name 'albovaria' refers to white (albo-) markings on the legs or body (varia, varied).
Pherbellia tenuipes
marsh fly
Pherbellia tenuipes is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, first described by Loew in 1872. Marsh flies in this family are commonly associated with wetland habitats and are known for their slender body forms. The specific epithet 'tenuipes' refers to the slender legs characteristic of this species. Like other members of Sciomyzidae, the larvae likely develop in association with aquatic or semi-aquatic mollusks, though direct observations of P. tenuipes biology remain limited in published literature.
Pherocera
Pherocera is a genus of stiletto flies in the family Therevidae, established by Cole in 1923. The genus contains approximately 12 described species. Stiletto flies (Therevidae) are predatory flies known for their distinctive elongated mouthparts and agile flight. Members of this genus are placed in the subfamily Phycusinae.